Directorate for Psychological Testing of Drivers

The process of specific drivers' aptitude tests (PAV) is regulated by the 41/2004. (IV.7) GKM (Ministry of Economy and Transportation) decree currently in force.  The goal of the test is to establish:

• The level of behavior-modifying characteristics: Does the driver in question possess all the necessary individual psychological markers needed to carry out safe driving; to react appropriately to traffic conditions; to withstand driving related stress;
• The level of capabilities: Does the driver have the necessary abilities (specifically: observation skills, decision making capability, reaction time) to drive safely? Is he/she capable of acquiring the knowledge and skill needed to manage vehicle control?

Thus, this is a psychological aptitude test for drivers.  It does not aim to examine actual physical driving skills.  In the process, the candidate is tested for psychological compatibility for employment in transportation with the aid of specifically developed tools, tests and a personal interview with a trained psychologist.

Four levels of aptitude qualification are determined:

• I. Category of Aptitude:
•  For emergency vehicles
• II. Category of aptitude:
•  For drivers of public transport vehicles, like buses, trolleys, cars within the transport system;
•  For drivers of buses providing international transport, with permanent seating capacity of at least 17, driver's seat not included;
•  For drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous material
• III. Category of Aptitude- For drivers of
•  Trucks, freightliners, trailers, commercial utility trucks with over 7500 kg maximum weight load, trafficking on open roads in the public transport system;
•  Trucks, freightliners, trailers, commercial utility trucks with over 7500 kg maximum weight load, trafficking on international open roads in the public transport system;
• IV. Category of Aptitude:
•  Private motor vehicle drivers ("B" category license)

Preliminary and periodic psychological testing:

If the driver intends to drive vehicles requiring such testing, preliminary and periodic examinations will be carried out accordingly.  It is done on the driver's own initiative.

Special psychological aptitude testing can be requested on demand:

• by the driver candidate after having failed 5 tests;
• by the police, the district attorney, or court ruling;
• medical personnel in charge of the preliminary, periodic or on-demand examinations;
• by the employer of the driver;
• by the driver himself/herself;

The results of the psychological aptitude test are presented in a written statement that may be appealed for reevaluation.