According to Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of RTA, the aim of this initiative is to improve the training process for drivers, streamlining of the qualifying and licensing process and the vehicle testing system, and enhancing the level of awareness among drivers and pedestrians alike.

“The ultimate purpose is to rally  joint effort to better serve drivers and road users from various segments of the society. The initiative also is aimed at effectively minimising traffic congestion, road traffic accidents and run-over accidents as well as to bolster traffic culture,” he said.

Al Tayer stated that the RTA had conducted a study that concluded that the majority of fatal accidents was due to beginner drivers who lack sufficient driving experience.

“These measures include introducing additional requirements to be satisfied by beginner drivers and restricting their driving freedom by denying them some of the privileges which are normally granted to experienced drivers.”

“The proposal suggests granting of graduated driving licence whereby a driver begins by obtaining a light vehicle driving licence and after a specific period of time can apply for a heavy vehicle driving licence,” said Al Tayer.

Another proposal suggests classifying truck-driving licences into two levels, truck without trailer and truck with trailer. It also proposes reduction of validity of career driving licence from 10 years to five years, a requirement for medical examination, and further training and qualifying courses every five years following which they are tested to evaluate their ability to identify road risks.

Also put forward by RTA is a proposal to study the possibility of allowing 
traffic files to be opened for applicants who have reached the age to 17 and a half to allow them to begin training on light vehicle driving. Driving licence in this case will only be granted to the applicants who successfully pass the eventual test, subject to completion 
of 18 years.

Al Tayer said the proposal includes obliging all driving licence applicants to disclose their health condition and any chronic diseases that may affect their ability to drive.

“The proposal also requires all applicants who suffer from health problems or chronic diseases to submit medical certificate indicating that they are medically fit to drive,” he said.

ibrahim@khaleejtimes.ae