Taoyuan: Taiwan’s Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai announced plans to impose stricter driver’s license tests in an effort to combat the country’s high traffic incident and casualty rates, which he admitted are significantly higher compared to other nations. Speaking at a news conference in Taoyuan, Chen emphasized the urgent need to enhance road safety measures by tightening the requirements of the written tests for driver’s licenses.
According to Focus Taiwan, the move comes after growing criticism directed at the Ministry of Transportation, especially following a tragic accident involving a 78-year-old driver in New Taipei’s Sanxia District. Chen highlighted the unique traffic conditions in Taiwan, characterized by a high density of cars and motorcycles, which necessitate improved driver education and testing.
The revised testing process aims to ensure that applicants possess a thorough understanding of traffic rules and are adequately prepared for safe driving. Chen noted that past driving habits were formed at a time when comprehensive road safety education was not part of the licensing process, contributing to the current challenges.
Director-General Chen Wen-juei of the Highway Bureau, the body responsible for driving tests and license issuance, outlined plans to make the written test more challenging. The bureau intends to remove simpler questions, eliminate true-or-false questions, and expand multiple-choice questions from three to four options to better evaluate applicants’ knowledge.
Currently, the written exam consists of 40 questions for car licenses and 50 for motorcycle licenses, with an even split between true-or-false and multiple-choice questions. The revised examination format is slated to be implemented in 2026, with an official start date to be announced.
Highway Bureau statistics reveal that of the 597,370 individuals who took the written tests for car or motorcycle licenses last year, 475,009 passed. Additionally, out of 711,443 who registered for road tests, which are accessible only to those who have passed the written exam, 499,606 were successful.
In response to concerns about older drivers, particularly after the recent New Taipei incident, Chen also announced tighter license renewal regulations. The age for mandatory renewal requirements will be lowered from 75 to 70, complemented by free road safety courses. Presently, drivers aged 75 and above must undergo a basic health check and cognitive screening every three years to renew their licenses. However, this cognitive test has faced criticism for its simplicity from local road safety organizations, as it includes basic questions such as “What’s today’s date?” and “How old are you?”