In Dubai, learner drivers use a Bentley Bentayga to get their driving licenses
Jerrica · May 24, 2021 04:19 PM
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New drivers in Dubai are facing the same trouble as some of us after graduating from driving school: our cars are a little too powerful and big for us. Well for Dubai’s case, the cars are way more powerful than their standard Nissan Sunny (Nissan Almera) learner car. This is why this driving school in Emirates is offering lessons in cars like a Bentley Bentayga.
They even have a Tesla Model X on offer. There is also a ‘smaller’ upgrade course, instead of a Nissan Sunny, learners can choose to upgrade to a Nissan Patrol or a MINI Cooper. The MINI is primarily aimed at women FYI.
EDI claims that they first came up with this course when they asked students about the kind of cars they will drive once they receive their driver licenses. More often than not, the answer would be an SUV or their parents’ large, high-powered car.
They also received numerous requests from learning drivers that they would prefer to learn to drive in their own vehicles rather than a Nissan Sunny.
But the platinum course isn’t just about learning how to drive. Each instructor is also trained to understand all the advanced gadgets and technology on cars like the Tesla Model X.
For Malaysian context, a Perodua Axia wouldn’t have the same kind of equipment that a Mercedes-Benz S-Class would offer. Or the sheer size and power of an S-Class for that matter.
The cars in EDI’s fleet are slightly modified to make the learning experience safer. Like the standard learning car, the instructor will also have a set of controls to intervene anytime.
Other than that, the vehicles are also decked out with more cameras and sensors than normal. Lessons usually start on quiet roads and avoid busy highways, and school roads.
From this... To Bentayga
Prices for the platinum course range from Dh 23,000 (RM 26,000) to Dh 30,000 (RM 34,000). A regular driving course in Dubai starts at Dh 8,000 (RM 9,000) to Dh 9,000 (RM 10,000).
The best part of it all is that the platinum course is recognised by the Emirates government. EDI worked with the Roads and Transport Authority to develop the course to teach drivers how to pilot their luxury cars safely.
So, learners will still have to sit through a theory test, parking, initial driver assessment test, and road competence before they are allowed to pass.
There isn’t a time in memory that doesn’t involve staring at cars. After discovering the excitement of watching Schumacher vs Hakkinen, Formula 1 became a major part of life. The love for cars and F1 ultimately led to a job with CAR Magazine. The untimely death of the magazine meant a hiatus from cars at lifestyle women’s magazine Marie Claire before another opportunity came knocking again.
