What is the CBR Blacklist?
The CBR blacklist was a temporary COVID-19 measure to reduce waiting times and currently only exists as a registry for drivers who pose a serious threat to road safety.
What is the CBR Blacklist?
There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the CBR 'blacklist'. In this article, we clarify the facts and explain exactly how it works.
The Blacklist During the COVID-19 Period
The term 'blacklist', also known at the time as the 'horse measure', originated during the corona pandemic. Due to the mandatory closure of the CBR, over 300,000 exams could not take place. This led to enormous backlogs after reopening.
Waiting times increased rapidly. While the waiting time was 6 weeks in October 2021, it rose to 25 weeks by June 2022. Despite hiring extra staff and deploying retired examiners, the pressure on the system remained too high.
Strict Measures for Students
To tackle the massive waiting lists, the CBR introduced a temporary measure. Anyone who failed the practical exam twice was placed on a temporary blacklist. This meant you could not schedule a new exam for 15 weeks.
The CBR had two main goals:
- Candidates had more time for extra practice.
- The chance of passing the next attempt increased, reducing the number of spots taken by re-examinees.
In the meantime, the corona backlogs have been cleared, and this specific measure is no longer in effect.
Does a Blacklist Still Exist Today?
Many stories circulate about an active blacklist, but much of it is a myth. The 'blacklist' is not an official name, and there is no list for people who are simply 'bad' drivers. You will not be blacklisted just because you fail your exam frequently. In principle, you can retake the exam an infinite number of times.
Who is Actually Registered?
While there is no blacklist for exam candidates, the government does maintain registers of drivers who pose a direct danger on the road. These include persons:
- Whose driving license has been confiscated.
- Who suffer from severe impairments that endanger road safety.
- Who consistently display dangerous driving behavior.
Conclusion
You do not have to fear a blacklist if you struggle with your driving lessons. The blacklist for exam candidates was a temporary emergency solution during the corona crisis. You can easily avoid current registers by following traffic rules and only taking your exam when you are truly prepared.
