The proposed new driver training programmes require further work

16 December 2013

On 13 December a round table was held in the Russian Civic Chamber to discuss the draft professional standard and proposed programmes for driver training. The event was organised by the Civic Chamber’s Commission for Regional Development and Federative Relations, together with the Interregional Association of Driving Schools and the Association of Driving Schools for Young People. The round table was moderated by the president of the latter, Olga Nikonova.

The participants discussed the proposed programmes for professional driver training published by the Russian Education Ministry on the regulation.gov.ru portal. Different programmes have been developed for the different categories and subcategories of driver. The discussion document was produced by an Education Ministry working group, of which NGO Road Safety Russia is a member.

The president of Road Safety Russia, Natalia Agre, noted that the proposed training programmes for category “M” drivers (scooters and mopeds) still require further work, especially as this category is completely new and to a large extent relates to children. Ms Agre said, “The kind of injuries that we are seeing among children today are something that we do not want to see after the adoption of this document. Therefore, we cannot make any mistakes with the programme for category “M”. We should possibly convene another round table to discuss this issue separately.”

 The round table participants discussed a very wide range of issues, looking at the various changes proposed by the revised programmes: the provision of first aid, the psychophysiology of the driver, more in-depth training in how a car works, and the development of training programmes for people with special needs and for under 18s. It is significant that the revised programmes now take into account the importance of ensuring the safe transportation of children. On the recommendation of Road Safety Russia experts, special information stands will be placed in driving schools to show people how to select and install a child car seat correctly.

 All the participants came to the conclusion that despite the enormous amount of work achieved in just three weeks, it is very difficult to produce a high-quality product in such a short time. To ensure that the revised programmes meet the aims and objectives originally set, their adoption should be postponed for at least two months.

 The publication of the proposed driver training programmes on the regulation.gov.ru portal has given rise to many misinterpretations and myths in the media. It must be remembered that the document is intended for discussion purposes. It already looks very different compared to the original draft, thanks to extensive feedback from road safety experts. Tatiana Shutyleva, president of the Interregional Association of Driving Schools, addressed misconceptions about the cost and duration of training under the new programmes. “I want to dispel the myths that the duration and cost of driving school training will double. The programme has been constructed in such a way that training courses could be significantly shorter and less expensive for people who already have an open category licence, as credit can be transferred for the basic training component. But if we are talking about people who are obtaining their first licence, in the revised version for category B (196 hours in total) it is 40 hours more. The basic training comprises five subjects and is the same for every driver training programme, regardless of category.”

At the end of the round table all the participants submitted their reports and recommendations on improvements to the driver training programmes. Their thoughts, questions and comments will be compiled and sent to the Education Ministry within next few days. During this time, experts may submit any further feedback and recommendations to the Civic Chamber for refinement and forwarding to the Education Ministry.

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