Fundamental Changes in Driving License Exams: New Exam Duration, Routes, and Rules

With the new regulations that came into effect in July, there have been many changes to the driver's license exams. According to the new rules, the exam duration has been extended to 40 minutes, and the number of exam routes has been increased to two. The route on which candidates will take the exam will be determined by a lottery, and an additional maneuver opportunity has been added to the parking maneuver. A photo-based solution has been introduced to address the issue of "joker" problems in the exams.

The regulations that came into effect in July 2024 have introduced several significant changes to the driver’s license acquisition process. The new regulations prepared by the Ministry of National Education highlight many innovations, from course registrations to exam durations. Traffic Instructor Zakir Çelepkolu shared important points that driver candidates should pay attention to regarding these changes.

ROUTE FOR THE EXAM WILL BE DETERMINED BY LOTTERY

Çelepkolu stated that with the new regulation, driving test exams will be conducted on two different routes determined by the national education directorates and approved in accordance with regulations. "The exam duration has been increased from 35 minutes to 40 minutes. Previously, we had a fixed route, but now there will be two different routes. On the morning of the exam, the commission will draw lots to determine which route the candidate will take," he said.

PARKING AND MANEUVER RULES

Çelepkolu also mentioned changes to the parallel parking phase: "Parallel parking will now be done in an oval shape. In reverse parking, where there was previously one maneuver to enter and park the vehicle and two maneuvers to correct, an additional maneuver will now be allowed."

U-TURN AND 'JOKER' ISSUE

Çelepkolu noted that the new regulation will specify a location for U-turns on the exam routes: "Candidates will perform the U-turn at designated points." He also added: "The issue of 'jokers,' where someone else takes the exam on behalf of a student, is now prevented. After registering at the driving school and filling out the application form, the candidate’s photo will be taken in real-time and uploaded to the Ministry of National Education's (MEBBİS) information system. Additionally, a biometric photo will also be uploaded to the system."

REGULATIONS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS

Some new provisions have also been introduced for disabled drivers. Çelepkolu stated: "If suitable modifications are made to the vehicle acquired by disabled citizens, they might be able to take the exam in their own vehicles."