Dubai RTA signs agreement on language tests for cab drivers

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority signed an agreement with the British Council to provide psychological and language tests to prospective taxi drivers.

Taxis drivers will have to undergo five psychological and behavioural tests. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

DUBAI // Potential taxi drivers in Dubai will be provided language and psychological tests as part of a new agreement.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority signed an agreement with the British Council to provide linguistic, psychological and behavioural tests to would-be cabbies before they obtain permits. Changes introduced to the taxi driver recruitment system require applicants to have basic knowledge of English and take five psychological and behavioural tests, said Abdullah Al Ali, chief executive of the RTA’s public transport agency.

The new standards are part of a goal to reduce customer complaints about taxi drivers to 1 per cent per 100,000 kilometres, Mr Al Ali, said, according to Wam, the state news agency.

“The RTA has managed to reduce it from 2.7 per cent in the past to 1.4 per cent per 100,000 kilometres up to now,” he said.