The Public Services Agency (PSA) organised a public event to inform citizens about the new amendments to the regulatory framework governing the acquisition of the right to drive vehicles and the issuance of driving licences, which entered into force on 17 November 2024. With their implementation, the procedure for obtaining a driving licence for certain categories of vehicles will be simplified and adapted to citizens’ needs.
The event had an extensive agenda and also covered other topics related to the institution’s activities: the addition of new vehicles intended for examinations to the PSA vehicle fleet; the launch, in test mode, of a new service point for practical examinations for obtaining driving licences in categories/subcategories C/CE; and the new PSA digital services scheduled to be launched in November–December 2024.
“Recently, the citizens of our country cast their votes in favour of the Republic of Moldova joining the European Union. In the context of our European path, reforming and modernising the public services sector are essential. I believe that the Public Services Agency could serve as a model in this regard. We are making considerable efforts to meet the needs of citizens and the demands of a modern, constantly evolving world. The PSA is undergoing reform and keeping pace with the developed world. The objective of our institution is to digitalise the services we provide. The digitalisation of services is not only a necessary step towards alignment with European Union standards, but also a means of facilitating citizens’ access to fast, efficient and transparent services. Our goal is to reduce bureaucracy and provide every citizen with easier and more direct contact with public authorities,” – stated Mircea Eșanu, Director of the Public Services Agency, at the opening of the event.
1. New rules for taking driving examinations
A candidate who holds the right to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission (for example, category B or C) and wishes to obtain a higher category (for example: manual transmission, category C or D), when going to the PSA to take the practical examination for a higher category, will take the test in a vehicle with an automatic/semi-automatic transmission.
Persons holding a category B driving licence will automatically obtain the right to drive vehicles in subcategory AM (moped/scooter).
Persons who have held a category B driving licence for at least 24 months will be able to obtain the right to drive vehicles in subcategory A1 (light motorcycle) without taking the relevant examinations at the PSA, provided that they complete a full practical training course in driving a vehicle of this subcategory, under a training programme authorised/accredited in accordance with the law, at a specialised training institution.
A person who has graduated from a vehicle driver training institution (i.e. a driving school), as evidenced by a graduation certificate entered in the State Register of Vehicle Driver Training Institutions (RUICVF), has one year from the date of graduation to complete the entire examination process (both theory and practice). If the candidate does not complete the process within one year, they are required to take additional courses at the driving school. Thus, if the candidate does not pass the theory test within one year, they will have to take additional theory courses and restart the process. If the candidate does not pass the practical test, they will take additional practical training and restart the process.
2. Addition of new examination vehicles to the PSA vehicle fleet
To meet growing demand and ensure a more efficient examination process, the PSA announced the addition of new vehicles to its examination fleet. This measure will contribute to improving the quality of services and facilitate the conduct of driving examinations in a safe and well-equipped environment.
“Since I took office as Director of the Public Services Agency, the institution’s vehicle fleet intended for the examination process has been almost completely renewed. In just three years, 76 new vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, minibuses and motorcycles) were purchased for a total amount of approximately 70 million lei,” noted Mircea Eșanu, Director of the PSA.
3. Launch of a new practical examination service point for category C/CE
The PSA announced the opening, in test mode, of a new location for the practical examination of future drivers in categories C/CE, located on Hîncești Street. The new examination point will be available starting from the second half of December 2024, providing better access and shorter waiting times for taking practical tests.
4. Teaser: Launch of new PSA digital services
The PSA provided a teaser about the new digital services to be launched in November–December 2024. These services will provide a digitalised experience and facilitate citizens’ access to the services offered by the PSA.
Launch by 31 March 2025 of the new model of identity document for citizens of the Republic of Moldova, the Identity Card, in card format. The Identity Card will incorporate an electronic data storage medium containing the qualified certificate for electronic signature. Thus, the holder of the new identity document will be able to access electronic services online without having to visit the institutions providing them.
By the end of November 2024, the PSA will launch the electronic service – Online transfer of vehicle ownership rights. Citizens who hold a qualified electronic signature will be able to complete vehicle sale and purchase agreements online and will receive temporary registration certificates in their personal account.
In the second half of December 2024, the PSA will introduce another electronic service to citizens – online exchange of driving licences.
Through these measures, the Public Services Agency reaffirms its commitment to modernising and improving the efficiency of public services, contributing to increased accessibility and quality.
