Test your driving skills in seven more languages

Dubai - The seven languages added are Hindi, Persian, Russian, Chinese, Bangla, Tamil, and Malayalam.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the endorsement of seven additional languages in the Theory Knowledge Driving Test (the knowledge test needed to obtain vehicle driving licence).
The service, which enables examinees to select the option of running the text in their mother tongues, is part of RTA's continuous endeavour to realise its third strategic goal of making people happier.
"The seven languages added are Hindi, Persian, Russian, Chinese, Bangla, Tamil, and Malayalam. The test material is run in a voice-over translation accompanying the text written in the language of the examinee," said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA Licensing Agency.
This brings the total number of languages available in the Knowledge Test to 11. The computer-based knowledge test is currently available in English, Arabic and Urdu and Pashto.
The applicant can now select the preferred test language; which translates into a better and clearer understanding of driving and traffic rules which will help enhance the safety of road users as well as the examinee (after clearing the tests and obtaining the driver licence)," he added.
"With the introduction of this step, all permits issued to applicants who were previously entitled to translate the test material have been terminated; which is an important procedure towards ensuring transparency and neutrality of the test in respect of all examinees.
Meanwhile, the written Arabic language test has been amplified with the voice-over service to enhance the audio understanding of traffic rules and offer equitable chances to all applicants," continued Bahrozyan.
"Adding more languages to the theory knowledge test for driver licence applicants stems from RTA's recognition of the growing number of nationalities as well as urbanisation witnessed by the Emirate of Dubai which naturally increases humans' need of driver licences. This step was taken to ensure the grooming of drivers capable of contributing to the realisation of RTA's vision of Safe and Smooth Transport for All," added Bahrozyan.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai