Abu Dhabi details 8 requirements for a school bus driver to obtain a permit

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), the regulatory authority for transport in Abu Dhabi, including school buses, has confirmed that school bus operators are required to hold a school bus driver permit from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in order to employ or hire bus drivers.

In order to obtain the permit, the operator is required to submit an application to the DMT, which must fulfil nine conditions. In order to be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

- Applicants must be at least 25 years of age.

- Applicants must hold a UAE driving licence that was issued at least one year prior to the submission of their application.

- For residents within the UAE, they are required to submit a certificate of good conduct issued by the Abu Dhabi Police General Command. For applicants from abroad, the certificate must be issued by the country from which they are coming, provided that it is no more than one month old and duly attested.

- Applicants must be fluent in Arabic or English.

- Applicants must complete the training prescribed by the DMT.

- Applicants must submit a copy of their passport, residence permit, and Emirates ID card.

- Applicants must submit a list of violations recorded against the driver in the unified system.

- Applicants provide a medical report on a biennial basis, thereby confirming their freedom from a total of 13 diseases and conditions.

The list of ailments includes, but is not limited to, disability, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, mental, neurological, and psychological illnesses, kidney disease, hepatitis, leprosy, vision, hearing, drug and alcohol addiction, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Following each period of vacation, a medical re-examination is undergone.

Bus drivers have 13 responsibilities, including conducting a daily inspection of the bus before driving, maintaining inspection lists and reporting any malfunctions to the operator.

They must also ensure that the bus is empty of students upon arrival at the destination point.

They must also ensure the availability of first aid equipment and fire extinguishers.

They must also ensure that entrances, exits and passageways are free of obstructions.

They must prepare the bus well in advance to receive students, paying particular attention to cleanliness and the internal temperature (air conditioning), which must be set between 21-24°C depending on the weather.

They must not drive at a speed exceeding the legal limit for each street. Using the stop arm and hazard lights when students cross roads, passageways and when they are boarding and disembarking in designated areas outside the school campus.

No student should be allowed to disembark at any point other than the designated drop-off point without written instructions from the school.

Maintain a neat appearance and wear the official uniform while providing the service. Smoking is not permitted on the bus and any student misconduct must be reported to the coordinator.