People planning to obtain a driver's license or retake the licensing exam should take note of Taiwan's updated driver's license regulations. Under the new system, drivers whose licenses were revoked and who were prohibited from retaking the test for more than three years must complete driver training before applying again. In addition, the written test for automobile licenses has been upgraded with a new format and hazard perception video questions to strengthen road safety awareness.
Under the current regulations, applicants whose licenses were revoked and who faced a driving ban of more than three years must complete a road safety education course and driver training at an authorized driving school before retaking the test. Those banned for more than six years are also required to complete additional training at the Highway Personnel Training Institute and may only apply for a standard passenger vehicle or ordinary heavy motorcycle license. The measures mainly target high-risk drivers, including those involved in drunk driving, dangerous driving, or repeated serious traffic violations.
The automobile written test has also been revised. The exam now consists of 50 multiple-choice questions drawn from an expanded question bank of 1,100 questions. It also introduces hazard perception video questions that assess applicants' ability to recognize and respond to potential road hazards. The updated test places greater emphasis on speed management, yielding to pedestrians, safe driving practices, and defensive driving concepts.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the new measures are part of its driver's license management strategy to improve driver education and strengthen retraining for high-risk drivers. The reforms aim to enhance road safety by ensuring that new and returning drivers possess the knowledge and awareness needed for safer driving.
