Frustrated by licence process, reader gets help

Dubai: It's a case of "never say die". Six attempts and no driving licence to show for this, 20-year-old Pooja Sharma had almost given up all hope. Upset, she decided to bring public attention to her problem - she wrote to Gulf News.

"I sought help because what was happening was unfair. I just wanted some consideration and knew the newspaper could help the common people," the Indian expatriate said.

After her letter was published as the lead in the "Letters to the Editor" section in Gulf News, March 22, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) contacted Gulf News to help resolve the driving dilemma.

"All cases raised by Gulf News are looked at and resolved. We monitor complaints on a daily basis with the assistance of the marketing department via media watch," Ali Mohammad Abdullah Al Jassim, Director of the Drivers' Licensing Department, said.

Unaware that her letter had been published, Pooja said she was "thankful for the best birthday present ever", when Gulf News's readers' section notified her of the RTA's gesture.

The RTA clarified that Pooja was not a special case and that all service users' issues carry equal weight.

"We care about all RTA customers and would like to ensure their satisfaction to the services provided, as part of our customer courtesy," Al Jassim said.

He added that a solution would be sought once his team had a chance to meet personally with Pooja. He said: "We intend to assist Pooja by allowing her to be tested by a committee, provided that she completes her training classes."

I know a lot of people who finished more than after 10 tests. My comment is, the person should be at least 90% OK on road, then only he/she has to get a licence. Every day accidents are increasing. So for me as a pedestrian, no one is eligible to get a special consideration in this regard.
Santhosh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2009, 16:37

Patience is a virtue. It will come if it is your time. RTA officials are fair to those who really deserve it.
Ataniz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2009, 16:32

I got licence in second try. may be pooja might not be driving proper or she might be doing some mistakes. Well girls make most of the accidents on the road.
Rashid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2009, 14:19

It's very good thing that somebody raised the voice against the RTA in driving license case. I also gave seven road test, but in vain. Last time, while driving the instructor himself told me that I can drive the car safely but need little bit more attention and he failed me. I will say to Pooja, Bravo! Keep it up.
Arvind S. Kapse
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2009, 14:14

I do not know what happened with Pooja. A friend of mine has submitted his file almost a year ago in Sharjah but still not called by the department for learning. I think they should think of another way to solve these issues.
Omar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2009, 12:31

Hi. I'd love to comment on this subject. In the beginning I also feel that I?m a victim of RTA, when I applied in driving school. After every failed attempt, I claimed that I had done well enough to pass. But when I examine my driving deeply, I found some drawbacks which I was able to overcome by the help of my respected instructor. When I drove right, I got my license. Believe me, I think the behaviour and the quality control of RTA is absolutely necessary in the best of all citizens on the road. Now after driving on the road neatly for nearly one year, I understand the importance of strictness in my training as it gave me enough confidence. It?s a matter of fractions of a second in securing u and others. Now I think that the biggest problem is our attitude. Majority of the student have pre-assumed mind that they are perfect drivers and RTA is unfair to them. Believe me this keeps them unable to concentrate on the training and to acquire mental strength required on UAE roads. My advice to all is that RTA doesn?t know any student personally, and believe me they treated all as same. So whenever u fail in an attempt, just concentrate and train more to satisfy the standards of RTA, rather than justifying your mistakes. My advice to all is, RTA is not going to help you, unless you help yourself. Whenever you fail in the attempt, ask your examiner for your mistakes, and next time get training sincerely. Lot of us failed because of not paying attention to our instructor and thinking that we already know that. So get your attitude change and take the license.
Abdul Rahman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2009, 12:20

I don?t understand why people blame the authority for not passing the rods test. I got my licence in the very first attempt and I am just 18years old. I have seen it very clearly they (the authority) pass all those who drive perfect. If one does not pass it is totally her/his mistake. I thank the Almighty that my sister and I got the licence in the first time on the same day. I request people not to blame others, its their mistake somewhere.
Salma
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2009, 11:47