The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has submitted several proposals to the Ministry of Interior that could change the way training courses are carried out.
The RTA said it sent the proposals through the Standardised Training Modules for Learning Driving in Dubai Team comprising specialists from the RTA, Dubai Police and Dubai Traffic Prosecution.
If the proposals are implemented, there will be five major changes:
- There will be eight uniform mandatory lectures for applicants seeking driver permits of motorcycles instead of two lectures, and nine lectures for applicants of driver licenses for heavy vehicles instead of eight.
- A mandatory practical training on heavy vehicles fitted with a trailer before the license, in order to comply with the applicable international standards.
- Real-life video clips recorded by surveillance cameras in various roads of the Emirate will be a key component of theoretical lectures for trainee drivers.
- There will be new requirements of medical fitness of elderly drivers by subjecting them to medical testing every three years when reaching 60, and every two years reaching 70 and above.
- The RTA-approved drivers training manuals will be revised by adding a provision about how to deal with vehicle fires incidents and using smart apps for reporting traffic accidents.
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of Licensing Agency, RTA, said the suggestions also include coordination with the Federal Traffic Council for the gradual issuing of driver licenses.