Dubai: Improved standards of training and facilities in Dubai’s driving centres has led to a marked rise in the number of candidates passing road tests in their first attempt, However, authorities are looking for ways to improve the quality of training through introducing new curriculum and teaching methods.
Segregation of teaching systems from easy to more tougher levels has been identified as one of the ways to improve the overall results.
More than 700 of the average 1,000 candidates appearing in the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) driving tests are failing every day, meaning only 300 people are successful, which is a source of concern for officials at the RTA because the Dubai’s pass rate from the first attempt is still well below that of developed countries.
Most developed countries around the world have a pass rate of above 50 per cent, with candidates passing on average in their second attempt, while in Dubai a candidate fails more than three tests on average before getting his driving licence.
Even though the pass rate has improved over the last three years from 17 per cent in 2008 to 30 per cent currently, thanks to the improvement in training and facilities, the CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agency believes the new curriculum as well as the upgrade of standards will definitely reflect on the results soon.
“The curriculum we have in place and the segregated teaching codes we have implemented in the driving institutes recently will definitely help improve the pass rate, while at the same time improving the standards of driving and safety on roads,” said Ahmad Hashem Bahroozian, CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agency, following the inauguration of a new training and testing facility by Emirates Driving Institute (EDI).
RTA introduced a new unified driving licence curriculum this year enhancing the teaching modules to the highest international standards.
Referring to the new facility, which is entirely designed according to RTA’s newly issued segregated teaching codes, dividing the premises according to the services it provides, Bahroozian said that the codes reflect RTA’s approach to training on a step-by-step system.
Conveniently located, EDI’s new facility will add at least 300 new seats, catering sufficiently to the overall daily demand for driving licences in Dubai.
“This is our third major driving centre including our head office in Al Qusais and another centre in Al Quoz. We have been looking to give our customers another centre which is centrally located. I think now a lot of people living in Central Business Districts will save time,” said Robert Hodges, Chief Operating Officer of EDI.
Spread across an area of 20,000 square feet, EDI’s new branch is located opposite Mina Rashid in Bur Dubai and offers training and testing in light vehicles and motorcycles.
According to RTA stats, as many as 1.7 million driving licences have been issued in Dubai to date.
