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29 March 2024

Special licence for mini-bus in Dubai

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

Driving a minibus is likely to require a ‘special’ license in the near future in Dubai.

Currently, driving a minibus is allowed if the driver in the possession of a regular driving license, as the minibus is categorised as a light vehicle.

However, this might change soon. "We are reviewing this categorisation and it is very possible that mini-buses will be categorised as a heavy vehicle in the future," said Ahmed Bahrozian, CEO Licensing at the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), to Emirates 24|7.

"We are currently reviewing the differences between a regular car and a mini-bus. There could be technical differences which require a different kind of training," Ahmed added.

Indika Balasuriwa (26), who drives a minibus for his company to deliver products to the customers agrees that driving the minibus is different.

"You have to put more pressure on the gas and brake pedal. There is a different engine in a minibus as well," the Sri Lankan said.

"It is not very difficult to learn though," he added. When I first drove the bus I had to get used to it. But it took me two days, and then I was fine."

Another driver using a minibus to deliver stated that there was no issue in driving it at all. "It is easy, I do not think there is much difference," the 30-year-old Indian said.

Categorising the minibus as a heavy vehicle would mean a different training, resulting in a different license required.

However, this will only be implemented in Dubai for the time being. “If we proceed with this, it will be implemented in Dubai, and not immediately at the Federal level. However, there is a chance that the new categorisation will picked up at the Federal level too,” said Ahmed.

Indika said: “I can see why this would be done. There is a safety element too. We are sitting on the wheel as a driver, which is very close to the front of the bus. When an accident happens, we are very vulnerable.”

Currently the use of minibuses is reviewed too, as authorities argue that transportation of humans is not safe in the minibus.

The use of minibuses in school transportation is under review and might be banned.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)

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