Experienced drivers are key to road safety

Reducing the minimum age for driver might bring the UAE into line with other nations, but such decisions should not compromise on road safety

As this week's wet weather warnings reminded us, driving can be a hazardous exercise – and especially so for those who lack experience. It was fortuitous that the police reminder about road safety coincided with a report that the Federal Traffic Council is considering lowering the minimum age for gaining a driver's licence from 18 to 17. While such a decision should not be made lightly – and should be considered in the context of high road-fatality rates – it would bring the UAE into line with other nations. It would also afford the authorities the opportunity to look at initiatives in other countries that help ensure new drivers get the best possible training.

A driver’s licence is a permit to take control of a machine with the potential to seriously injure or kill both the driver and other road users. It is proven that young drivers, especially young males, are at greater risk of being in accidents, so great caution must be exercised by those issuing licences. At whatever age a licence is granted, however, it is essential that the driver has extensive knowledge of the road rules and practical experience in operating a vehicle. That already happens in the UAE, but some nations attach other conditions to those who have just passed their test.

Many jurisdictions impose a high minimum number of supervised driving hours a candidate must attain before they can undergo a test, and require learners to display prominent L plates so their status is apparent to other road users. In some countries, learners who pass their test obtain a provisional licence, which applies for either a set period of time – three years in Australia or, as in Canada, until they pass a further test. During this period, the car must display a special plate and the number of black points the driver can accrue before losing his or her licence is limited.

Some countries also restrict the horsepower of the vehicle that a person can drive until they reach a certain age or level of experience; prohibit new drivers from using certain roads; and impose a curfew on young drivers, or limit the number of passengers they can carry. In the UK, an optional qualification allows new drivers to upgrade their knowledge in areas such as all-weather driving, night driving and negotiating dual carriageways.

Many strategies are available and all have the same aim – to ensure everybody on the road has the knowledge and experience to drive safely and courteously. That aim is well worth emulating.