Annual medical tests for private chauffeurs

dubai — Beginning August 1, private chauffeurs employed by individuals or families in Dubai will have to undergo annual medical tests instead of the previous system requiring medical testing of professional drivers based on the expiry of their driving licence (i.e. 10 years), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai announced on Monday.

The annual medical test of private chauffeurs would be carried out through RTAapproved hospitals and medical centres. According to the authority, “the step marks the broadening of the scope of the annual medical test, which has been previously restricted to heavy and light truck drivers, and taxi drivers”.

“The RTA had subjected all professional drivers to annual medical tests as a precondition for obtaining permits to practise their occupations as per the federal legislations. Private chauffeurs would be subjected to this system from August 1 this year,” said Jamal Assada, director of Drivers’ Licensing of RTA’s Licensing Agency.

“This is instead of the earlier system requiring medical testing of chauffeurs only during the expiry of their driving licences,” he explained.

Assada underlined that “the step would protect the safety of families who hire private chauffeurs through checking

The RTA had subjected all professional drivers to annual medical tests as a precondition for obtaining permits as per the federal legislations.”

Jamal Assada, director of Drivers’ Licensing, RTA

their medical fitness to practise the job.

“It stems from the authority’s keenness to step up the traffic safety and enhance the safety of family members by keeping the medical condition of chauffeurs under annual medical examination,” he added.

The professional driver’s permit is a proof of clearing the prescribed medical tests, and that the chauffeur is free from diseases specified in the traffic system.

Medical tests include screenings for epilepsy, heart attacks, eye and neurological diseases, blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments which are considered dangerous to drivers while sitting behind the wheels, and therefore pose risks to road users.

“According to the law, the permit granted to non-Emiratis shall become invalid in case of leaving the job with the sponsor. A new permit for working with another sponsor will only be issued after the lapse of two years from the date of leaving the job unless the conditions of sponsorship transfer have been fulfilled,” Assada noted.

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