Men in Oman can now obtain licences for automatic cars

From January next year, men will also be able to take test in automatic vehicles

Men in Oman will be able to apply for an automatic car driving licence starting from January 2019, Royal Oman Police announced.

Currently, men are not allowed to take driving lessons or driving licence tests in automatic cars. They have to learn to drive and take the test in manual transmission cars. After they obtain their licence, they are free to drive automatic vehicles.

Women, however, can learn to drive and take the driving test in an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. Also, some people with disabilities are allowed to take driving tests in automatic vehicles.

Brigadier Mohammad Al Rawas, Director-General of Traffic, said in a statement the decision was taken in response to demands from teachers, drivers and members of the community.

He added those who wish to apply for the manual transmission driving licence can continue to do so.

“The decision was based on a study conducted by the General Directorate of Traffic and included driving teachers in all governorates of the sultanate,” Brigadier Al Rawas said.