Deadline for 'Private Driver' permits ends in 2 days: AD Police

Abu Dhabi Police called on citizens, residents and entities that employ and sponsor drivers, to take advantage of the deadline to obtain a work permit for "private driver" for light vehicles, which ends on March 1, 2013.

Colonel Mohammed Mayouf Al Kutbi, Director of the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department at of Abu Dhabi Police, indicated that strict measures will be taken against violators who are driving without a permit, in coordination with the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police.

He noted the importance of this measure to enhance safe driving on roads and verify drivers’ fitness and health, to make sure they do not suffer any disease that may affect their ability to drive. For this end, medical examinations are required from drivers, when applying for such permits annually.

He added that improved traffic safety indicators in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are a main priority for Abu Dhabi Police; which implements an integrated methodology for Traffic Safety. He pointed out to the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department’s contribution in this regard, by implementing the criteria and conditions for driving licenses issuance, and acquainting drivers with traffic safety.

Moreover, Al Kutbi indicated that such permits set the rules for both the sponsor and the sponsored and are of mutual benefit to them. They also support Abu Dhabi Police’s efforts to reduce traffic accidents. “These permits will eventually replace driving licenses for individuals who work as private drivers. Nonetheless, private drivers are not allowed to drive using their regular driving license,” he pointed out.

Al Kutbi explained that the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department plans to regulate drivers’ medical examination, and rehabilitate violators and perpetrators of traffic accidents as of 2014. For this end, a new mechanism for drivers medical examination will be developed in cooperation and coordination with the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, according to the best standards in the this regard. Moreover, the Department will leverage the expertise of developed countries such as the United Kingdom, to rehabilitate drivers and monitor their good health condition.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Traffic Law stipulates acquiring a driving permit for all individuals wishing to work as private drivers, as per the conditions set forth by the law.

Furthermore, the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department will begin issuing permits for drivers of heavy vehicles and buses; individuals and employees working for government departments and the private sector as of next April, with a three-month deadline as of the date of issuance, ending on June 30. He added that strict measures will be taken against violating drivers who do not hold such permits after the deadline.

Colonel Mohammed Mayouf Al Kutbi indicated that the driving permits issuance service is available at the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department GHQ; as well as at the Mussafah and Khalifa A centers; the Emirates Driving School branch; the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing sections of Al Ain and the Western Region.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.