Iraq to establish specialized driving institutes under new traffic law

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Directorate of Traffic plans to set up specialized driving institutes as part of a revamp of driver training in the country, Director Lieutenant General Adi Samir said in comments published in the official gazette. The new driving schools will be electronically linked to the directorate's registration unit, allowing candidate records to move directly into the licensing system. Samir said training programs for applicants will include a range of examinations and practical sessions held under varying conditions, covering morning and evening hours as well as rain, high heat, fog and cloud cover. The director said the mechanism is intended to raise driver skill levels and improve the efficiency of the licensing process. The project has been submitted to the Iraqi Parliament under an amended Traffic Law and will move forward once the legislative process is completed, according to the official. No timeline for implementation was provided.