Driving license test simulation to be removed from July 1

Starting July 1, Vietnam will no longer require aspiring drivers to take a simulated traffic situation test as part of their driving license examinations. The Ministry of Public Security has announced this change, which aligns with new regulations governing the testing and issuance of driving licenses.

The simulation test, previously a mandatory component for car license applicants, involved candidates watching video clips of traffic scenarios on a computer. They were required to press the space bar at the precise moment a dangerous situation arose to score points. The test aimed to assess a driver's ability to recognize and react to hazards, with a maximum score of 50 points, requiring at least 35 to pass.

However, the test faced considerable criticism. Many test-takers found the scoring system, which depended heavily on the exact timing of the space bar press, to be subjective and not reflective of real-world driving skills. Some argued that even if they recognized a dangerous situation early, pressing the space bar too soon resulted in a lower score, and that the scenarios sometimes felt like "trick questions" designed to "stump" candidates.

The Directorate of Road Traffic Police acknowledged these criticisms, recognizing the test's lack of practical application. With the removal of the simulation component, the car driving license examination will now consist of three parts: theoretical knowledge, closed-course practical tests, and on-road practical tests. This change follows other recent adjustments in driver training and testing, including a requirement for applicants to watch videos of traffic accidents to raise awareness of dangerous behaviors.

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the simulation test does not provide much knowledge to apply in practical driving. Therefore, removing this test in the driving test is completely correct.