Whatever happened to driving at age-16 in the UAE?

Dubai is "seriously considering" lowering the driving age to 16, according to the emirate's top traffic cop.

People aged between 18-21 years old are less likely to cause road accidents and deaths, said Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, Head of Dubai Traffic Police.

He said that this fact has been revealed by a study that is currently being undertaken by both Dubai Traffic Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The study looked at road accident statistics of the past years.

"The fact that younger drivers are less likely to cause accidents has made us consider reducing the age for a driving licence to 16 years," said Maj Gen Zafeen.

Dubai Traffic Police has set a group of strict regulations to assure the safety of this drivers' age group, said Al Zafeen.

Motorcycle licences are given at age 17.

"Usually young people of this age are more curious to try driving," Al Zafeen added.

Driving motorcycles is more dangerous than driving cars, he pointed out, adding, “If teenagers at age 16 are allowed to get their driving licence that will prevent them from driving in illegal and dangerous ways threatening their own lives and the lives of others.”
 

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