Authority to introduce computerised testing for learner drivers

Dubai: Pearson VUE, a UK-based company, will conduct computer-based driving tests for learner drivers in Dubai.

The Road and Transport Authority has entered into an agreement with Pearson VUE to deliver what it believes will be the world's most high-tech driver-testing system.

Pearson VUE will start working with the RTA from early next month to handle all the test delivery aspects including candidate registration and payment, publishing the on-screen theory test on Pearson VUE's software, ensuring test network security, managing and safeguarding candidate data, providing multilingual customer support and assessing candidates under live conditions in the practical part of the driving test.

Engineer Ali Al Jasem, Director of the Drivers Licensing Department at the RTA's Licensing Agency, said that the new project marked a huge transition in driver-testing systems and would help improve customers' satisfaction levels.

"It will be the first time such a highly sophisticated driver-testing system is delivered in any Arab country, particularly given the multilingual support element to Pearson VUE's service," he added.

Candidates applying for a Dubai driving licence will have the option of many different languages when going through the process, including English, Arabic and Urdu.

Al Jasem said that Pearson VUE already delivers the world's largest computer-based testing programme, the Driver Theory Test for the UK, and has years of wide-ranging experience in administering driving test.