Real deterrent
Speed governors in minibuses are not going to help, as the main reason for so many accidents is rash and reckless driving ("Call for minibus speed governors in Dubai", Gulf News, August 3). If minibus drivers travel at a speed of 100km/hr on a narrow road that has a speed limit of 40km/hr, they would definitely put their passengers and other motorists at risk. Catching the violators in action and imposing heavy penalties would be the real deterrent.
From Mr Mohammad Raza
Dubai
Paramount task
I was not surprised by Gulf News's report on learner drivers because I have witnessed the ambiguity of rules and bad behaviour of examiners ("Learners are driven to distraction", Gulf News, August 1). The situation is no different in Ajman, where I took more than 50 classes. My trainer is efficient and quite aware about road regulations, so he was very surprised when I did not pass my final test. I have taken four driving tests so far and still do not know my mistake, even though I have driven since 1996 in countries such as India, the US and Canada. Getting a licence in the UAE remains a paramount task.
From Mr Hafeez
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Intimidated
I am afraid the problems mentioned in Gulf News's report are not the only ones that learners face during driving tests. The tests are usually made more difficult by harsh inspectors. As a result, learners fail the test and also perform poorly when they take the test the next time. Even though I love driving, the fear of intimidating examiners has made me think twice about driving.
From Mr Mohammad Mahdi
Dubai
Unfair process
I have been trying for a driving licence for the past six months and consider much of the process to be unfair. It is impossible to judge a learner's driving skills in a test lasting two minutes, and the whole process is time-consuming and costly. I have several suggestions to improve the situation. Firstly, examiners should provide drivers with a list of their mistakes if they fail. Secondly, waiting time should be reduced and the final test date should be provided within a week of the previous date. Additionally, the passing percentage should be increased every month.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Too amateurish
I was able to acquire my driving licence only after trying for the test five times. Luck had a lot to do with my final success. Right from the very first test, I felt that the way the exams were conducted was amateurish. It would be more sensible if the examiner instructed a candidate to drive along a specific route to a certain destination. This way, the examiner would be able to observe if the learner has the right skills. Additionally, it would help the driver in the future, when it is time to drive without an instructor.
From Ms Fasiha Khaiser
Dubai
Improvement needed
Two years ago, when I turned 18, I applied for a licence. Back then, the rules were more flexible and learners were able to go for a test every week. I took the 33 required classes but was very disappointed when I noticed that the process to acquire a licence was very unfair. I failed four times and then quit as I was working part time and studying simultaneously. The system needs tremendous improvement. It takes at least a month to get a test date and examiners like to intimidate learners. Additionally, many professionals are unable to acquire a licence which hinders their career growth.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Waste of time
I registered with a driving institute in Dubai in 2007 and had to wait for more than three months before I was able to start learning. As I was a beginner, I was scheduled to take 40 lessons, which were later increased to 52. I had my internal assessment in July this year and have failed twice so far. The examiners try to create an environment of fear among those waiting for the test. They do not explain why we failed and often fail first-time learners. I have paid more than Dh5,000 and have dedicated a lot of time to driving lessons. The whole experience is very frustrating.
From Ms Mandasmita Singh
Dubai
Time for peace
Due to the egoistic nature of political leaders and parties, and the spread of poverty throughout the land, Sri Lanka has become unrecognisable ("The crisis of change in South Asia", Gulf News, August 2). It used to be such a beautiful and peaceful country. When will politicians realise the value of their fellow human beings and let them live in peace?
From Mr Gopi Krishnan
Abu Dhabi
Best in business
I became a Gulf News reader when I first came to the UAE in 1980. I remember that the quality of the newspaper was wonderful and very different from its competitors. Additionally, I wrote a letter to Gulf News in 1986, which was published. Through the years, I have observed how the newspaper has grown to become the best in the business. I am also glad that I can access news online through the website. Thank you for the service and good luck.
From Mr Sharma Om Prakash
Abu Dhabi
Authentic source
As a software company that has been operating in Pakistan for more than 12 years, we have been providing outsourced IT services to US and European customers ("Small start-ups prefer free zones outside Dubai", Gulf News, July 29). We planned on opening an office in the UAE so that we could offer our services to the region. However, I faced great difficulty in gathering authentic information from various sources. But Gulf News's recent article provided me with excellent, comprehensive coverage of corporate issues related to the subject. Thank you for solving our problem and well done.
From Mr Sultan Mohammad
Lahore, Pakistan
Mind-blowing
Airbus's A380 is a gift from Emirates airlines to passengers, but the design of the aircraft must be improved ("Emirates marks first commercial A380 arrival in US", Gulf News, August 1). Elderly people travelling in business or first class would face problems while climbing stairs within the aircraft. Therefore, some business and first class seats for elderly people must be assigned in the lower deck. Overall, the A380's design is mind-blowing. However, creating an escalator would help, especially if it is operational only when required. It would also benefit passengers carrying hand luggage and infants.
From Mr Shubhankan Mukherjee
Dubai
Keep distance
Recently, a woman barely escaped being crushed under my car. I request motorists not to halt for pedestrians if drivers in the adjacent lane are moving fast. If an elderly pedestrian is trying to cross at a zebra crossing, he or she might take a longer time to cross the road than usual. In such cases, I would advise motorists to stop at a distance from the zebra crossing. This would aid motorists in adjacent lanes, who would be able to see pedestrians in time and react accordingly.
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai
Think twice
I embrace change, especially when it brings improvement to existing systems and the method of conducting affairs ("New UAE visa regulations draw praise and also criticism", Gulf News, July 29). However, I am disappointed that expatriates are no longer allowed to sponsor friends. One can only imagine the difficulties they will now have to face when trying to save money for flights and hotel rooms. Most of our friends come to the UAE to take a vacation and shop in the beautiful malls, but they will now have to think twice before their dreams of an affordable trip to Dubai can be achieved.
From Mr Osborne Molatudi
Dubai
