Extra training for motorcyclists, truck drivers and the elderly

DUBAI // The Roads and Transport Authority is seeking to extend theory training for motorcyclists and truck drivers as well as introducing medical fitness tests for elderly drivers.

The RTA, Dubai Police and Dubai Traffic Prosecution have submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Interior to increase the number of mandatory lectures for motorcycle riders to eight instead of two, while trainee drivers of heavy vehicles will have to attend nine lectures instead of the current eight.

It is also recommended mandatory practical training in heavy vehicles fitted with a trailer and adding real-life video clips recorded by surveillance cameras to theory lectures.

Other proposals include requiring elderly drivers to undergo medical fitness tests every three years when they reach 60, and every two years for those aged 70 and above, and adding topics such as what to do if a vehicle catches fire and reporting traffic accidents using smart apps to the RTA-approved driver training manual.

On a federal level, the RTA suggested co-ordinating with the Federal Traffic Council for graduated driver licensing. This involves granting a temporary licence to all new drivers for a specific period regardless of their age. It suggested that 12 be maximum number of black points that novice drivers can incur in one year.

It also recommended re-classifying driver licences to align with best international practices.

Three categories have been suggested for motorcycle licenses instead of one, with consideration given to the age of the driver and the size of the motorcycle’s engine.

The RTA also suggested introducing a new driver license category between light and heavy vehicles, and two categories for heavy vehicle licenses to cover trailers or semi-trailers.

New codes may be assigned to licences for disabled drivers. For instance, the Ministry of Interior can assign AT-HOC for a vehicle with an automatic transmission and hand control, AT-LFC for an automatic transmission with control elements (brake, petrol pedal for us by the left foot) and HA for drivers who use a hearing aid.

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