Bulgaria faces driving exam delays due to examiner shortage

A shortage of driving examiners is causing logistical difficulties for driver testing in certain Bulgarian regions. The Automobile Administration reports that the issue is not due to an increase in candidates, as the number of applicants for 2026 remains consistent with previous years.

The situation is particularly acute in Montana, where the retirement of the sole examination committee chairman has left a vacancy that two recruitment attempts failed to fill. Currently, exams in the area are being managed by staff seconded from other regions.

Boyko Ranovski, Executive Director of the Automobile Administration, identified low wages as a contributing factor. While the average salary for an inspector is approximately 987 euros, some employees earn as little as 860 euros. There are expectations that salaries will be updated next year within budgetary limits.

To improve safety and reduce subjectivity, the agency is expanding digital solutions for exam routes and planning additional advanced training for young drivers. This training will include simulations of risky situations, such as aquaplaning and adverse weather conditions, on specialized training grounds.