Driving in Kefalonia: Training, roads & behavior - What driving instructors say

Road safety is one of the most critical issues in any area, especially in places with unique geomorphology, such as Kefalonia. With narrow roads in many places, many turns, and infrastructure that often does not meet modern needs, the training of new drivers becomes even more important. But how is the situation developing in this particular area?

To get a real picture of driving in Kefalonia, we spoke with three professional driving instructors: Spyros Loukatos, Thodoris Damoulianos, and Eleni Lada. With decades of experience, the three shared their views on the training of new drivers, the challenges faced by instructors, the condition of the road network, and the driving behavior of both locals and visitors. Their views shed light on the problems, shortcomings, and possible solutions, offering a comprehensive picture of driving on the island.

Training new drivers: Necessary changes

Mr. Spyros Loukatos, owner of a driving school in Argostoli, has been operating since 2001 and finds that “the training of new drivers has not changed at all over the years.” As he emphasizes, “many interventions should have been made, both in the theory textbook and in the practical part of the exams.” A similar view is expressed by Mr. Thodoris Damoulianos, who has 32.5 years of experience, being the owner of driving schools in Argostoli and Lixouri: “The manual changed somewhat in 2002 and became more detailed, but the exam remains the same. A parking, a reverse maneuver… the process is standardized. I believe it is not the best.” He suggests adding additional tests to the exams, such as night driving, in order to make new drivers more prepared for the roads. 

It is worth noting that Mr. Loukatos suggests that attention should also be paid to the psychological preparation of the student. 

Ms. Lada, with 23 years of experience in the field, being the owner of a driving school in Lixouri, emphasizes the need to introduce road safety and traffic lessons in schools: “Children need to learn from an early age how to ride a scooter, a bicycle, how to walk safely on the road. If they don't learn as children, we will never become good drivers.” Mr. Loukatos agrees and proposes “a permanent traffic education lesson from kindergarten,” while Mr. Damoulianos suggests frequent training and the inclusion of road safety seminars in schools. Essentially, all three hold a common stance, highlighting the need for the state to invest in the driving education of children. 

The role of parents in education

At the same time, a serious issue identified by driving instructors is the attitude of parents towards their children's education. Mr. Damoulianos, characteristically states that in the past, parents would tell the driving instructor, “I want you to teach my child to drive well, to become a safe driver on the roads.” Today, however, they settle for the basics, saying, “Do the basics and I'll teach them later.” The result of this is that many young people drive without having acquired the necessary experience. 

Ms. Lada adds that “unfortunately, many parents today are more concerned about the financial aspect than having their child learn proper driving. This is unpleasant.” As she points out, “there are children who want to complete their education properly and others who are not interested.” Mr. Loukatos agrees, saying that “the poor judgment of parents is evident from the question we often hear: 'How much does the license cost?'” He points out that “a license is not just a piece of paper, but a license for life.”

The condition of the road network in Kefalonia

All instructors agree that Kefalonia's road network is problematic. Mr. Damoulianos describes it as “poorly maintained” and specifically mentions the Lixouri - Argostoli road, saying that it has narrow road networks without markings and with insufficient signage, and drivers must be particularly careful as it is a route where unforeseen events can occur, such as unaccompanied animals moving freely. Ms. Lada describes a similar picture: “Most of the asphalt pavements are old, the asphalt does not have the same grip when it rains.” In addition, the roads are full of potholes, without proper signage and markings, elements that also burden the “health” of vehicles. Indeed, Mr. Loukatos adds that “damage to vehicles is constant.” 

The driving behavior of residents

Regarding driving behavior, instructors state that there are significant problems. Mr. Damoulianos emphasizes that “experience is what will make you a driver, not the license,” while explaining his position by saying that “new drivers cannot appreciate that 30 km/h can be dangerous. When they realize it, it may be too late.” At the same time, he stresses that the individual's behavior on the road is a matter of character and education, and referring to the summer traffic, he criticizes tourists who stop with their vehicle wherever they find to take a picture of a landmark or a herd of animals, as this can prove to be a dangerous decision. 

Ms. Lada finds that “the driving behavior of locals is often disturbing - as in any other part of the world - and argues that “there should be a way for all drivers to attend some lifelong learning courses.” On the other hand, Mr. Loukatos observes that “Kefalonians have road education, but in summer, with increased traffic, exasperation is intense and expected.”

Proposals for improvement

Instructors agree that significant interventions are needed to improve road safety. Mr. Loukatos emphasizes the need to focus on education: “Children must be educated from an early age.” Mr. Damoulianos proposes the introduction of traffic education lessons in schools, while Ms. Lada argues that “the state must provide continuous information and control drivers.”

In addition, improvements to the road network are requested: “Barriers, mirrors, better signage and markings are needed,” Mr. Loukatos points out. Mr. Damoulianos advises that “safe driving requires careful movements, low speeds, correct road positioning and risk assessment.” It is worth noting that Mr. Loukatos points out the need to create infrastructure for safe training of motorcyclists: “The state has not given us a track to examine. We use a football field for slalom, something unacceptable and dangerous.”

Statistics are relentless... for all of Greece

Road safety is a serious issue throughout Greece. According to Traffic Police data, in 2024, 998 violations for speeding were recorded daily, while 90 drivers were found driving under the influence of alcohol. At the same time, 50 drivers ran a red light, while another 50 had their driving license revoked due to mobile phone use while driving.

From the beginning of the year until the end of November, traffic controls increased by 35%, reaching a total of 6.2 million controls. These numbers show that traffic violations are widespread and are a significant risk factor on the road network. Specifically, there was a 26% increase in speeding violations, 21% in cases of driving under the influence of alcohol, and 31% in traffic light violations.

The statistics for road accidents are also disheartening. In 11 months, 9,648 accidents were recorded, of which 525 were fatal. The dead reached 559, while 478 people were seriously injured. Attica recorded the most accidents, with 5,684 incidents, although the region shows a slightly decreasing trend. In contrast, areas such as Central Greece and Western Greece continue to show high rates of traffic accidents, with 45 and 44 fatal accidents respectively by the end of November.

Conclusion

The issue of road safety in Kefalonia requires immediate and substantial interventions. From deficiencies in the road network to the training of new drivers, the challenges are many and complex. As driving instructors point out, strengthening traffic education from an early age, stricter and more substantive practical training, and improving infrastructure are essential steps for a safer future on the island's roads. In addition, a change in mentality for both new and more experienced drivers is crucial. Responsibility on the road concerns not only the exams for obtaining a license, but overall our behavior as drivers and citizens. The cooperation of instructors, the state, and society is necessary to ensure that Kefalonia's roads are not only picturesque, but also safe for everyone.