The Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, has announced the start of annual medical tests for private chauffeurs employed by individuals or families as of 1st August, 2017.
The medical tests are mandatory for both existing drivers as well as new applications.
The step marks the broadening of the scope of the annual medical test, which has been previously restricted to heavy and light truck drivers, and taxi drivers.
Jamal Assada, Director of Drivers’ Licensing of RTA’s Licensing Agency explained, "RTA had subjected all professional drivers to annual medical tests as a precondition for obtaining permits to practice their occupations as per the federal legislations. Private Chauffeurs would be subjected to this system as of 1st of August this year, instead of the previous system requiring medical testing of these chauffeurs with the expiry of their driving licenses which is 10 years.”
"The step would protect the safety of families who hire private chauffeurs through checking their medical fitness to practice the job. According to the law, the permit granted to non-Emiratis shall become invalid in case of leaving the job with the sponsor. A new permit for working with another sponsor would only be issued after the lapse of two years from the date of leaving the job unless the conditions of sponsorship transfer have been fulfilled," commented Assada.
“The annual medical test of private chauffeurs would be carried out through RTA-approved hospitals and medical centres. The Professional Driver’s Permit is proof of clearing the prescribed medical tests, and that the chauffeur is free from diseases specified in the traffic system. Tests include epilepsy, heart attacks, eye and neurological diseases, blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments considered dangerous to drivers while sitting behind the wheel, and therefore pose risks to road users,” he added.