14.01.2026 14:37
The Public Ombudsman Institution recommended the Ministry of National Education to record the driving license practical exams with cameras in order to ensure that the exams are conducted transparently and fairly. While the ministry announced that a study on the matter has been initiated, it was learned that the application made to the institution came from a candidate who was deemed unsuccessful despite not making a serious mistake in the second course and had to retake the exam and pay the fee again.
The Public Ombudsman Institution (KDK) recommended to the Ministry of National Education that driving tests conducted to obtain a driver's license should be recorded with cameras.
DID NOT MAKE A MISTAKE BUT WAS CONSIDERED UNSUCCESSFUL
According to the institution's decision, a person living in Istanbul participated in the practical driving test after the written exams to obtain a driver's license. Although the candidate successfully completed the first course, they were considered unsuccessful in the second course despite not making a serious mistake and had to retake the exam, paying the exam fee again.
APPLIED TO THE INSTITUTION
The individual, who claimed that the exam evaluation was conducted subjectively and arbitrarily, resulting in both material and moral damage, applied to the KDK for a legislative regulation to ensure that driving tests are conducted transparently, in a verifiable manner, and under fair conditions to prevent similar grievances.
THE PUBLIC OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION TOOK ACTION
The KDK, which examined the application, recommended to the Ministry of National Education the implementation of a camera system to ensure transparency in practical driving tests.
REASONING OF THE DECISION
The KDK's decision stated that recording the exams with cameras is an important necessity to increase exam security and public trust in public services, to reduce the likelihood of arbitrary or biased evaluations by exam officials, to prevent inappropriate behaviors that may arise during the exam process, and to detect possible accidents.
The decision indicated that if the exams are recorded with cameras, candidates would be able to present concrete evidence in their objections regarding the exam process, and it would also be possible to monitor whether exam officials acted in accordance with the legislation, which would strengthen standardization in administrative practices related to exam services. Following the recommendation, the Ministry of National Education informed the KDK that work is ongoing to update the relevant regulation and that a draft amendment regarding the inclusion of provisions for recording the exam process with cameras is also being worked on.