Dubai's RTA rolls out special training for delivery bike riders

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced on Monday a special training course for delivery bike riders in Dubai.

“The tailor-made course will define the obligations and procedures to be observed by drivers for their safety and the safety of community members. The initiative is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to boost the safety and security of roads in Dubai. It is also part of a master plan to regulate the business of delivery, logistics and electronic media companies in Dubai,” RTA noted.

Responsibility of drivers

The key components of the course include the legal responsibility of drivers, traffic rules relating to the driver, reasons and statistics of traffic incidents, how to deal with different driving conditions and how to react during traffic incidents and with emergency vehicles.

According to RTA, accredited driving institutes will undertake the training of delivery riders then at the end of the course, an assessment will be made to verify drivers’ knowledge.

Occupational work permit

Early this year, the RTA also announced that delivery riders are required to secure an occupational work permit from the authority.

In an earlier exclusive interview with Gulf News, Abdullah Ibrahim Al Meer, director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA’s Licensing Agency, said the occupational permit is included in the comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at promoting public health and boosting road safety

Al Meer explained there is a difference between having a motorcycle licence for leisure or personal needs and acquiring one for commercial or work purposes. He added: “Given the continuous growth of delivery services in Dubai and the extensive reliance of residents on these services, it has become imperative to regulate the industry and bring it in line with the world’s top practises, especially regarding security and safety.

“The objective of these regulations is to ensure compliance with the highest safety and quality standards, to reduce traffic accidents and to protect both the consumers and delivery riders,” he continued.

The RTA will also keep a rider database and work permits will be renewed every year. Like taxi drivers, delivery riders are required to undergo a medical test annually. A police clearance is also required to get a delivery work permit.