Prague driving test delays cause months-long waits for learners

Aspiring drivers in Prague are facing significant delays in obtaining licenses, with some waiting between three and six months for final practical examinations. Driving school operators report that the situation is becoming unsustainable, noting that students often lose confidence or practical skills during the long waiting periods. In some cases, students who finished their compulsory lessons in early summer are still waiting for tests months later.

Driving school owners have identified several contributing factors, including a shortage of examiners and the difficulty of attracting new staff due to rigorous training requirements, periodic assessments, and relatively low pay. One school owner noted that Prague currently has only 15 active examiners instead of the 21 required. For foreign students requiring interpreters, wait times can extend up to six months.

The Ministry of Transport has disputed the claim of a national shortage, stating there are approximately 500 examiners in the country and that the system remains functional. Officials suggest the issue lies in the geographic distribution of examiners and workload organization rather than a total lack of personnel. While the capital faces the most acute delays, driving schools across the Czech Republic are reporting similar difficulties.