CRI听力:Individuals Allowed to Take Driving Tests without Driving Instruction Centers

The Ministry of Public Security has amended the rules which will allow individuals to take their drivers test without having to go through a driving instruction center.

The amended rules will begin in July.

Chinese transportation industry observers say the move should help eliminate bribery at driving instruction centers throughout the country.

"I think it is an important move of the public security department. The existing problems show that we have unclear understanding between the training process and the driving test. The training is conducted by a company, but the driving test is organized by the government, while the license is issued via administrative permit. So the training and the testing processes should be separated."

The changes to the regulation come as the courts in Guangxi deal with a massive bribery ring involving both driving instructors and local transportation department officials.

Would-be drivers were forced to pay their driving instructors 600 yuan each to pass their test.

Part of that money would be kicked-back to the local department of motor vehicles.