The RTA has prepared new proposals and initiatives based on a study about the reality of traffic safety and compliance of drivers with systems and legislation on road safety. Dubai: A mandatory health fitness test for new drivers is part of a set of proposals the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has sent to the Ministry of Interior in a bid to reduce traffic accidents.

The RTA has prepared new proposals and initiatives based on a study about the reality of traffic safety and compliance of drivers with systems and legislation on road safety.

Allowing a driver younger than 18 to start training, improved drivers' training and testing courses, providing provisional licences valid for one year to new drivers under 21 years of age and reducing the licence validity period of heavy vehicles' drivers from ten to five years are some of the new initiatives recommended by the RTA.

"The main objective of revamping the driving licence system is to improve drivers' abilities and the level of awareness about safety on roads among drivers and pedestrians alike," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.