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Dubai - The annual medical test would be carried out through RTA-approved hospitals and medical centres.

Beginning August 1, private chauffeurs employed by individuals or families will have to undergo annual medical tests instead of the previous system requiring medical testing of professional drivers based on the expiry of their driving license (i.e. 10 years), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Monday.
The annual medical test of private chauffeurs would be carried out through RTA-approved hospitals and medical centres.
According to the RTA, "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."
"The 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," Jamal Assada, director of Drivers' Licensing of RTA's Licensing Agency said.
"Private chauffeurs would be subjected to this system as of August 1 this year, instead of the previous system requiring medical testing of these chauffeurs with the expiry of their driving licenses i.e. 10 years," he explained.
Assada underlined that "the step would protect the safety of families who hire private chauffeurs through checking their medical fitness to practice the job. It stems from RTA's keenness to step up the traffic safety and enhance the safety of family members through keeping the medical condition of chauffeurs under annual medical examination."
The professional driver's permit is a 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 wheels, and therefore pose risks to road users.
"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," Assada noted.
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• Dubai