Issuing a driving license: How many times is the test required? Is it necessary?

Test in driving training

End of course and driving course test

According to current driver training regulations, all subjects must have a final exam during the course. After passing the subjects, students must also pass the final exam including (1) Road Traffic Law subject tested according to the set of theoretical test questions, (2) Driving practice subject with continuous tests, zigzag forward and backward test and driving on the road.

Since there are no detailed regulations on end-of-course tests, training institutions often conduct end-of-course tests on Road Traffic Law and Driving Practice as end-of-course tests.

On the other hand, the set of 600 theoretical test questions is not only about Road Traffic Law but also includes the contents of the remaining 4 theoretical subjects. So in fact, it is one content that is tested 2-3 times.

Meanwhile, the regulations on elementary vocational training, including driving, only have a module-end test, not a course-end test. Learners who complete all modules will be awarded an elementary vocational certificate.

Therefore, at the very least, end-of-course testing should be eliminated in driver training.

Primary driving certificate

In vocational education, learners who complete the elementary level training program are awarded an elementary certificate. Certificate holders are fully qualified in terms of capacity and legality to do the job they are trained for at any agency, enterprise, or organization.

But driving a car is not like that, you need a driver's license to participate in the labor market like other primary jobs.

So, here the driving license of the car driving profession plays the role of a primary certificate in other professions. The primary certificate of the car driving profession is almost worthless. This certificate cannot be used for any job.

In developed countries around the world, or even in ASEAN, driving training only includes learning and testing theory and practice. There is no final test of subjects or courses before testing like in Vietnam. There is also no issuance of primary certificates. The only thing that is issued is a driving license.

Therefore, not only should we eliminate the end-of-course test, but we should also eliminate the issuance of primary certificates and end-of-course tests. This will both reduce costs and time for learners and facilitate international integration.

Structure of theoretical driving test in Vietnam

Many countries only require a driving test.

China is considered to have the most difficult driving theory test in the world, requiring 90/100 correct questions in 45 minutes, with a set of more than 1,600 questions on traffic laws and driving techniques. Then there is another theory test on traffic safety, with 45/50 correct questions in 30 minutes. The required theory study time is 5 hours.

In Japan, to get a provisional driver's license, you need to answer 45/50 theory questions correctly and get 90/100 points on the practical test shown in the picture. To get a full driver's license, you need to answer 90/100 theory questions and complete another practical test. Studying theory and practice at a driving school is not mandatory.

In Singapore, learners must get 45/50 questions correct in the basic theory test to get a learner's license. Then they must get 45/50 questions correct in the final theory test to register for the practical test. Each theory test lasts 50 minutes and each test set consists of 600 questions. It is also not mandatory to study theory and practice at a driving training facility.

Compared to the three countries above, the number of questions in the theoretical test and in the question set of Vietnam is quite small. Therefore, it is completely possible to increase the number of theoretical tests, the number of questions in each test and the question bank to increase the amount of knowledge tested and evaluated more than at present.

This will not only replace the end-of-course test, but also improve the quality of driving tests. Theory learning also does not need to be concentrated at the training facility, but should be online asynchronously.

Similarly, the practical test needs to include criteria on defensive driving and eco-driving, scored by the examiner or computer, instead of repeating it three times as it is now, with little focus on assessing safe driving behavior.