Acquiring a Driver's License in Kazakhstan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Revised Article:
Starting August 8, driving exams in Kazakhstan are about to get a shake-up. The Minister of Internal Affairs has introduced modifications to the Rules for Preparing Drivers of Mechanical Transport and the Rules for Examining and Issuing Driver's Licenses. Here's what you need to know:
What's new in the rules:
Identity verification through biometric facial data comparison is still mandatory before the exam, but if a person cannot confirm their identity, they'll be denied the opportunity to take the theoretical or practical exam for the next six months. Previously, the test was simply canceled, allowing the person to retake it the next day.
If a candidate fails the theoretical or practical exam for the first time, they can retake it the next day. After the second failed attempt, they'll have to wait a month before retaking. If the practical exam is failed for the third time, the results of the theoretical test will be annulled. The person can retake the theory only after two months. Previously, attending a driving school meant they could take the exams as many times as they wanted, with a gap of seven days.
Independently preparing drivers will follow the same rules as those who attended a driving school – after three failed attempts at the theoretical or practical exam, candidates will be sent to driving schools. They cannot take the exams until they've completed the course.
During the theoretical exam, talking, exchanging materials, using information on paper or electronic media, leaving the room, and bringing mobile phones into it will not be allowed. Candidates caught violating these rules will have to wait three months before retaking the exam, a change from the previous rule where one could reattempt the exam immediately.
Moreover, video surveillance data will now be shared with the situation center, the common waiting hall of the branch of the special CCO, where the exam is taking place, and professional associations upon request. This was not possible before.
If a person feels unwell before an exam, they should now inform the operator (Government for Citizens - special CCOs), and their exam date will be rescheduled to another time of the day or another day. Previously, one could simply collect their documents and take the exam at another time.
Key changes for Practical Exams:
Now, a candidate for a driver's license can take the practical exam on their own training car with an instructor. They'll be evaluated by a specially created commission. Previously, the exam could only be taken on equipped cars in special CCOs.
For categories "A" and "A1," 10 exercises are performed instead of the previous 9 for "A" and 5 for "A1." The exercises have been altered, with some being added or removed. The specific changes can be found in point 66 of the new edition of the rules.
For categories "B," "B1," "C," "C1," "D," "D1," 10 exercises are now performed instead of the previous 12. Some exercises have been altered, and details can be found in point 66 of the new edition of the rules.
The categories "BE," "CE," "C1E," "DE," "D1E" remain unchanged, with the only innovation being the removal of the "Direct movement in the gauge corridor in forward gear" exercise.
Special Considerations:
If a person obtained a driver's license abroad, they can now exchange it for a Kazakhstani driver's license, but only after passing a theoretical test. Previously, the exchange was immediate and automatic.
Mandatory record-keeping has been introduced for driving schools, including tracking of educational organizations, groups, and certificates issued for completed courses in the "Driving School" information system.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has stated these changes are aimed at improving the level of knowledge and skills in safe driving, the quality of training, the possibility of choosing the time and place for electronic exams, and the transparency of processes. The changes also aim to reduce corruption risks.
Driving Schools' Perspective:
Maria Musina, Chairperson of the Republican Consortium of Professional Associations for Driver Training, believes that the new rules do not reduce corruption risks but rather encourage the "purchase" of driver's licenses. The driving schools advocated for the examiner to have a driver's license, if a driver's license was obtained illegally, it should be automatically considered invalid, and if a candidate obtains a driver's license in multiple categories, they should not have to take the exam for each one separately but only for the highest category, as the highest category encompasses the lower ones. Driving schools also recommended that if a candidate fails biometric identification, they should be able to submit a written request for identity verification.
The consortium noted that the process of accepting the theoretical exam should be open and transparent, with the possibility of control by authorized bodies, members of professional or public associations, as well as all present citizens at any time. They expressed concern that with the transfer of theoretical exam acceptance to private LLCs, cases of "selling" exams have increased. Biometrics do not help either, as the technical equipment remains with the LLCs, and they know how to bypass their own equipment.
A key concern for driving schools is the fact that since 2016, a norm has been accepted in Kazakhstan that allows Kazakhstani citizens to prepare for exams for categories A and B independently. This norm was previously practiced in Russia but was soon abolished due to its inefficiency. The consortium has been advocating for the abolition of self-preparation since the beginning, but it remains in the new rules.
Driving schools emphasize that they want to be heard and are concerned about the alarming statistics of people dying in road accidents. They've submitted their proposals to ensure road safety and are awaiting a meeting with the head of state.
Additional Insights:Recent changes in Kazakhstan regarding the preparation of drivers and the administration of driver's exams also reflect a broader trend towards stricter vehicle and driver regulation in the country. Starting April 5, 2025, all mopeds, including those with engine capacity less than 50 cc, must be registered[1].
New drivers in Kazakhstan will now be allowed to start driving from the age of 17, down from the previous age limit. This change will bring with it a mandatory two-year probationary period during which stricter rules and penalties apply, particularly regarding intoxicated driving. Driving tests are expected to place a stronger emphasis on awareness and safety[5].
The probationary period introduces more stringent monitoring and possibly more rigorous conditions to pass the exams and acquire the license, reflecting a move towards improving road safety and driver competency. Additionally, Kazakhstan is advancing the use of digital technology in licensing and administrative processes, moving towards digital licenses integrated with digital wallets, following trends seen in the EU, though full implementation details and timelines in Kazakhstan are still being developed or may follow international examples[5].
[1] - Source: http://eng.adilsoz.kz/[5] - Source: https://eurasiareview.com/24082019-law-on-motor-vehicles-and-traffic-safety-of-kazakhstan-and-its-impact-on-roads-and-road-accidents-analysis/[5] - Source: https://kazpravda.kz/rus/sotsial/news/71288
- The Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to collaborate with the finance industry to digitalize driving licenses, moving towards integrating digital licenses with digital wallets, similar to trends seen in the EU.
- In the upcoming transportation sector revision, the industry, finance, and even the Government for Citizens - special CCOs will share video surveillance data to increase transparency and reduce corruption risks during driver's exams.
