Driver's License Queue Management in Armenia: No More Long Waits

The flow of applications for obtaining a driver's license in Armenia has decreased. At the end of 2020, a surge of applications was observed due to changes in exam regulations, as many rushed to take the test before the new rules came into effect. Currently, the number of applicants has diminished significantly.

In an interview with Armenpress, Garnik Levonyan, head of the Registration and Examination Department of the Road Police in Yerevan, indicated that the queues are being managed and everything is being done to ensure that citizens do not wait long.

"In 2020, due to COVID-19, we did not operate for about 66 days, which led to considerable backlog. Before the war in 2020, there were 15,000 people in line just in Yerevan, while now the number has dropped to 1,000-1,200. On average, we have over 100 appointments daily for both practical and theoretical exams. The process has gradually improved, and now citizens are invited for theoretical exams the very next day. The queues are primarily related to practical exams, where after submitting the application, we call applicants within 20 days. This is also due to objective reasons. It is notable that up to 40% of applicants pass the exam, while 60% have to re-register and usually end up queuing again, creating a backlog,” Levonyan stated.

Currently, the Road Police is planning changes that will further help manage the queues for driver's tests. Specifically, in cases where a citizen does not pass the theoretical or practical exam on the first attempt, they may only reapply after seven days or one month, respectively, for the second attempt. This means participation in examinations will no longer be aimless.

Levonyan assured that once the new changes come into effect, the current queues will be managed, reducing the waiting time for tests from 20 days to 10.

The process for registering for driver's exams is conducted through the website roadpolice.am. Citizens receive an invitation notification and must appear on the designated day and time. Initially, they participate in the theoretical exam and, upon passing, register again for the practical test. Levonyan noted that they strive to invite as many applicants as possible within a single day. However, there are instances where, for example, 100 people are invited, but only 30 show up due to various reasons, including illness or feeling unprepared despite having registered.

The majority of applicants for driver's exams are women, accounting for up to 80% of those applying. Levonyan highlighted the importance of recent changes that went into effect at the beginning of the year regarding examinations. These changes stipulate that practical driving tests for light vehicles are conducted not only on a closed course but also in real-world conditions. In other cases, both closed course and real-world conditions are used for assessments. According to Levonyan, this change allows examiners to evaluate the skills of prospective drivers in actual scenarios.

"I must say that there has been positive feedback from the candidates as well. Prior to the changes, many were fearful and claimed it would be complicated. However, they came to realize the opposite. They practice driving routes with their instructors before coming to the exam,” he said.

When it comes to concerns about harsh grading or failing candidates for minor issues, Levonyan responded, stating that such claims are unfounded. The limited number of complaints supports this perspective.

Traffic officer Feodor Muradyan, who has been administering driver's tests for a year and a half, mentioned in an interview with Armenpress that it is inappropriate to suggest candidates are dismissed for trivial matters. "What seems small to some may indeed be a serious violation. Common issues include violating lane markings or failing to stop at a stop sign. Some candidates mistakenly turn right or left without indicating, even after being warned. One of the most frequent violations is not fastening the seatbelt,” Muradyan explained.

He noted that nervousness often hinders candidates. There are instances where candidates’ hands shake on the steering wheel, and in such cases, they are offered a break to regain composure.

"I advise all those wishing to obtain a driver's license to prepare well and present themselves calmly, ignoring side conversations. There are indeed those who pass the exam on the first try,” the officer added.