{"id":26947,"date":"2025-09-15T00:40:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T20:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ampop.am\/?p=26947"},"modified":"2025-09-15T20:46:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T16:46:20","slug":"how-to-get-a-driving-permit-in-armenia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ampop.am\/en\/how-to-get-a-driving-permit-in-armenia\/","title":{"rendered":"The Price of a Driver\u2019s License: Millions to the Budget, Traffic Jams to the Streets"},"content":{"rendered":"

As of September 1, Armenia has rolled out a new mechanism for retaking driver\u2019s license exams. Candidates who fail on their first attempt will no longer be required to wait a full week before trying again.<\/p>\n

Under recent legislative changes, applicants can now book an expedited retake for a fee: either the next day for 45,000 drams (about $110), or on the third day for 30,000 drams (about $73).<\/p>\n

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the same \u201cexpress\u201d options will apply<\/a> to those who fail their second or subsequent attempts. Instead of the previous 30-day waiting period, candidates can now retake the exam on the 7th day by paying 45,000 drams, or on the 14th day for 30,000 drams.<\/p>\n

The legislative package, approved by the government in May, noted<\/a> that the changes were drafted in response to public feedback, with the goal of making the process more flexible and accessible.<\/p>\n

Yet a question lingers: do these reforms actually address the system\u2019s deeper flaws, or are they simply creating a new revenue stream for the state\u2014while raising issues of social equity for those who must still wait months for another chance?<\/p>\n

Through straightforward calculations and conversations with applicants, Ampop Media<\/strong><\/em> sought to find the answer.<\/p>\n

Big Money and Long Queues \u2014 Even Under a Reformed System<\/h3>\n

In Armenia, obtaining a driver\u2019s license requires<\/a> passing two exams: a theoretical exam and a practical driving test. Those who clear the theory exam are later invited to take the driving test. If they fail, candidates are allowed two more attempts within a year\u2014each for an additional fee.<\/p>\n

The cost of the theory test is 3,000 drams (about $7.30), while the driving test is 13,000 drams (about $32). This means that even if an applicant fails repeatedly within a year, they still end up paying around 42,000 drams in total to the state budget.<\/p>\n

During the first five months of 2025, 27,699 people sat<\/a> for the practical driving exam in Armenia. In other words, just over that period, the state collected about 360 million drams\u2014more than $935,000\u2014from practical test fees alone.<\/p>\n

Of those, only 11,688 candidates, or 42 percent, actually received a license. Yet just 2,493 of them passed on their very first attempt. The rest were forced to retake the exam after months of waiting, paying additional fees each time.<\/p>\n

Despite handling such vast sums, the state employs only 38 examiners<\/a> across 13 testing centers<\/a> nationwide to administer the practical exams.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Officials told Ampop Media<\/strong><\/em> that the introduction of the new \u201cexpress\u201d retake options will not be accompanied by new branches or additional staff.<\/p>\n

This raises concerns that the reforms could add even more strain to an already overstretched system, leaving open the question of how examiners will be able to deliver faster service under heavier demand.<\/p>\n

Subjective Grading in the Practical Exam<\/h3>\n

Beyond the long queues that force applicants to wait months for a slot, many describe the practical test as unfair and poorly designed. Test-takers say the instructions often have little to do with real traffic conditions, while the assessments by police examiners can be highly subjective. Candidates have no formal mechanism to challenge an examiner\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n

Artak Gaboyan, who obtained his license on the first attempt this April, told Ampop Media<\/strong> <\/em>that the system often evaluates not driving skills but rather a candidate\u2019s familiarity with exam \u201ctricks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMany people who actually drive poorly still manage to get licenses because they know how to game the exam. But the exam itself has little in common with real traffic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

For example, Gaboyan noted that candidates are required to complete a reverse parking maneuver in a single attempt. Yet in real traffic, many drivers make several adjustments when backing into a spot. Even a slight deviation from the prescribed method can result in immediate failure. At the same time, the system does not test how drivers react in unpredictable situations such as traffic jams or dangerous maneuvers.<\/p>\n

Reforms Without Investment<\/h3>\n

In 2020, the driver\u2019s license process underwent major changes<\/a>: the theory test was expanded from 10 to 20 questions, the time limit was set at 30 minutes, and the practical exam was moved from closed lots to real traffic conditions.<\/p>\n

But Gaboyan argues that without proper infrastructure, these changes have been ineffective. Outside Yerevan, no official vehicles are provided for the exam, forcing candidates to use their own cars. By law, the police are obliged to supply vehicles, yet in practice the fleet is either insufficient or in poor technical condition.<\/p>\n

He also pointed to inconsistencies in fees. The 13,000-dram fee for the practical exam includes a 10,000-dram charge for \u201cvehicle depreciation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most absurd part is that you still have to pay this amount even when you take the test with your own car,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

There have also been persistent claims that pass rates are higher in the regions than in Yerevan, which some experts view as a red flag for corruption risks. Ampop Media<\/strong> <\/em>examined where first-attempt success rates are highest.<\/p>\n