From January 1, 2026, Russian driving schools entered a new era of driver training. The postponement of the introduction of the updated theoretical exam to the spring of 2026 gave candidates a respite, but changes are already near. An increase in the number of questions, more complex traffic situations, and an increase in the cost of training are all changing the usual training system.
Once, to get a license, it was enough to learn the traffic rules and learn to drive under the supervision of a familiar driver. Now, a driving school has become a mandatory stage, and training is carried out according to carefully developed programs with instructors and practical exercises. There is no more "free" driving in someone else's car; exams are now only accepted in the organization's training cars.
Modern training includes theory, classes at the training ground, practical driving in the city, basics of first aid, and the technical structure of the car. If earlier the study of "hardware" was formal, now each student has to understand the structure of the car and be able to act in unforeseen situations on the road.
Exams are divided into theoretical and practical parts. Since 2021, the training ground has been almost completely moved to urban conditions: parallel parking, U-turns, garage entries, and complex intersections are evaluated during real traffic. New routes include difficult sections, but in small settlements the training ground remains relevant for checking standard maneuvers.
The theoretical part of the exam is gradually becoming more complex. Now it includes 800 questions, from which 20 are selected. From the spring of 2026, it is planned to increase the base to 3000 questions and provide each with at least three images. The goal is to eliminate the possibility of cramming and force the candidate to really analyze the traffic situation.
Driving schools are already preparing for changes. In Novosibirsk, they believe that complicating the theory will help graduates really understand the rules, and not just pass the exam. In Barnaul, they note that it is useful to take into account the psychophysiological state of students so that graduates are ready for safe driving. In Chelyabinsk, they are confident that expanding the examination base can change the approach to studying traffic rules and improve the quality of training.
Additionally, it is planned to create a state rating of driving schools. It will take into account the accident rate of graduates: how many novice drivers became the perpetrators of accidents. Open statistics will create an incentive for schools to improve the quality of training and will allow future students to choose safer educational organizations.
Although the official launch of the innovations has not yet taken place, rumors and discussions have been ongoing for almost a year. Changes are likely to occur, and students should prepare in advance for new requirements, an increased number of exam questions, and possibly an increase in the cost of training.