Men can now train in automatic transmission vehicles from today

Men are now eligible to take driving lessons in automatic cars in Oman, an option that was only limited to women in the past. The rule is effective from January 1, 2019.

“The rule is in response to requests from driving instructors and members of the community. Those wishing to learn on a manual transmission car can however continue to do so,” said Brig Gen Dr Mohammed bin Awadh al Rowas, Director General of Traffic, ROP. The Directorate General of Traffic also conducted a survey last year comprising driving instructors across Oman, which confirmed that most driving instructors and the community looked forward to the rule.

Nawaz al Balushi, who has been working as a driving instructor for eight years, said a majority of his male students prefer taking lessons in an automatic transmission vehicle because it is easier and eventually they have to drive the same after getting the licence.

“Most people want to get things easily like fast food. Learning to drive a manual transmission vehicle is tough, but people don’t want to go the hard way,” he said. Balushi advised men to opt for lessons in manual transmission vehicles as it will prove beneficial in future. “I would advise new drivers to learn how to drive manual gear vehicles because once you get the licence, you will be able to drive both,” he said.

Khamis al Harrasi, another driving instructor based in Muscat, said, “The move is ideal as most vehicles available in the market nowadays are automatic transmission ones. This system should have been changed long ago.”

The rule was also widely welcomed by many. “It makes no sense to learn on manual transmission vehicles, when you end up buying an automatic transmission one just after acquiring a licence. The decision would help ease the process of attaining a driving licence because many believe driving an automatic transmission vehicle is much easier than a manual transmission one,” Mohammed al Farsi, a 20 year old, who was waiting for the decision to be implemented, said.

This article originally appeared on: https://m.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Men-can-opt-to-train-in-automatic-transmission-vehicles-from-today-5cl6