The second wave of changes to Israel’s kafkaesque driving program will be instituted next Monday, June 1, 2015, the Ministry of Transport announced Monday afternoon.

According to the changes, which follow a program implemented in November 2014, the cost of the official driving exam will be reduced to 265 shekels ($68), down from at least 500 shekels ($129) in 2014 and 300 shekels ($77) in the first half of 2015. 

The price specifically cuts the cost for renting the test proctor’s vehicle for the exam, which was included in the exam cost.

Transportation Minister MK Yisrael Katz (Likud) noted that the change could save hundreds of shekels for parents and students – referencing, perhaps, the common knowledge that a large percentage of aspiring drivers inevitably fail the practical exam at least once. 

A third phase of the plan will be implemented in March 2015, wherein the maximum charge for the exam will be reduced once again to 229 shekels ($59). 

The Director of Licensing at the Ministry of Transport, Zion Mizrahi, sent a flier regarding the change to the district managers and supervisors of driving schools and warning them to ensure the changes are implemented. 

Critics of the program have previously expressed concerns that the reduction in test costs will drive up the cost of lessons – of which 30 each are required at some 140-200 shekels ($36-51) per lesson.