26 December 2007
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.
By Alia Al Theeb
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
