Driver licensing shake-up aims to improve safety

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LICENSING CHANGE: The RTA proposals are aimed to make driving safer in Dubai. (Getty Images)

Major changes are in the pipeline for Dubai's driving licensing system as traffic chiefs try to improve safety on the city's roads.

Learner drivers will have to undergo theoretical testing and will have to complete a driver's handbook on road safety as well as the normal driving test under proposals by the Roads and Transport Authority.

And new drivers in Dubai who do not hold international licences that can be converted to UAE licences over the counter will only be licensed to drive for an initial one year with licences being renewed only if motorists keep clean driving records.

The changes are included as part of a comprehensive RTA training programme for driving instructors and examiners to ready them for the changes to the system, a spokesman said.

Ali Al Jassim, director of the Driver Licensing Department confirmed that this transition training is considered a prerequisite to make changes in the driver training and licensing system and is expected to last for 34 weeks.

The training will be scheduled in such a way as to minimize disruptions in the current testing activities.

He added that the project was one of the projects being initiated by RTA as part of its concerted efforts to improve the overall road safety situation in Dubai.

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