This year the industry has experienced major changes, and the main driving force behind these transformations is Driving school CredoAutoprieks, which in 2022 took the leading position in introducing an innovative theory training program in Latvia. Thanks to Credo’s significant contribution to the modernization of training and improvement of quality throughout Latvia, for the first time in 8 years CredoAutoprieks has taken first place in the ranking.
Since the introduction of Credo’s video-based training in the industry is revolutionary, it is impossible not to acknowledge the school’s remarkable contribution, which completely changes how theory has traditionally been learned. Since Credo created the first video training platform macam.lv, the product is now used throughout almost all of Latvia.
Together with Credo, a major step has been taken toward the digitalization of driving schools across Latvia, transitioning from the traditional in-person learning model to online learning. Credo was also the first to begin teaching theory remotely during COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, the traditional learning environment and teaching style have changed dramatically, representing a shift in the learning paradigm.
In the history of Latvian driving schools, Credo is recorded as the first driving school to introduce and implement video training. This represents a significant turning point in the history of teaching driving theory.
Dozens of driving schools have followed the example of CredoAutoprieks and started using the macam.lv video training platform. CredoAutoprieks are both the creators of the concept and the authors of the content. The legal basis for video training is based on the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Transport, which recognize video training as an official alternative to in-person theory lessons. The successful experiment has generated enormous interest and response.
The new format completely changes the industry. Considering its advantages, theory can now be learned even from another country in the world and at any convenient time — 24/7. For students this provides unprecedented independence as well as responsibility, since flexible learning conditions allow them to plan their time and pace of theoretical studies according to their preferences. However, the in-person format has not completely disappeared, as regulations require attending at least three theory lessons in person during the year.
For students, video training provides significant savings of both time and money while also improving the quality of training. Theory is presented in a concentrated format, using lesson time much more efficiently. This format allows students to avoid discussions unrelated to the topic, which often occur in traditional in-person classes. Thanks to editing, unnecessary lesson fragments can simply be removed.
However, even the pioneers of this new format still have room for improvement when it comes to maximizing efficiency in video lessons. The video format allows eliminating unnecessary wording entirely and carefully planning every detail by preparing structured lesson scripts in advance.
The CSDD theory exam results of CredoAutoprieks confirm that the video learning format prepares students at a level comparable to traditional classroom training. In 2022 CredoAutoprieks students even outperformed their 2021 results: during the second half of the year (01.07–31.12), out of 1018 exam participants, 95.87% (976) Credo students passed the theory exam successfully. In the pre-COVID years, at the end of 2019, the results were very similar: 95.37%.
The driving school’s progressive approach is also confirmed by the possibility to freely change both instructors and vehicles. Both factors play an important role in preparing students technically and psychologically for the final exam. However, the weak point of CredoAutoprieks remains the CSDD driving exam results, which are relatively unconvincing: in category B only 32.93% of Credo students passed the exam (246 out of 747 students during the period 01.07–31.12). Compared with 2021, the situation in driving exams has only worsened. A trend can be observed that the success rate of Credo students in driving exams is lower than the industry average — meaning students from other driving schools pass the exam more frequently.
When evaluating the transparency of the driving school, special recognition should be given to the fact that the contract is published directly on the website, which remains a rare practice among Latvian driving schools. The possibility to calmly review the contract content is essential for properly planning the training process, therefore we highly appreciate that CredoAutoprieks provides this opportunity to its students.
