Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will soon unveil comprehensive systems to develop Drivers' Qualifying and Licensing Directories in Dubai.
The project is being modelled based on the best global practices applicable in this field, with a view to achieving the highest traffic safety standards and to easing traffic congestion in Dubai.
Meanwhile, a number of residents have been complaining about the RTA's system of testing and licensing drivers at the institutes.
There have been a number of complaints from driving schools as well as students regarding the RTA's tough training tests and decrease in the number of drivers who are able to pass the tests.
A student at a driving school said he has taken more than 40 driving lessons, but has not been able to pass the driving test and has to wait a long time to get test dates.
"Besides the burden of the driving lessons for which I have to take time out of my busy work schedule, there is the cost of the lessons. It seems the RTA does not want anyone to pass, except after paying a good sum of money," he said.
Comprehensive system
According to a statement issued by the RTA, through the comprehensive system of developing drivers' qualifying directories, it is aiming to overhaul the currently existing systems, to identify the practical difficulties, assess the applicable legislations and drafting new ones to match the latest methods and procedures, as well as to improve the quality of driving by applying the latest and best practices worldwide.
Directories
The project encompasses preparing two directories; one for inspectors and the other for instructors of all types of vehicles.
These directories cover methods, means and standards of testing, methods of dealing with the public in terms of data communication, methodology of training on all types of vehicles, driving and traffic rules and methods of driving under various weather conditions.
The entire project is concerned with preparing and developing a syllabus for training and qualifying drivers, as well as providing them with information on patterns of learning driving, traffic rules, and methods of safe driving.
It also provides them with information related to methods of obtaining driving licences for all sorts of vehicles such as motor bikes, light vehicles, heavy vehicles, and light and heavy machinery.
Maitha Bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, said the project aims to work out a mechanism for drivers' training and testing procedures, as well as promoting traffic awareness and culture among those seeking to obtain driving licences.
It also seeks to upgrade procedures, systems and methods of licensing drivers so they can cover engineering, educational, environmental and health aspects.
"The project is comprised of five stages that cover studying and evaluating the prevailing procedures in Dubai with regards to qualifying and licensing of drivers in all technical, operational and legislative aspects," she said.
Training and testing motorbikes will be fitted with systems that will produce print outs of reports showing the ability of the student to drive and control the motorbike.
The project proposes introducing a training and inspection regime for driving heavy trucks, as well as trucks with trailers in order to complement the suitable training for heavy vehicle drivers at the associated driving category.
Conditions: Instructor credentials
The RTA's comprehensive project stipulates a number of conditions and personal characteristics that have to be applicable to the instructor.
The instructor should not be less than 25 years of age, demonstrate good conduct, have a driving licence issued from the UAE three years earlier and for the same type of vehicle that the instructor intends to conduct the training on.
The instructor should also be qualified by the institute in which he will act as an instructor until he passes the instructors' test prepared by the Licensing Department.
Other conditions include holding at least a secondary school certificate or equivalent, passing the medical test, and maintaining an accident and offence free file. Additionally the institute shall comply with any stipulations made by the Licensing Department.
Your comments
It is a good idea to streamline the licence issuing system. It is not only the driving expertise that matters but also the man behind the wheel -- his traffic conscience and presence of mind. Let us hope for safe driving days ahead.
P.N.P.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 09:47
It is about time. The roads are always congested and there are rude and ignorant drivers everywhere. Most people on the road don't know the traffic rules; only those who really do should be allowed to drive a car -- others should stick to public transport. Also, the licence of traffic violators should be confiscated.
Karl
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 09:23
I am happy that the RTA is trying to bring the system to global standards. But the RTA inspectors should be the first ones to be trained properly. They fail the students for silly reasons.
Sunil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 09:23
This move towards a more comprehensive system is a good one. However, the final tests should be taken as quickly as possible after the completion of the classes.
Jojo
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 08:44
The new driving licence should be valid for only three years and not ten. And a driver should not be given a permanent licence unless he can produce a clean record for at least a year. This will help us to learn road discipline.
Sujit
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 08:29
Since the past one year, I have appeared for five road tests. I was confident that I would get my licence this time. But they failed me again despite my instructor telling me that I drive quite professionally. It seems that the RTA his instructed schools not to let the passing percentage exceed 12. My wife will deliver a baby this month; I live in Ajman and my office is in Jabal Ali. God alone knows how I am going to manage without a licence.
Imran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 08:24
The candidates are asked to take more classes than required just to qualify for the road test. They clearly want to make money.
Antony
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 08:16
I agree with the implementation of tougher rules but what is the solution for old drivers, who have had a licence for several years and don't care about the laws?
Afaq
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 08:16
These driving classes are very expensive and with so many of them, it will become difficult for an average salaried person to get the licence.
Maniarasu
Al Satwa,Dubai
Posted: December 26, 2007, 08:02
Is the test not tough enough that they want to make it even more tough? You have to wait for months before you can take the road test in Dubai. There is a long gap between the test and the classes and we don't get any practice during this time -- this being one of the main reasons for so many failures.
Irfan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 07:44
The RTA should have thought about traffic safety much before when private institutions were giving out licences all too freely. Why was the RTA silent then? That is why Dubai is so congested and there are so many traffic violations and accidents.
Dileep
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 07:38
Until the RTA formulates its strategy, what should those who already have a driving licence from other GCC countries do? How do we manage with our families here? Or should we leave Dubai and return only after the RTA has made up its mind?
Albert
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 07:36
It is a good move. The way these driving institutes respond to a new candidate is not very positive. He has to wait for at least two months before he can start his training. Once he qualifies for the road test, he has to wait for a month to take the test. This delay should be minimised.
Narayanan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 07:11
The problem is not the tests but the instructors. If you can't pass the test after 40 lessons, either the training is bad or the candidate is not fit to drive. Not only are too many people reckless but they obviously can't control their vehicles. Just look at the way most people park their cars.
Martin
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 07:07
I doubt whether anybody will pass the test after overhauling the driving examination. When the RTA introduced the 40-class system in January, they said chances of passing will improve but we all know what is happening.
Srinivasa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 06:59
The RTA should have strict guidelines to train the drivers. The classes are a waste of time and money. Also, there should be a refresher course for "old drivers" or those who have had a driving licence for a long time. And if they fail, their licences should be confiscated.
Michael
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 06:50
Yes, it is very tough to get a driving licence here. We spend a lot of money on these classes. I have noticed that whether a student passes or not often depends on the mood of the examiner. Please take some action against this.
Ann
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 06:43
Yes, finally the rash drivers will be kept off the roads. God bless the new examination system.
Markus
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 26, 2007, 05:28
