Mexico City—
In a move aimed at cracking down on corruption and improving road safety, the Mexican government has announced a new requirement for all drivers in the country to obtain a special driver’s license, starting January 1, 2022.
The new driver’s license, known as the LNE (Licencia Nacional de Examen), will replace the current system of state-issued licenses and will be valid nationwide. The LNE will be issued by the federal government and will require all drivers to undergo a standardized driving test to assess their skills and knowledge of traffic laws.
The announcement of the new driver’s license system comes amidst growing concerns about the high rate of traffic accidents in Mexico, which have been attributed in part to lax enforcement of traffic laws and the prevalence of fake or fraudulent driver’s licenses. According to official data, Mexico has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in the world, with an average of 24,000 deaths per year.
“Improving road safety is a top priority for the Mexican government, and we believe that the introduction of the LNE will help us achieve this goal,” said Javier Rodriguez, the Minister of Transportation. “By ensuring that all drivers undergo a standardized test, we can better assess their ability to drive safely and reduce the risk of accidents on our roads.”
The LNE will be issued in two categories: A and B. Category A will be for private and commercial vehicles, while Category B will be for motorcycles. To obtain the LNE, drivers will be required to pass a written exam on traffic laws and regulations, as well as a practical driving test to demonstrate their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
In addition to the new testing requirements, the LNE will also include security features such as biometric data and QR codes to prevent counterfeiting. The cost of the LNE will be $1,200 pesos (approximately $60 USD), and it will be valid for a period of five years.
The introduction of the LNE has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some drivers welcome the change as a step towards improving road safety, others have expressed concerns about the cost and inconvenience of obtaining the new license.
“I think it’s a good idea to have a standardized test for all drivers to ensure that they are competent behind the wheel,” said Maria Gomez, a taxi driver in Mexico City. “But the cost of the new license is quite high, especially for those of us who rely on driving for a living.”
Critics of the LNE have also pointed out that the new system may not effectively address the root causes of traffic accidents in Mexico, such as the poor condition of roads and lack of enforcement of traffic laws.
“The problem with road safety in Mexico goes beyond just licensing requirements,” said Jorge Hernandez, a spokesperson for a local drivers’ rights organization. “We need better infrastructure and more effective enforcement of traffic laws to truly make our roads safer for everyone.”
Despite the challenges ahead, the Mexican government remains committed to implementing the new driver’s license system and improving road safety for all drivers in the country. With the deadline for obtaining the LNE fast approaching, drivers are urged to start preparing for the new requirements to avoid any potential disruptions in the future.
