The Ethiopian Ministry of Transport and Logistics has announced the completion of a comprehensive framework to launch a modern, technology-driven regulatory system. This new initiative will mandate all currently active drivers across the country to undergo mandatory retraining and professional competence assessments to verify their driving skills.
To officially execute this national initiative, titled the “National Drivers’ Competence Assessment, Training, and Safety Improvement Project,” the Ministry has signed a contractual agreement with SDS Safety and Driving Skills. This partnership will oversee the comprehensive registration, standardized training, and subsequent digital evaluation of motorists nationwide.
Unlike traditional licensing methods, the Ministry confirmed via its social media channels that the upcoming assessment system will be fully digitized. Drivers will be required to successfully complete a prerequisite refresher training course before sitting for the practical and theoretical digital evaluations.
The primary objective of this modernized regulatory framework is to enhance national road traffic safety. By ensuring that motorists drive only after definitively proving their competence under the new criteria, the government aims to significantly reduce traffic accidents, fatalities, bodily injuries, and property damage.
While the regulation will eventually apply to all motorists, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics noted that commercial vehicle drivers will be prioritized in the initial rollout phase. Commercial drivers are urged to prepare as the registration, training, and assessment processes are scheduled to commence in the near future.