Friday, Aug 04, 2017

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing medical test procedures for motorists aged 65 and above who wish to renew their driving licences.

They will now be required to undergo medical screening at public and private hospitals and clinics approved by the RTA in Dubai as of September 1 this year.

“The introduction of this initiative stems from the keenness of the RTA to achieve the highest traffic safety levels for road users. The implementation of this procedure will start as of September 1 this year for motorists aged 65 and above. The test is intended to verify if motorists are free from diseases that may impact their driving abilities to the extent of posing risks to road users,” said Jamal Assada, director of Driver Licensing at RTA’s Licensing Agency.

“The validity of the renewed driving licence (for this category of people) will be three years only, instead of 10 years. There will be an online link with the approved hospitals and clinics enabling them access to the online licensing system of the RTA to judge the medical condition of applicants for driver licence renewal,” said Assada.

“Introducing the medical fitness as a precondition for the renewal of driver licences reflects RTA’s commitment to the life of motorists and road users, including pedestrians.”

The renewal of driver licences service will be available through RTA’s Call Centre (8009090), website (www.rta.ae) and app on smart phones/devices (RTA Dubai).

Staff Report

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