Reasons Why Drivers Fail the Dubai Road Test

Driving a car without a licence is a serious crime in the UAE – and getting that licence isn’t easy for many. Hundreds of people apply for a driving licence in Dubai every day but only around 35% manage to pass their road test. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) is responsible for conducting the driving test in Dubai. While the requirements may be the same as anywhere else in the world, the RTA isn’t lenient with the assessment of driving skills.

Some of the mistakes people make on their RTA driving test in Dubai are easy to avoid. One needs to be aware of these mistakes before going for the test. In this guide, we will explain why drivers fail the Dubai road test and how to avoid it.

5 reasons drives fail the Dubai RTA Road Test

Taking a driving course is mandatory to obtain a driving licence in Dubai. At the end of course completion, you give a theory test as well as a road test. Clearing both tests is necessary to get the licence. There are various driving schools in Dubai to help residents train for the final test. While passing the theory test is not too difficult, many people fail the RTA road test in Dubai.

According to Mohammad Abdul Karim Namat, former Director, Drivers Licensing at RTA, nervousness or fear plays a major role in the failure to pass a road test. Here are some other factors why drivers fail their final road test in Dubai.

1. Taking too long to make basic adjustments

Whether you do it to impress the examiner or just because you are nervous, taking too long to make basic adjustments such as mirror and seat adjustments is never a good idea. The examiner is taking note of your timing and such behaviour will indicate a lack of confidence to them – something that is never appreciated while driving.

2. Braking Mistakes

Stopping at the right time in the right manner is crucial to leave a good impression on your examiner. In fact, how a driver applies brakes tells you a lot about their driving expertise. Applying brakes suddenly will lead to road test failure as it can have pretty serious repercussions.

Car crash accident on the road — Sudden braking can cause the car at the back to collide with your vehicle

While many new drivers think they are being cautious by stopping on spotting a pedestrian or object, it is not a good move in reality. In most cases, there is a car behind you and applying brakes suddenly can result in a collision from the rear. Therefore, unless the pedestrian is on the road, stopping is not a good idea.

3. Forgetting to ask the passengers if they are settled

In Dubai, two to three drivers take the RTA road test simultaneously. When one candidate is driving, the other two sit at the back seats while the examiner sits at the front with the driver.

When one driver finishes the test, the next takes their place. Many times, the new candidate takes over the driving seat and checks the mirrors and adjusts the seat but forgets to ask if the passengers in the back are settled. This is a huge mistake and a major reason behind Dubai RTA road test fail.

An examiner marking as the candidate take the driving test — An examiner sits with the driver at the front to mark their performance

4. Changing lanes incorrectly

Another mistake that leads to driving test failure is the incorrect changing of lanes. When an examiner asks you to change the lanes, you should check all the mirrors to ensure the road is clear before making the shift. If the road is busy, inform the examiner. Unfortunately, many candidates end up increasing or decreasing the car speed to be ready to change the lanes. Since this can be a dangerous move on the road, it results in a driving test failure.

5. Pressing the accelerator when the car is in neutral mode

One of the most common reasons why drivers fail the Dubai road test is they press the accelerator when the vehicle is in neutral mode. They usually do this to check if the car is in gear or not but this is considered a grave mistake and a major reason why drivers fail the Dubai road test.

These are the major mistakes to avoid when appearing for a driving test in Dubai. Other Dubai driving road test tips for you to qualify include being confident, preparing for the worst, resting well prior to the test and staying alert when on the road.

Now that you know how to pass the road test in Dubai, it is time to buy a car. Here are the listings for some of the popular and affordable used cars in Dubai:

The Dubai government has made it easier for the residents to get their driver’s licence. The RTA examiners are now instructed by psychologists so they can make the drivers feel more relaxed and confident. Moreover, the RTA system is linked to the driving institutes. In case a candidate fails the test for the first time, their driving school is updated about the mistakes they made. This helps instructors at the driving schools to train the drivers more in the area they were lacking in.

For more information on how to become a better driver, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog.