Will Illegal Road Training Disappear? Police Ease Regulations on Driver Education

[Financial News] A new policy will allow those who have obtained a driver's license to receive affordable Road Driving Training near their homes.
The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) announced on the 1st that driver's license holders will soon be able to receive Road Driving Training from driving schools at a location of their choice, with reduced tuition fees.
Until now, novice drivers who wanted to improve their skills through Road Driving Training had to visit a nearby driving school in person, which was inconvenient. Due to high tuition fees, many opted for illegal road training outside of registered schools.
However, illegal training has been criticized for its risks, such as the absence of auxiliary brakes and incomplete car insurance, which can result in inadequate compensation in the event of an accident.
In response, the KNPA has decided to overhaul the driving school system so that novice drivers can receive Road Driving Training in a safer and more convenient environment.
First, the existing procedure requiring license holders to visit the school in person for fingerprint registration and course enrollment will be improved. In the future, instructors will be able to bring school vehicles directly to the student's preferred location, enhancing accessibility and convenience. Training will no longer be limited to school-designated routes but can take place near the student's home, workplace, or other desired areas.
Regulations on vehicles used for Road Driving Training will also be relaxed.
Currently, only vehicles with strict road training markings and specific paint standards are permitted, making it difficult to offer training with various types of cars such as compact, mid-sized, or large vehicles. With the new changes, driving schools will be able to use a wider range of vehicles, greatly expanding students’ options.
Additionally, a standard operating manual for Road Driving Training has been established, providing a framework for students to systematically learn the necessary skills.
As a result, the operational burden on driving schools is expected to decrease, which should further reduce tuition costs for students. Previously, the average cost for 10 hours of training was 580,000 won, but the KNPA explained that easing regulations on instructors and vehicles will lower operating expenses and lead to significant tuition reductions.
Amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Road Traffic Act and the Enforcement Rule of the Road Traffic Act, which include these changes, have already been completed. Once driving schools finish preparations for on-site training, the new system and reduced tuition are expected to take effect in mid-December.
Kim Hoseung, Director of the Traffic Safety Division at the KNPA, stated, "This reform aims to improve the quality of driver education, maximize convenience for students, and minimize tuition burdens, thereby creating a safer environment for novice drivers and contributing to the prevention of traffic accidents." He added, "We will continue to pursue necessary reforms to ensure a safe traffic environment."
welcome@fnnews.com Jang Yu-ha Reporter