Driver’s licence and vehicle inspection fees have been cut nearly in half, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation announced late last week.

According to the joint ministry statement, dated January 21, the cost of testing for a car licence has dropped from 180,000 riel (about $45) to 90,000 riel (about $22.50), and they are valid for 10 years. Licences for larger vehicles such as trucks and buses saw similar price reductions and are valid for five years. Replacing or renewing any of these licences costs 30,000 riel (about $7.50). Motorcycle licences for over 125cc cost 20,000 Riel (about $5) and are good for 10 years.

The processing time for all licences is 10 business days according to the document, which also says vehicle inspection fees have been lowered by 40 per cent.

The announcement also specified that converting a foreign licence into a Cambodian one now costs 25,000 riel (about $6.25) and takes three business days.

San Chey, director of the accountability NGO ANSA-EAP, welcomed the modifications but recommended the government move towards publicly run driver’s education, as currently the only options are private schools, which he says incur a higher cost on citizens.

Responding to this suggestion, however, Preap Chanvibol, director of the land transportation department, said the state has no plans to open driving schools and that competition in the private sector keeps prices low.