UAE | Traffic and Transport

RTA approves night driving lessons

The Licensing Agency of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has allowed driving schools to conduct night driving classes as part of its pilot project to expose drivers to different driving conditions. The night driving lessons are offered from 8 to 11pm.

  • By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
  • Published: 22:55 February 11, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Driving schools in Dubai have introduced night classes on weekdays for individuals unable to go for driving lessons during the day.
  • Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News

Dubai: Residents can now take night driving classes in Dubai, Gulf News has learnt.

The Licensing Agency of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has allowed driving schools to conduct night driving classes as part of its pilot project to expose drivers to different driving conditions. The night driving lessons are offered from 8 to 11pm.

"The main purpose of starting night classes is to help learning drivers get used to night driving conditions," said Ahmad Behroozian, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at RTA's Licensing Agency.

He said the pilot project which started on February 9 would continue for one month and the decision to introduce night classes on permanent basis would be taken after getting feedback from driving schools. Night classes are now available in the driving schools in Dubai. He said currently it is not mandatory for all drivers to have night classes but it would be once the system is in place.

Earlier driving classes were being held in two shifts from 9am to 1pm and 3 to 5pm but now a third shift from 8pm to 11pm has also been introduced.

Driving schools have received good response to night driving classes. "The response has been very positive since we introduced night classes on February 9. Although it is for one month initially, we would recommend to make it a permanent feature because it not only helps learner drivers develop better skills to drive at night but also reduce waiting time for drivers to start their driving classes," said a spokesperson of a leading driving school.

He said there was huge rush of people waiting to start driving classes. "It takes one to two months for an applicant to start lessons," he added.

Also, a number of people, who cannot afford to go for driving classes during the day due to their job commitments, can also benefit from this new service.

"It's a great news for me because earlier I could not start lessons for my driving licence as there were no classes after my work hours," Jamshed Ali, a salesman, who works from 9am to 7pm at a store.

Will you take driving lessons at night? Do you think being able to take lessons in the evenings will encourage more people to go through the process of obtaining a driver's licence? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.


Your comments


It's a very nice decision from RTA to start the night classes thanks RTA. Thanks a lot.
Yasir
dubai,pakistan
Posted: February 12, 2009, 13:03

Yes, my husband will take his driving lessons in the evening since this is only the free time on weekdays. It is really helpful to workers like us that we cannot meet shifting on the day time. It's indeed, a GREAT NEWS! Thanks RTA
Kentry
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:35

It is indeed a good idea, but surely requires a careful watch.
Shoaib S. Lucky
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:00

Yes, it will help many employed people to start the classes. Great news
Nazneen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 11:44

I prefer to take a night driving class since night time has less traffic and also temperature is favorable even in summer.
Epifanio Torregosa
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 10:27

As a person who has obtained a driving license recently, I think its a commendable move by RTA. New drivers in particular, find it a bit difficult to drive on roads at night since they are not used to it. This move will certainly help in reducing the application burden on driving schools as well as help in curbing road accidents by new drivers
Zainab
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:54

I acknowledge night timings I received my license four years ago, it was initially difficult to get on the road at nights because of the headlights reflecting off all the mirrors. It will definitely be beneficial and make the experience better.
Jacob George
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:23

Most of the people are working all day till 6 or 7pm. So the new decision by RTA is appreciable. Now the busy people also can register themselves for the licence and can take the classes very easily. But the Authority has to make sure that the "L" vehicles do not cause more traffic during their third shift. Otherwise trainings have to be performed in a separate area. I think the same system also has to be implemented into other emirates.
Abdul Jabbar P.C.K.
dubai,U.A.E
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:18

It?s good news for me because I have time now for my driving. I have waited for a long time to have a chance to go to driving school but I couldn?t find the time. Thanks for the night ships. I?ll enrol now.
Leah Arazas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 09:01

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