English language test in place for prospective Dubai taxi drivers

A new programme is being introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority in advance of Dubai Expo 2020.

Would-be taxi drivers will be asked to complete a multiple-choice exam when they apply for a job in Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National

DUBAI // Prospective taxi drivers must now pass a series of psychometric and English-language assessments to work in the emirate as part of a new programme introduced in advance of Dubai Expo 2020.

The Roads and Transport Authority said it expects about 5,000 prospective drivers each year to sit the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Bridge, a one-hour multiple-choice exam consisting of 50 listening and 50 reading questions. The language testing is needed to ensure that the drivers’ English skills are proficient enough to allow them to properly communicate with their customers, according to the RTA.

“The ultimate objective of the move is to standardise and overhaul procedures and conditions for recruiting cab drivers at franchise companies, to increase the communication and understanding of the customers’ requirements and destination,” said Mohammed Al Janahi, the RTA’s director of drivers affairs.

The drivers’ English language skills are being tested even before they arrive in Dubai, said Rula Dajani, country director for Amideast, which administers the assessments on behalf of the RTA.

“If they need to hire drivers from India, they are being tested there – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Nepal. So they are being tested over there and, if they pass, then they provide them with a resident visa,” said Ms Dajani.

Amideast also issues a psychometric assessment to prospective drivers to ensure they have the right professional attributes to work as a taxi driver.

“They do something called the WorkFORCE Assessment for Job Fit,” said Ms Dajani, who added that the UAE is the first country in the region to use the assessment. “It’s a psychometric but it analyses six attributes of behaviours for a taxi driver.”

The online test takes about 25 minutes and measures the driver’s initiative, responsibility, teamwork, customer service skills, problem solving abilities and resilience. It then predicts how well the person will do in the job, said Ms Dajani.

All franchise companies in Dubai are expected to comply with the testing requirements, said Mr Al Janahi.

“RTA has conducted elaborate studies to standardise and overhaul procedures and conditions for recruiting cab drivers at franchise companies, which will help RTA to achieve and bring happiness to all customers, especially taxi users,” he said.

Once hired, new drivers received 22 days of training covering all aspects of his or her job, including language. Existing drivers get three days of additional training every two years.