Test will not focus on driving skills, but ability to shift gears without distraction.

Have a driving licence for automatic vehicles but love the stick shift? There is good news for you!

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new service that allows automatic transmission driver licence holders to shift their licences to manual transmission in the light vehicles category. The service will start this October.

"It is now possible for holders of light driving licences in the category of automatic transmission to apply for shifting their licences to manual transmission category from this October," said Jamal Al Sada, director of drivers licensing at the RTA's licensing agency.

"Applicants would be tested without being subjected to training lessons at the RTA. The test would not relate to driving skills, but would rather focus on the handling of the manual gear system. In case of failing the test, the applicant would be notified about his or her weaknesses and he/she may select the appropriate ways for improving those points before reapplying for a test," he noted.

"Dealing with manual transmission needs certain skills such as paying attention on the road while shifting gears, ability to shift gears without distraction, and coping with the smooth shifting between gears while driving.

"It is a different case scenario for holders of manual transmission driving licenses. They can easily cope with the automatic transmission without requiring tests, as the automatic transmission needs no action while driving."

Al Sada added: "The RTA is making every effort to meet the needs of drivers through streamlined processes as they are closely related to the safety and security of roads and users."

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