The Chief of Staff of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Kanybek Tumanbaev, commented on the reform concerning driver training and the issuance of driver's licenses, stating that the changes are aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens, not against private driving schools. This statement followed protests organized by representatives of private educational institutions.
He noted that for a long time, a practice existed in several private driving schools where driver's licenses were sold, which negatively impacted road safety and increased the number of traffic accidents.
“Society feels the consequences of this system. Every accident is a tragedy, broken lives, deceased individuals, and orphaned children. In 2025, the number of traffic accidents and casualties increased compared to 2024. This is not an accident, but a result of years of negligence,” Tumanbaev emphasized.
Additionally, he reported that the owners of private driving schools were informed in advance about the upcoming innovations. All heads of educational institutions gathered at "Yntymak Ordo," where they were thoroughly briefed on the essence and stages of the reform.
“Thus, claims that no one was warned are not true,” he added.
Tumanbaev also pointed out the low level of knowledge of traffic rules among many drivers, which is confirmed by significant failures of trainees in theoretical exams.
“Driving is not only the ability to operate a vehicle but also a great responsibility. When getting behind the wheel, a person is responsible not only for their life but also for the lives of other road users,” he noted.
At the same time, he clarified that the reform is not aimed at discrediting all private driving schools.
“There are qualified teachers and specialists in this field. The reform should cleanse the system, and the best professionals will be attracted to the state training system to ensure the safety of citizens,” he emphasized.
The reform includes a complete modernization of the process of vehicle registration and the issuance of driver's licenses. The main element of the changes will be mandatory training for trainees only in driving schools under state control.
From mid-February 2026, applications for training under the new curriculum, which will be approved in accordance with updated state standards, will begin to be accepted.
“These reforms are not against business; they are aimed at saving human lives. Initial difficulties may arise, but order will be restored. The state is consistently eliminating corrupt elements and will see the reform through to the end,” Kanybek Tumanbaev concluded.
