'Getting a licence is like buying from a supermarket'

Dubai: Getting a driving a licence in Dubai has been very easy; it is just like buying something from a supermarket, said a senior official.

"We are going to change the existing procedure because we are not satisfied with it," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.

He said that the training and testing of new drivers will be separated. While driving schools will train a new driver, the RTA's team will conduct tests.

"I can't believe that someone can be issued a driving licence within a week or so but it has happened here," Al Tayer said while criticising the procedure adopted by driving schools.

"I can't comment on the procedure being followed in other emirates to issue a driving licence," he added. But he said that the RTA will recommend unifying the training and testing system for new drivers across the UAE. "We are sending recommendations to the Ministry of Interior on this issue," he told reporters after inaugurating the Second International Conference on Traffic Safety in Dubai yesterday.

"We are not making it tough to get a driving licence but making it 'a fair deal' to ensure that a person gets their licence only after they know all the rules and safety aspects," he said.

He said people of more than 160 nationalities have obtained driving licences in Dubai. "They come from different cultures and driving conditions. We need to make one standard for everyone," he said.

The RTA has invited three international consultants to study best practices around the world and draw up a standard procedure for issuing a licence.

Al Tayer said the new system of issuing a driving test would be in place within the next three months.

Meanwhile courses related to safe driving, traffic and road safety will be included in the school curriculum from the next academic year, said an official.

Dr Obaid Butti Al Muhairi, Director for Curriculum and Instructions, Material Development Centre at the Ministry of Education said the Ministry is currently preparing the course in cooperation with the police and RTA.

The RTA is also considering revising the minimum age for applying for driving licences.

"Revising the age will also be part of the study, which will be conducted on the procedure of getting a driving licence," said Maitha Obaid Bin Udai, Chief Executive Officer of the Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA.

The ratio of deaths in road accidents has become alarming in Dubai as the city has recorded 19.7 deaths per 100,000 people.

"It is a very dangerous indication as the rate of deaths in traffic in countries such as Sweden, the UK and Germany ranges between five to eight death per 100,000," said Al Tayer.

Half of the people who join driving classes here are holders of licences from other countries. It's a shame that still it takes a whole week to issue licences to them. States like Sharjah, Ajman, etc make this a couple of months. Driver testing should be done on a more radical basis. Other countries in GCC like Saudi Arabia issue licences to drivers in less than a week. The driving licence tests and procedures should be unified throughout the country; not that each state has its own laws and takes its own sweet time for issuing licences.
J Newman
Dubai,UAE

I have a suggestion to reduce the traffic problem; locate the staff in proper accommodation which is near to their office or factory.
Eldosophy
Dubai,India

People with money can get their driving licence very easily.
S Mohammed
Sharjah,UAE

I welcome this procedure because we can prevent accidents by not giving licences to people unless they are well trained and qualified. We need to stop people buying their licences.
S Natharsha
Dubai,UAE

All people should undergo rigorous driving tests irrespective of where they come from; only then will things improve.
I Munawar
Sharjah,UAE

I remember a time when I was young, my Dad used to say that getting a DL in Dubai was like getting a PHD. It was much tougher and the tests were done only at Traffic Departments with no options to learn on automatic cars. When I got mine, I was so proud, even the guys who I have driven around say that I am an exceptionally good driver. Its high time Dubai Traffic Dept. did something about all the new learners who are just handed their licence on a sliver platter, on their first test. It is such a sad state!
S Moses
Dubai,UAE

How gratifying to read that at last driving standards look to be taken serious in Dubai and other Emirates by the RTA. Let us hope for all concerned that matters will be put into force without delay.
Mrs C Humphrey
Colchester,UK

This is a good rule which is being applied - there are a lot of reckless drivers who cause accidents. I remember four years back it was tough to get one. I got my license on my ninth attempt and due to that I am perfect, I would say!
S Fernandes
Dubai,UAE

There should be a common rule for all the emirates since the same driving licence is valid throughout U.A.E
Alwyn
Sharjah,UAE

Most of the driving institutions don't have any procedures to be followed by the students. Students should be issued a copy of procedures that need to be followed while going for driving classes.
Thayaparen K
Dubai,UAE

I got my licence six years ago and since that time I wanted to recommend if anybody wants to obtain a driver's licence they should pass the manual test. If they can not drive a manual car then they should not qualify to get a driving license. Also, changing driving license of some countries to UAE driving license is not fair too, some of these countries drive on the right side, how they know to drive the left wheel car?
G Hajbiglou
Dubai,UAE

The training and testing of new drivers should be separated. It is ridiculous that someone can be issued a driving licence within a week. Here in Sweden will be takes about a year.
S Soedi
Gothenburg,sweden

Road accidents have increased during the last couple of years and the best way to stop this is proper training. Licences must not be given to people under 25.
A Qureshi
Dubai,UAE