Plan to issue probational driving licences

Plan to issue probational driving licences
By Ashfaq Ahmed and Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporters Published: June 05, 2008, 00:09

Dubai: Driving licences for new drivers could soon become valid for one year only instead of the current 10 years according to a new study.

Dubai Police's Traffic Department and the Licensing Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are studying the possibility of implementing the system of "probation driving licence" for new drivers.

Ahmad Bahrouzian, CEO of the agency, said the licensing agency has prepared this proposal. The aim is to qualify safe drivers, change the driving culture and reduce the number of accidents, as many of them are caused by new drivers.

He said the proposal has been sent to Dubai Police and the Interior Ministry for review and feedback.

According to the proposal, new drivers will receive driving licences valid for one year. The licence will be renewed every year for three years during which the behaviour and driving attitudes of the drivers will be monitored. After three years, the drivers will be given the driving licences valid for 10 years.