The issue of employee remuneration is emerging as a key factor in the staff shortage, according to Boyko Ranovski, Executive Director of the Executive Agency "Automobile Administration." In his words, the situation is as follows: "The average salary for an examiner in the position of inspector is 987 euros. We also have examiners at 860 euros. I have assurances from the ministry's management that next year, salary levels will be adjusted within the limits allowed by the budget." As a specific example of a critical shortage, he points to the Montana region, where due to the retirement of the only examination board chairman, two unsuccessful competitions were held with no candidates applying, necessitating the temporary staffing of exams with officials dispatched from other regions.
Despite the difficulties, the administration assures that the workload remains stable. Ranovski commented on the trends: "This process has been going on for years. There is no extraordinary strain or increase in the number of candidates taking exams. The figure in 2026 is the same as it was in 2025 and 2024." In an effort to reduce subjective assessments, the agency is focusing on digitalization by further upgrading the information system that generates examination routes. Along with this, new safety measures aimed at young drivers are being prepared.
It is planned that drivers who have obtained their license less than two years ago will be required to undergo additional training. "Drivers, as well as young drivers who have obtained their license within two years of acquiring it, should go through such additional follow-up training for risky road situations, which exists in most European countries," explains Ranovski. The training will include practical exercises at specialized testing grounds, covering simulations of adverse weather conditions, hydroplaning, and slippery terrain. Regarding the cost of driving courses, the executive director emphasizes that the agency does not set prices, which are regulated by the market, while noting that about 70% of candidates pass the exam on their first attempt.
The management's focus is also on the planned comprehensive reorganization of control activities on the road network, as it is currently fragmented. Ranovski describes the problem as follows: "Currently, control is fragmented. There is control mainly by the Ministry of Interior, control by the Executive Agency 'Automobile Administration', and control by the National Toll Administration. Everyone is controlling something along their own lines, but there is no single body to unite these efforts." The expectation is that by consolidating data from various technical systems and creating a unified oversight mechanism, significantly higher effectiveness in countering road violations will be achieved.