Belarus: New Laws on Phones in Schools, Pensions, and Driving Tests

Belarus Updates: New School Rules, Pension Hikes, and Driving Test Changes MINSK, BELARUS – Recent changes in Belarus have impacted education, pensions, and driving regulations. Starting September 1st, 2025, Belarusian schools will implement stricter rules on mobile phone use during school hours. "Learners will have to hand in their mobile phones from the start of classes and receive them after the end of all classes," stated the Ministry of Education. This affects both urban and rural schools. Meanwhile, pensions have seen a 10% increase, providing welcome relief for many pensioners. Additionally, citizens can now legally grill shashlik near their homes, provided safety regulations are adhered to. This change has been met with enthusiasm, particularly during the warmer months. Finally, the driving test has undergone revisions. The city driving exam now requires only three maneuvers instead of eight, and the autodrome test has been eliminated for category C licenses. One driving instructor commented, "This simplification will make it easier for people to get their licenses and reduce the pressure during the exam." These changes reflect the Belarusian government's ongoing efforts to adapt policies to meet the evolving needs of its citizens.