They will teach and appreciate: how will the rules for driver training change?
New rules for driver training in driving schools may come into force in Russia in the fall. They provide for the possibility of distance learning, an increase in the time of practical classes, new topics in "theory", and also introduce additional requirements for educational institutions. In addition, it is planned to introduce a rating of driving schools depending on the accident rate of their graduates. Representatives of driving schools, public organizations, and experts have mixed opinions about these innovations. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.
New knowledge and extra hours
Starting from September 1, new sample driving school training programs are planned to be introduced in Russia. This was announced by Lyubov Karavaeva, Deputy Head of the Department for the Development of advanced training and Education of the Department of State Policy in the field of secondary vocational education and Vocational Training of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, during a round table held at the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation. This document was developed jointly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Health, and it takes into account the wishes of these departments, she noted. It is currently being approved by the Ministry of Economic Development.
According to the draft, for example, the possibility of distance learning in a driving school is allowed. This applies only to classes on "theory," said the representative of the Ministry of Education. In addition, taking into account the changed legislation in the field of traffic, theoretical classes will include issues related to "dangerous driving", SIM cards, electronic documents, the use of retroreflective vests, etc. At the same time, the number of classes related to the study of legislation will increase. It is also expected to increase the time allotted for obtaining practical skills in driving a vehicle. For example, for category B (passenger cars), the number of hours increases from 56 to 58 for training in "mechanics" and from 54 to 56 for those who chose "automatic".
— The changes are primarily aimed at a more practical orientation, — said Lyubov Karavaeva.
Redundant requirements
Along with new topics on "theory" and additional classes on "practice," the proposed courses also establish requirements for the material and technical base of driving schools, which representatives of the educational institutions themselves consider excessive. For example, according to Andrey Stepanov, an expert at the Department of Vocational Training of the All-Russian Public and State Organization DOSAAF of Russia, the new rules introduce requirements for the type of racetrack surface where initial car driving and maneuvering skills are practiced, the coefficient of adhesion of such a coating, as well as standards for wastewater disposal from such sites.
— These are clearly excessive requirements that have nothing to do with the learning process, — he is sure.
According to Elena Zaitseva, Chairman of the Board of the National Union of Driving School Associations, the requirements for checking the technical equipment of an educational institution related to distance learning are also excessive. There are no clear criteria yet for who will evaluate the equipment for this form of training and by what parameters, she noted.
Driving schools have questions about dummies and manuals where future drivers practice first aid skills. They are quite expensive, which affects the cost of education, said Alexander Nikolaev, President of the Primorsky Association of Automobile Schools.
— It makes sense to conduct mandatory first aid classes at the base of the Ministry of Emergency Situations or the Red Cross, where there are appropriate kits and mannequins, with the involvement of specialists in providing such assistance. It will be much more effective," he believes.
Driving schools will get grades
Amendments to the law "On Road Safety", introduced by the government for consideration by the State Duma, proposed to introduce ratings for driving schools. As Mikhail Mishustin, chairman of the government, noted at a government meeting in late February, "the quality of such educational institutions will be assessed according to certain indicators, including the results of students' exams, as well as emergency situations faced by graduates of a particular school."
In order for such a rating to be extremely clear and transparent, it is necessary to develop clear evaluation criteria, said Valery Soldunov, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, chairman of the All-Russian Society of Motorists.
— In my opinion, it is not entirely correct to evaluate a driving school only by the number of accidents involving its graduates, especially since accidents can be different. If a drunk driver has an accident, it is obvious that it was not the driving school instructor who forced him to drive drunk. Comprehensive criteria are needed, which should be developed with the participation of all interested departments, driving schools themselves, the public and experts," he stressed.
The success of passing exams by graduates of a driving school may well be one of such criteria, says Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of Za Rulem magazine. However, he doubts the practical application of such a rating by citizens choosing a driving school.
— This can work in large cities where there are several driving schools in one area at once. And even then, a person is more likely to choose the driving school that is closer to home, to their place of work or study, and has a more convenient schedule. If we talk about some remote areas where there is only one driving school for twenty villages and villages, then no rating will help - obviously, a person will go to study there, and will not travel hundreds of kilometers to another educational institution that has higher grades, " the editor—in—chief is sure.
Anton Tsarev, senior Inspector for special Assignments of the Department of Organization of examination activities and provision of public services of the State Traffic Inspectorate, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, said during the round table that the accident rate for drivers with up to two years of experience is increasing. If in 2023 the number of deaths in such accidents was at the level of 2022, then in 2024 this figure increased by 10%. And according to the results of the first quarter of this year, there is an increase of another 20%.
At the same time, the State Traffic Inspectorate notes an increase in the proportion of driver candidates who passed the "in-town" license exam the first time. If in 2023 it was 12.1%, then by the end of 2024 their share increased to 13.8%. This is due, among other things, to the relaxation of exam requirements last spring.
Separate training and exams
Alexander Kholodov, Deputy Chairman of the Commission on Safety and Cooperation with the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, made a radical proposal to reform the driving school education system. In his opinion, it is necessary to separate the training itself from the exams, and also allow driving schools to independently determine the program and terms of training for each applicant.
— A differentiated approach to learning is needed, including using modern methods, including simulators and neural networks. Driving schools should be allowed to implement their own methods. Training is a service. If a person did not pass the exam, it means that this service was provided poorly. It is necessary to legislate the obligation of a driving school to train such an applicant," he said at the round table.
At the same time, Alexander Kholodov considers it possible to introduce a kind of entrance exams in driving schools, which will assess the level of knowledge and skills of candidates for drivers. This will allow educational institutions to determine the time required for high-quality education for each applicant, and also, based on this, differentiate the cost of education, he believes.
— One person knows nothing about traffic regulations and does not know how to drive at all. This means that he needs to be taught longer, and, accordingly, his education will cost more. The other one has studied traffic regulations on his own in advance, has certain management skills: the duration of his training will be shorter, and the price of training will be lower," Alexander Kholodov explained his position.
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