Bulgarian Govt 'Raised' Driver's License Test Bribes

Bribes, though higher, appear to remain a certain way to acquire a driver's license in Bulgaria. Photo by BGNES

The much advertised measures of the Bulgarian government to eradicate corruption in issuing driver's licenses have backfired, according to Bulgarian auto transport experts.

The recent introduction of cameras and video surveillance in testing centers for drivers' exams has only served to raise the bribes that earlier averaged BGN 300 to some BGN 1200 – 1500, according to Apostol Apostolov, head of the Bulgarian Association of Auto Study Centers, who speak at an organizational meeting in Stara Zagora, as cited by Darik Radio.

In his words, the video surveillance is avoided with the examinees pretending to be filling out the test forms, and once the exam is over, they go to another room where the examination papers are filled out correctly in exchange for the bribes.

The Association has thus insisted that the theoretical exams for driver's licenses become computer based.

They further argue that the exams should be taken away from the Transport Ministry and should be administered by the Education Ministry.

The Association of Auto Study Centers adopted a declaration with their proposals to be submitted to the Parliament.

The buying of driver's licenses has been a severe issue in Bulgaria as this type of corruption leads directly to many deaths as it translates in an increasing number of hellish car crashes.

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