New law lays down 15 conditions, 75% score for passing practical driving licence test

The new executive regulations for Federal Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation, which take effect on January 1, 2027, require the licensng authority to oversee theoretical examinations for obtaining a driver’s licence and establish the scoring criteria, based on a total of 100 points.

Applicants who score below 75% are considered to have failed. A licence may be issued only after the applicant successfully passes a driving assessment administered by the licensing authority.

The assessment consists of two parts: a theoretical test and a practical test. Applicants who pass the theoretical test proceed to the practical test, which is conducted in accordance with a field-testing plan or using smart technical systems designated by the licensing authority.

The regulations specify 15 criteria for the practical test to assess the driving skills required to obtain a licence:

1. Starting the engine.

2. Moving the vehicle forward and in reverse under normal conditions, in emergencies, and on inclines.

3. Operating the transmission (gearbox) when starting and while driving.

4. Performing standard stops, emergency stops, and stops on inclines.

5. Parking parallel to a curb, between other vehicles, on inclines, or within designated markings or lines.

6. Changing lanes and making right and left turns.

7. Using the appropriate signals at the correct time when manoeuvring or responding to changes in driving conditions.

8. Complying with traffic signals, signs, and road markings; responding to signals from other drivers; and remaining attentive and responsive to the examiner’s instructions and commands.

9. Navigating intersections, squares, and roundabouts.

10. Turning the vehicle around within a limited space on the road.

11. Overtaking another vehicle and passing an oncoming vehicle.

12. Exiting the vehicle and parking it on an incline.

13. Using the parking brake.

14. Using side and rearview mirrors.

15. Maintaining a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

The regulations also allow the licensing authority to adopt any additional criteria it considers necessary.

The licensing authority shall assign a score to each test criterion reflecting the applicant’s level of competence.

An applicant who scores below 75% shall be deemed to have failed the test.

Risky actions

An applicant shall also be deemed to have failed, even if they achieve the minimum passing score, if they create an actual or potential danger to themselves or others during the test, or if such danger is averted only through the examiner’s verbal or physical intervention in the operation of the vehicle.

The following actions shall constitute a potential danger: the vehicle’s body or wheels coming into contact with designated boundaries or barriers, uncontrolled vehicle movement when starting, errors in shifting gears, failure to stop the vehicle or park it within the designated space, disregard for traffic signs or signals; and, for motorcycle licence applicants, the rider’s foot touching the ground while the vehicle is in motion.

An application for a driver’s licence shall be cancelled if the applicant fails to appear for the test within six months of their last scheduled test date. The application file may be reactivated in accordance with procedures established by the licensing authority.

The licensing authority shall issue driver’s licences and required permits electronically in the approved format, and each licence shall bear a unique serial number. Licence and permit holders may request a copy of their respective documents.

Holders shall be responsible for keeping their personal information, address, contact details and, where applicable, the details of their legal representative up to date. They shall bear full responsibility for any financial or legal consequences arising from a failure or delay in updating that information.

An application to renew a driver’s licence must be submitted within 30 days of its expiry date. All fines arising from traffic violations committed by the licence holder must be paid before renewal.

Refusal to renew driver's licence

The licensing authority may refuse to renew a driver’s licence or permit in any of the following four cases: the holder lacks the necessary legal capacity or physical or mental fitness to drive; a judicial ruling requires refusal of renewal; outstanding traffic violations are recorded against the holder’s traffic file; or the holder has reached the cumulative traffic penalty point limit.

The relevant health authorities in the country shall coordinate with the licensing authority by providing data on individuals who develop medical conditions or health issues that could impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

A holder seeking to renew a driver’s licence that has expired for more than 10 years must pass both theoretical and practical tests and meet all other prescribed renewal requirements. The Federal Traffic Council is authorised to determine the minimum standards for the theoretical and practical tests required for such renewal.