Directive No. 23/2001/CT-BGTVT of the Minister of Transport on Strengthening Management of Driver Training, Examination, and Issuance of Driving Licenses

Since the inter-ministerial inspection team conducted a comprehensive inspection of driver training, examination, and issuance of driving licenses (DL) nationwide, some deficiencies in the management of these activities have been promptly addressed by the Departments of Transport and Public Works (DOTPW) and Driver Training Institutions (DTI), contributing to improving the quality of DTI:

- The DOTPWs have paid more attention to supervising and urging DTIs to strictly comply with regulations on DTI.

- The DTIs have actively rectified existing shortcomings and weaknesses; invested in upgrading facilities such as parking lots, classrooms, and training vehicles; strengthened the teaching staff and management personnel; and completed record-keeping systems, forms, and training materials.

- Cooperation in managing DTI between the DOTPWs and related agencies has been enhanced.

- The management of DL examination and issuance (DEI) has gradually become more systematic, ensuring convenience for citizens; DEI management boards have been reinforced; examination officers generally meet the requirements, especially for motorcycle DEI.

- Inspection and supervision of DTI and DEI have been intensified by the Ministry of Transport (MOT), Vietnam Highway Administration (VHA), and DOTPWs, with collaboration from vocational training management agencies, thus preventing negative phenomena in DTI and DEI.

However, following spot checks at eight locations, according to the MOT Inspectorate's report: DTI, DEI, and the issuance, renewal, and transfer of DL at some DOTPWs and DTIs still have some deficiencies that need prompt resolution. To maintain achieved results, address deficiencies, and gradually improve the quality of DTI and DEI, the Ministry requests the VHA, DOTPWs, and relevant agencies to immediately implement the following actions:

1- The Cadre Organization and Labor Department shall coordinate with the MOT Inspectorate and VHA:

a- Develop a plan for inspecting DTI and DEI management in 2002, submit it to the Minister for approval, and notify all DTIs, DEI management boards, and DOTPWs.

b- Implement the plan in 2002.

2- VHA:

a- Promptly submit to the MOT for promulgation the standards for Examination Centers and the implementation plan for centralized DEI from January 1, 2002, as stipulated in the Road Traffic Law dated June 29, 2001.

b- Guide and organize the implementation of new regulations of the MOT concerning:

- Regulations on DTI management.

- Regulations on DEI management.

- Driver training programs.

c- Reconstruct the curriculum of subjects in DTI and issue appropriate training manuals based on the new DTI program.

d- Develop the content and program for training practical instructors, examiners, and directly train the national cadre of examiners.

e- Regularly inspect DTI and DEI nationwide, report, and propose measures to improve the quality of DTI and DEI; consider this as one of the means to strengthen state management over DTI and DEI.

3- DOTPWs:

a- Improve the cadre managing DTI and DEI at the local level.

b- Direct DTIs and DEI management boards under their jurisdiction to correct DTI and DEI practices; strictly follow the DTI program, DTI management regulations, and DEI regulations.

c- Organize professional training for practical driving instructors at DTIs under their management; send examiners from DEI management boards to attend training sessions organized by VHA.

d- Each DOTPW shall select only one location within its jurisdiction to conduct centralized DEI and report to VHA for monitoring.

e- Regularly inspect DTI and DEI based on current regulations of the MOT and VHA, but avoid causing inconvenience to institutions. After inspections, establish records and report to the MOT (through VHA); if violations are found, handle them promptly according to the law.

4- DTIs: :

a- Quickly rectify existing issues and improve DTI management.

b- Invest in additional facilities based on current regulations to support training.

c- Strictly follow the DTI program, ensuring sufficient time for each subject and practical driving hours per student as prescribed.

d- Adhere strictly to DTI management regulations.

e- Improve the teaching staff, particularly practical driving instructors.

During the implementation of this Directive, if there are any difficulties, units should report to the MOT (through VHA) for timely resolution.