Touchscreens introduced for driving licence test

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced touchscreens to test the theoretical knowledge of driving licence applicants and the initiative is set to be launched at Gitex 2010.

The latest technology also includes electronic eyesight testing of applicants.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, the CEO of Licensing Agency, Traffic and Roads Agency of RTA, said: “We are constantly seeking to introduce the latest electronic technologies to measure the knowledge about traffic rules and road safety gained by driving licence applicants. The current theoretical test, which is still applicable, includes 10 questions all of which are related to road signs only.

“Through this new technology we have added other questions raising the total number to 35 relating to signals, skills of the applicant, measuring the traffic awareness of the applicant and how he or she copes with vehicle and other road users in a way that proves the applicant’s aptitude for obtaining the driving licence.

“The test comprises 17 general questions about driving and 18 questions relating to the type of the required driving licence. To pass the test, the applicant has to get at least 11 correct answers in the general questions, and at least 12 correct answers in the special questions category.”

Advanced technologies have been introduced to run the test using an electronic touchscreen to ease the movement between questions.

Bahrozyan said the new service, which would be physically launched in the forthcoming period, would be comprehensive and would be delivered in three main languages: Arabic, English and Urdu.

“We have also taken into consideration those individuals who cannot read by providing them with audio-visual systems to show them the requirements of the theoretical test,” he said.

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