RTA starts issuing driver certificates

RTA launched the initiative recently to help drivers as well as employers to secure certificates that show the history of a driver’s behaviour and driving pattern.

“This a good service for an employer, who is looking to hire a driver. He can check the applicant’s driving habits by applying for the history certificates which will show the number of fines and black points a person has received over a period of time. The information will help find out how safe a particular driver was,” said Abdullah Al Hammadi, Manager of Driver Licence Issuance at RTA’s Licensing Agency, speaking exclusively to Gulf News.

He added that the certificates can also help applicants negotiate a bargain for motor insurance.

“If a person’s driving record is good, he or she can definitely use it as a factor in getting a bargain for motor insurance. Generally, insurance firms consider things like zero claim in a year etc, so this will definitely help,” he added.

Transfer

Another benefit, Al Hammadi pointed out, is that many countries ask for formal letters from authorities to transfer Driving Licences and the Experience Certificate will help in this case.

“If you a driving licence for so many years and you have graduated from light vehicle to heavy vehicle, the experience certificate will provide details as to how many years a person has been holding a particular category licence. Many countries, like Canada, seek such certificates to directly transfer licences, the just don’t accept the licence cards that are issued by authorities,” said Al Hammadi.

The certificates can be applied through, RTA website, service centres as well as call centres and from July the service will be available on RTA Kiosks that are located at various public locations such as malls.

Each certificate will cost Dh60 and an additional Dh20 will be charged for door-to-door delivery. Alternatively, those who apply online or through call centre can collect their certificates from designated service centres.

A copy of a driving licence has to be presented to the authorities to apply for the certificates.   Gulf News