Taiwan requires driver training for licenses revoked over 3 years

台灣要求駕照吊銷超過3年的駕駛接受駕駛訓練。

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced Monday that drivers whose licenses have been revoked for more than three years will be required to complete driver training courses before reapplying for a license starting June 30.

The ministry said the new rules are intended to improve pedestrian safety and strengthen penalties for dangerous driving. Amendments will be made to the Road Traffic Safety Regulations, the Regulations Governing the Re-application for Driving Licenses, and the Regulations Governing Private Motor Vehicle Driver Training Institutions, per CNA.

Under the new system, drivers with licenses revoked for more than three years must complete driving and road safety training before they can retake licensing exams. Officials said the courses are designed to improve understanding of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and risk awareness.

The ministry said the measure is part of a broader three-pronged driver’s license management strategy that includes stricter written tests for car and motorcycle licenses, enhanced retraining programs for traffic offenders, and tighter standards for license re-examinations.

Previously, drivers whose licenses were revoked for more than three years could directly retake driving tests without attending a driving school. Starting June 30, those who attempt to drive without completing the required training course will be treated as unlicensed drivers.

Chao Chin-wei (趙晉緯), a ministry specialist, said about 5,000 motorcycle and scooter riders and another 5,000 drivers experience long-term license revocations each year, per UDN.

Chao said drivers previously could retake licensing exams after suspension periods tied to offenses such as drunk driving or fatal crashes without additional training. He said refresher courses were deemed necessary because they provide practical, hands-on training, and that drivers returning after long suspensions should be treated similarly to novice drivers.

As a result, affected individuals will be required to obtain learner’s permits while practicing on public roads. Only after completing the training course and passing examinations will they be eligible to receive formal driver’s licenses.