ROP decision mandates setting up motorbike driving schools
In an effort to enhance road safety and discipline among motorcyclists, Royal Oman Police has issued a decision to set up specialised driving schools for motorbikes across the sultanate.
The decision - No 2024/56 - issued by Lt Gen Hassan Mohsin al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, amends certain provisions of the executive regulations of the Traffic Law, specifically targeting the training and licensing of motorcyclists.
The amendments stipulate stringent requirements for setting up motorbike driving schools, including Omani nationality of the applicant with a good reputation and no criminal convictions. Schools must have premises spread over no less than 2,500sqm and provide licensed bikes (150cc to 250cc) for training and testing purposes, adhering to technical specifications of ROP.
Additionally, these schools are required to have appropriate classrooms for driving instructions and deliver a curriculum approved by Traffic Safety Insti
It will encourage parents to enrol their children in these schools, which will teach them proper traffic rules and spread traffic discipline among the youth RASHID FAQIR AL BALUSHI
tute. The training bikes must be used solely for instructional purposes, fitted with a driving instruction plate. Schools must be equipped with helmets featuring Bluetooth headsets to facilitate communication between instructors and trainees.
The curriculum must cover traffic law provisions and first aid principles, delivered by Omani lecturers certified in first aid from accredited institutes. A comprehensive electronic register must be maintained, detailing information about trainees, instructors, motorbikes and equipment used in training.
The decision also sets clear prohibitions, including restrictions on teaching individuals under 18, those without a learner’s licence, or using unlicensed or outdated bikes. Instructions are not permitted between 10pm and 6am, nor in congested and densely populated areas.
The initiative was lauded by security and safety experts. Sultan al Rawahi, a security and safety expert, told Muscat Daily, "This decision is a significant step towards reducing accidents and traffic violations, especially among young people. It will also alleviate traffic congestion on roads."
He added that establishment of similar schools in European countries proved effective. “This initiative will promote greater discipline in traffic movement in Oman.”
Rashid Faqir al Balushi, a safety officer for FIA World Rally, expressed optimism about the timing and impact of the decision. "It will encourage parents to enrol their children in these schools, which will teach them proper traffic rules and spread traffic culture among the youth," he remarked.