New Regulations for Obtaining Driver's License in Armenia

The 'Zhoghvorud' newspaper reports that starting January 1, 2020, the procedure for obtaining a driver's license in Armenia will change. The Traffic Police of Armenia has developed a new project that will establish guidelines for the acceptance and issuance of driver’s license examinations.

Sources from 'Zhoghvorud' have revealed that knowledge assessment tests will include questions from the law on 'Ensuring Road Traffic Safety' (2 questions per test). There will also be questions related to the safety of participants in traffic, as well as first aid and self-help measures in case of accidents (1 question per test). It is worth noting that the theoretical examination process will be displayed on a screen in the waiting area.

Additionally, it has come to our attention that the psychological tests included in the qualification for the theoretical examination will be developed by the authorized body in the healthcare sector and submitted to the police. The psychological test will consist of 3 questions, each with 2-5 answer options, while the knowledge assessment test will contain 20 questions, also with 2-5 answer options. Only one of the answer options will be correct.

Finally, the theoretical exam is considered passed if the examinee answers at least 18 questions correctly from the knowledge assessment test. Moreover, answers to the knowledge assessment test questions will only be allowed if the examinee answers correctly to all questions in the psychological test.

Furthermore, staff conducting practical examinations must undergo retraining every two years for four days and every five years for five days. Currently, the existing legislation does not specify the requirements for checking practical driving skills and behavior, nor the retraining of police officers conducting examinations, or the organization and implementation procedures.

If the theoretical examination is passed positively, the results will be immediately attached to the individual's electronic file for obtaining a driver's license, allowing them to participate in the practical examination within one year. After this period, if the practical examination is not passed, the theoretical examination results will be considered invalid, and the individual will need to retake the theoretical examination.

Additionally, the process of conducting the practical examination will be audio-visually recorded with appropriate equipment installed in the vehicles used for the practical tests. Moreover, the allotted time for the practical examination will be extended; under real traffic conditions, 25 minutes will be allocated for categories 'A', 'AM', 'A1', 'B', 'B1', and 'BE', while 45 minutes will be set for other categories and subcategories.