Learning to drive can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for new drivers like Myla, who recently had a run-in with a traffic violation while on the road for the first time. In the UAE, sudden swerving carries a hefty fine of Dh1,000 and four black points on the driver’s license. However, in the case of a learner like Myla, who has not yet obtained a driving license, the responsibility falls on the driving institute where she is taking lessons. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority clarified that if a traffic violation is committed while learning to drive, the driving institute will be fined.
At the Emirates Driving Institute, instructors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of learners and other road users. It is the instructor’s responsibility to guide and instruct students on proper driving techniques, rules, and road safety. The instructor must remain calm, focused, and patient while teaching, providing immediate feedback to help students develop their driving skills. With training vehicles equipped with safety features and dual controls, instructors can prevent accidents during driving lessons and ensure a safe learning environment for novice drivers.
Road safety specialist Thomas Edelmann emphasizes the importance of focusing on new drivers, as statistics show that a significant number of major accidents are caused by new license holders. To address this issue, stakeholders must raise awareness for safe driving practices, starting from schools and universities up to driving schools, employers, and parents. Edelmann also suggests introducing mandatory road safety curriculum in schools and revisiting driving school curricula to instill safe driving habits early on and emphasize the responsibility that comes with acquiring a driver’s license.
In addition to proper guidance from instructors and a focus on new drivers, RoadSafetyUAE provides safety reminders for all motorists to ensure a safe driving experience. These reminders include wearing seat belts at all times, maintaining a proper distance between cars, avoiding distractions from passengers and mobile phones, refraining from driving with passengers until feeling safe and experienced, sharing safe driving tips, and being involved and caring on the road always. By following these safety precautions and receiving proper instruction, new drivers like Myla can navigate the road safely and responsibly.
