New SRC System: Exam Changes for Truck, Bus and Courier Drivers
New SRC System: Key Changes for Truck & Bus Drivers
Turkey has implemented a major reform to the certification process for commercial drivers. The Ministry of National Education (MEB) has revised the rules for obtaining the SRC (Special Transport Services) certificate, impacting truck drivers, bus drivers, and now officially including motorcycle couriers under a new centralized system.
Centralized Exams via ÖSYM: Effective May 1
Major Shift: Starting May 1, SRC certification exams will no longer be conducted by individual training courses. All exams will be administered centrally by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). This change aims to standardize testing and enhance transparency across the board.
Simplified Testing: No Practical, Lower Pass Mark
The new system simplifies the assessment structure significantly.
- Practical Exam Abolished: The hands-on driving test has been completely removed.
- Theoretical Focus: Certification will now be based solely on a centralized written exam.
New Passing Score: The minimum required score has been lowered from 70 points to 60 points. Candidates scoring 60 or above will pass.
Additionally, the number of allowed exam attempts has been increased from 4 to 8.
Updated Rules for Training & Course Management
The regulation introduces more flexibility and structure for trainees and course providers.
- Training Freeze: Trainees with valid reasons (e.g., illness, pregnancy, military service) can now pause their training.
- Important Deadline: Both training and exams must be completed within one year from the official approval date of the training group.
- Course Fees: SRC course prices will be set annually by provincial commissions and approved each January.
Inclusion of Motorcycle Couriers & Increased Capacity
A significant update is the formal inclusion of motorcycle couriers in the SRC system, standardizing their professional qualification. To meet rising demand and prevent shortages, authorities have also increased the permitted number of training courses based on regional population size.
Overall Goal: The reformed system is designed to simplify the path to professional certification, improve accessibility, and ensure a fairer, more consistent examination process for all commercial drivers in Turkey.
