Posted: Friday, 24 April 2015
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently briefed a number of government agencies on new standards applying to professional driving permits issued to some drivers in the emirate. The standards ensure that drivers of lorries, buses, taxis and private chauffeur vehicles possess the appropriate level of medical fitness. RTA officials say certified drivers will have undergone a series of medical tests proving their physical fitness to drive commercially. Moreover, either directly or indirectly, it appears as though the UK has influenced the driving licence requirements implemented by the RTA.
According to Emirates 24/7, the "medical standard applied in Dubai, which is approved by the DHA [Dubai health Authority], conforms to the standard of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) applied in the UK".
RTA officials indicate that part of the reason for comparing the new standards to the UK standard is to ensure the new medical requirements conform to European requirements as a whole. The UK's medical assessment standards were likely adopted – or at least used as a basis – because of the perceived quality of those standards.
Dubai officials recognise that the UK is very serious about making sure all commercial drivers are medically fit. UK standards are among the highest in Europe, requiring drivers holding certain classes of driving licences to undergo rigorous medical examinations by NHS doctors or approved private physicians. Drivers unable to pass annual medical exams are no longer fit to drive.
As with the UK standards, Dubai's new medical standards will encompass things such as blood pressure, eyesight, and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, which can become problematic. Drivers must be in overall good health in order to be considered medically fit to drive commercially.
In its presentation, the RTA did not outline company responsibilities relating to current drivers or those they hire in the future. However, driving licence data will be available to hospitals and physicians so that records can be updated when drivers undergo medical examinations. It is assumed the Dubai system will eventually make it possible for companies to check driving licences in much the same way UK companies will be doing beginning this summer (2015).
Fleet Licence Check is already capable of checking driving licences according to data contained in the DVLA record. Our licence checking service is an essential tool for companies with business vehicles, keeping managers and company directors apprised of individual driver status at all times. We currently run more than 20,000 licence checks annually.
Licence checking will become more difficult in a couple of months when the paper driving licence document is abolished. Employers will no longer be able to request to see that document, having to rely on electronic licence checks instead. Companies in need of licenced checking assistance are encouraged to contact Fleet Licence Check. For more than 20 years, we have been providing our clients with reliable licence checking and claim handling service. We can assist you as well, regardless of the size and scope of your business.
Source: Emirates 24/7