UAE | Traffic and Transport

RAK female driver pass rate on the rise

The number of women granted driving licences in 2008 increased by 10 per cent, according to the Traffic and Licensing Department.

  • By Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:38 January 7, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Source: Ras Al khaimah Traffic and Licensing Department Luiz Vazquez/Gulf News

Ras Al Khaimah: The number of women granted driving licences in 2008 increased by 10 per cent, according to the Traffic and Licensing Department.

Similarly, the number of women applying for driving licences in Ras Al Khaimah has noticeably increased, but according to the department, "majority of women fail their tests several times before passing."

The officers opposed the general belief in society that driving is a male-dominated technique.

A total of 8,710 people were granted new driving licences in 2007 and almost half of these were women. During 2006, a total of 7,106 people were granted driving licences, of which 40 per cent were women. The 2008 statistics, set to be released soon, show that the number of women granted driving licences has increased by at least 10 per cent, according to sources in the statistics section at the Traffic and Licensing Department.

The department, however, shed light on the repeated failure of women in their driving tests and attributed the trend to various reasons including women's fear of taking the test and the low number of driving schools for ladies.

"We do not fail women on purpose," said Colonel Saif Al Zaabi, who heads the Drivers Licensing Section at the Traffic and Licensing Department. "Some pass their driving tests on their first trial," he added.

High standards

"The failure of women in the driving tests has to do with lack of confidence," he said.

Colonel Al Zaabi added that women's driving schools here lack high standards for oral and practical qualifications, as women are sometimes sent for driving tests before they are ready to take them. Driving schools do not turn trainees away, but they register all newcomers which results in congestion at the women's driving schools.

Meanwhile, trainees usually prefer to take the test before they are ready, because of the costs of lessons, which is about Dh40-60 per hour.

"The space available for training at the schools also differ from the areas allocated by the authorities for actual tests. The different types of vehicles used for training and the tests make the situation even worse," he said.

Colonel Al Zaabi stressed that for the good of the women trainees, areas used for training and testing, and vehicles used should be standard to spare women repeated failures.

Are women better drivers? Or does gender make no difference? How was your experience of getting a drivers licence?


Your comments


I am trying for a license in Dubai, I registered with a school and found that the dates given for lesson are after a long time. I failed the road test once and my experience with the schools has been very bad. The test inspector only gave four minutes to four candidates in my batch. I had timed my watch to see how much time they dedicate for the road test. Despite being so strict in licensing, one sees so many accidents in Dubai.
Sanjeev
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 17:55

I have enrolled in a well known driving institute in Dubai and already given four tests. In the waiting area we meet students who have given more than 10 tests and each time examiners give different excuse and find out mistakes. Earlier, we had to take seven classes if we failed a test. Now it has been increased to eight, which means more expenses. Sometimes students pass tests even after making mistakes. Additionally, female examiners are extremely arrogant, they give you your report without even telling you about your mistakes.
Sunitha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 17:27

I feel is there is no difference in driving based on gender. A driver is a driver whether woman or man. When I compare my driving to that of my brother, it is very different.
Kiran
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 11:46

The rate of female drivers passing tests is on the rise everywhere. However, someone should notice these women driving after they have passed, no offense to the gender. It is time to put the foot down and check that the driving skills really match the requirements.
Mr M Kamal
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 11:26

Unfortunately my Australian P license did not immediately qualify me for a Dubai driver's licence. So, I commenced in April 2007 and spent the next five and half months, including nearly every Saturday, doing four-six lessons each week. Every lesson takes 40 minutes and you have to take another six lessons if you fail a test. I passed only after taking 62 lessons and five hours of lecture (crammed in a lecture room with 400 other people) apart from becoming Dh12,000 poorer because I had to pay VIP rates and Dh200 each way just to get to the driving school. I was failed twice - once for disobedience, because ?signal left? meant signal left turn in 500 meters and the second time for driving too slow in bumper to bumper traffic! I passed the third time even though there was no real difference in my driving from the previous two tests. After failing each week, I would go back for the test and would find that the same women were in the room each week. I would hear stories of them being failed 10-15 times - one had spent Dh25,000 and was still nowhere close. Ironically, I will have to go back onto Ps when returning to Australia. I felt privileged to have an amazing instructor, who has taught me to become a better driver. Unfortunately, learning to drive in Dubai does not produce better drivers to support overall road safety on Dubai roads.
Leanne
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Posted: January 08, 2009, 10:57

I failed 13 times...
Kyle
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 10:17

For me gender makes no difference. As long as you drive carefully and attentively, you can be a better driver. It took me two tries to pass the driving test. However, I want to ask what the basis of passing the test is? Because many drivers pass the test and get a license but still don't know how to drive. For example, our car is parked in a designated parking area and yet when you take a look there's damage everywhere due to an inconsiderate driver, or should I say someone who does not know how to drive. How could they get a licence if they hit a car which is parked. Imagine what would happen if it was being driven on the road? So, I?m calling out to all those who have passed their driving test - please show that you deserved to pass.
Carlo
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 09:53

I was very lucky to pass on the first try. My friends could not believe it because they have been trying for three or more times and couldn't make it.
Samiha M. Hassan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 09:43

I have given the test six times but failed because I get nervous during the tests. This is why I decided to stop applying.
Khalaf Mosad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 08:59

The gender does not make any difference. It is only important how safely you drive for yourself and others. I joined a well known driving institute in August and have so far given seven tests. However, each time the examiner has a different reason for failing me, which decreases the morale of students. Additionally, the institute creates a havoc for the students and never provides adequate replies when we have any queries. Their only aim is to take as much money as possible. If the authorities could help people who are suffering to get their licence it will be a big help for many frustrated people.
Jaya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 08:26

I don't say that women are better drivers but I think they are careful drivers. Thankfully, I got my licence in the first try itself. I was nervous for the test but could manage it, I must add with immense support from my husband. Additionally, the training I got from the driving school helped a lot.
Shifa Asif
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 08:20

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