Driving tests drive me crazy
I am very worried and frustrated at the manner in which driving tests are conducted in the UAE ("Dubai slashes driving licences by 43%", Gulf News, April 16).
I started my driving lessons in November 2006, but so far I have yet to clear my driving test.
Earlier, students would not be failed for committing minor driving errors, but nowadays, one fails even if one makes a simple mistake.
I have spent Dh8,000 on my driving classes and have to wait for about two months to get another test date.
If the authorities want to ease the traffic problem, the solution is to cancel the licences of those who do not follow traffic rules, not make it difficult for trainee drivers.
From Ms Aiza Ali Khan
Dubai
Incorrect evaluation
Gulf News report on the Road and Transport Authority's (RTA) adoption of stricter testing procedures for new drivers made me smile.
The issue is that a five-minute examination is not enough to accurately evaluate a candidate.
Thousands of drivers receive their licences every day and we see them on the roads frequently.
It is important for the RTA to realise being a driver is not just about driving a vehicle - it also involves maintaining courtesy on the road and driving safely.
From Mr Antonio Abreu
Dubai
Free lessons
I would like to request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to provide free classes for new learners who have been trying for a driving licence for a long time.
It is the responsibility of the driving schools to support new learners because classes are very expensive.
The usual 30-minute long driving lesson costs Dh60 and by the time a student is done with his lessons, he spends around Dh5,000.
I urge the authorities to consider this problem, as it is a matter of concern to the public.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Sad situation
It is a very sad situation for new learners. I enrolled for driving lessons last year, but I now wonder how many more years it will take for me to finally get a driving licence.
Why are new drivers being punished for the accidents that are occurring on the roads? I think the authorities should instead be stricter with the present drivers.
The bottom line is that the difficulties and frustrations faced by students are not a priority.
In the long run, I think it is better to stop issuing driving licences all together and let people rely on improved public transport.
From Mr Rajni
Dubai
Remove the ban
It is quite surprising that the authorities continue to announce different solutions to ease the long waiting period for driving licences.
I applied for a licence in January and I am still waiting for my turn. Additionally, why is there an application ban for those who reside in other emirates?
I believe residents should be allowed to apply for a driving licence in any emirate as per his or her convenience, irrespective of where the resident visa is issued from.
I hope this issue is brought to the notice of the authorities and the long wait period for licences is reduced.
From Mr M. G. Vijayakumar
Abu Dhabi
Harsh reality
I read the recent Gulf News report about the Roads and Transport Authority's tough driving test procedures, but I would like to point out an additional important factor.
If a person fails the first test, he has to take eight more compulsory classes in order to qualify for the next attempt.
This means learners will then have to pay more each time they fail. This is a reality that every new applicant is now facing.
From Ms Nafiseh Ansari
Dubai
Editor's note: To read more comments, log on to www.gulfnews.com
Healthy competition
As a teacher, I think India's Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) new performance rating procedure will help in promoting healthy competition ("Indian board to rate schools based on pupils' performance", Gulf News, April 16).
Often, when a student excels in one subject, he or she will also invariably be good in other subjects.
Additionally, it is important that the pivot of education and teaching is based solely on the efficiency and dedication of the teachers involved. I wish them good luck for the scheme.
From Mr Alen Chidambaram
Sharjah
Good news
The Indian Board's move to rank its schools worldwide comes as good news, as it will help them promote quality education.
Parents will also find it easier to pick out the right school for their children. At present, the rankings of universities in different regions around the world helps students find suitable courses on which to build their future.
This pattern is useful when applied to schools as well. For the proposed criteria to work effectively however, the Board should publish an updated and annual list of top-ranking schools.
I believe the step taken by the CBSE is very encouraging.
From Mr M. Rajeev
Sharjah
A farce
I have been reading Gulf News' comprehensive coverage on Zimbabwe's elections ("UN council, African Union to debate Zimbabwe", Gulf News, April 16).
The poll results need to be made public. If there are any re-elections to be held, it should be after the initial results are made available.
What is the use of holding an election, if the results are not respected?
The poll is then a farce! Transparency is the very soul of democracy.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Gulf News Readers Club member
Leave out politics
I was glad to see that the Olympic torch was well received in Oman ("Passion lights up Muscat as huge crowds gather for Olympic flame", Gulf News, April 15).
I have nothing but support for the exploited people of Tibet, but I think we are witnessing double standards here.
I truly believe we should support the hard working athletes and leave politics out of the Olympic games.
From Ms Nadia Ilahie Ahmad
Dubai
Proud citizens
I chose to live in Dubai because it is an Islamic country that is progressive and tolerant and serves as an example of what Arab and Islamic culture can achieve ("How to balance demographic imbalance", Gulf News, April 17).
Having lived in a number of Arab countries where being modern means taking on the identity of the former colonial power through language, dress, and disdain for one's own heritage, I find it refreshing that Emiratis are so proud of their values.
From Mr Azzedine Downes
Dubai
Student transport
There are many colleges and institutes in Dubai and a lot of students travel from Abu Dhabi to these universities every day.
However, there are very few private transport companies operating in this sector. The bus charges are also quite high and since they are usually 15-seater vehicles or small vans, they are not very safe on long routes.
I suggest that the authorities provide public transport from Abu Dhabi directly to the university campuses.
This will help keep students safe and more young graduates will consider opting to study in Dubai.
From Ms Anjali
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Need for transport
The public transport system in Dubai is very poor (“RTA scraps outsourced call centre after complaints”, Gulf News, April 13).
People are waiting for buses and taxis for hours on end, and complaints from passengers to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are all in vain.
I once called to book a taxi when I had to go to the airport. But despite making several calls, the taxi did not come.
Finally, I had to hail a taxi myself, and after waiting for 30 minutes, finally managed to get one.
In Dubai, there are massive projects being launched every day but there have been no substantial efforts to improve the public transport system.
Carpooling and sharing of taxis is not allowed and private taxis are banned. How then, can people afford a good standard of living without a proper public transport system?
From Mr M. Naseer
Dubai
Experiencing Goa
I read the feature on Goa with great interest (“The allure of sun-kissed Goa”, Gulf News, April 4). It was very nicely written and the crisp narrative of the writer helped me feel like I experienced the visit first hand.
It brought back memories of my trip to Goa a few years ago. The article allowed me to imagine that I was standing amidst the golden sands of Goa yet again, as the trees swayed in the ever-blowing pleasant sea wind.
We expect more of such articles in the future.
From Mr G. Santhanam
Tamil Nadu, India
Choice of routes
As a resident of International City, I have a complaint about the access to this area (“There’s nowhere to shop, say International City residents”, Gulf News, April 14).
One way to enter the location is from behind Dragon Mart — this access is always congested. The other access route is through the Academic City road, and this is always congested as well because of large trucks.
I request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to please provide us with a proper access road. A choice of entry and exit routes would be much appreciated.
From Ms Rekha Pramod
Dubai
Strict controls
Inflation in the UAE must decrease to a rate below five per cent (“Prices may calm but action still needed”, Gulf News, April 19). I suggest that the authorities strictly control the prices of all items, especially food, medicine and building materials. I hope inflation in the second quarter of the year falls below five per cent.
From Mr Joe J. A. Alfred
Abu Dhabi
More buses
During weekends, especially Fridays, it is very difficult to get a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (“More buses to reduce waiting time in Dubai”, Gulf News, April 14).
Hundreds of people stand in queue for more than two hours. If the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) arranges for a sufficient fleet of buses during Fridays and other holidays, it will undoubtedly help the passengers who are travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
From Mr Shaikh D.
Abu Dhabi
Late again
In the mornings, those of us who need to catch a bus from the Hor Al Anz area to the Gold Souq often have to wait for at least 45 minutes or an hour before one arrives (“More buses to reduce waiting time in Dubai”, Gulf News, April 14).
Adding to the problem is the fact that dozens of passengers wait for the bus at any given time. Has the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) stopped bus services for these routes?
I request the concerned authorities to please check and ensure that buses are on time, as many of us have to reach our workplaces and are often late due to a lapse in the public transport system.
From Mr Shaikh Meenaz Ahmad
Dubai
Switch it off
Dubai police’s initiative to stop people from leaving their vehicles on is great (“Police campaign highlights dangers of leaving vehicles on”, Gulf News, April 14).
They are asking residents to do this because of the fact that motorists risk their cars being stolen if the engines are left on.
As Dubai is moving towards embracing a greener lifestyle, I am astonished that ‘pollution’ was not mentioned as a reason to switch off car engines.
As a Westerner, I was brought up to be environmentally aware and responsible. I do not understand how people do not think twice before leaving their engines running.
Expatriates who do this while shopping or filling up the fuel tanks of their cars disgust me. They would never dare to leave their cars on back home.
There is absolutely no valid reason to have a running engine when one is not in the vehicle.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Fake picture
The pictures of the crocodile and snakes were fake (“Crocodile with stomach full of human body parts found in UAE, says email”, Gulf News, April 6).
This email was sent to me by one of my friends in the US two years ago.
From Mr Abdul Bari
Dubai
