An officer demonstrates motorbike training techniques at Kuwait Motoring Company’s new testing area.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Motoring Company (KMC), a driving school, yesterday launched a new motorbike testing area at its premises in Shuwaikh near the Capital traffic department. Those aiming to obtain a motorcycle license will highly appreciate this new addition, as earlier there was only one place to do the test and only on two days a week at the Capital traffic department.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Interior, around 1,800 licenses for motorbikes were issued in 2014. "This number is increasing annually by about 300-400 applications. This new testing area is a great relief for the long waiting time at the traffic department. Today was the first day of operation and we received 32 applicants who were shifted here from the traffic department," said Saqer Al-Rashoud, Public Relations Manager, KMC.

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Maj Gen Abdullah Al-Muhanna and was attended by Maj Gen Fahd Al-Shuwaye, Assistant General Director for Traffic Affairs, Col Jamal Al-Lahou, Acting Assistant General Director for Planning and Traffic Research, and other officials of the traffic department. Following the inauguration, the guests were offered a tour around the modern facilities of KMC.

Added value

At the inauguration, Rashoud stated that the new testing area for motorbike learners represented a great added value that aimed at enhancing the experience for KMC customers and provided them with safety awareness and convenience. "Our partnership with the General Traffic Department clearly shows our commitment to provide customers with convenient solutions. The demand for motorbike licenses is increasing as most restaurants are replacing vehicles with motorcycles for delivery, as the cost is less and delivery is faster," he noted.

KMC will provide the test on two days - Sunday and Tuesday - while the Capital traffic department will do so on Mondays and Thursdays. "Soon after getting the approval of the traffic department, we will provide the service on even more days. The idea of this project is to have a one-stop shop. The applicant submits his application, registers for a riding course, gets training, takes the test, and is issued his license, all in one place," Rashoud explained.

KMC was established in 1987 as the first driving education school in Kuwait. Since 1987, it has been operating continuously across Kuwait, providing consultancy services, educating young drivers and training professional drivers to meet the requirements of private and corporate clients. Today, KMC is a world-class driving training institution that incorporates modern theoretical classes and advanced practical lessons on vast training grounds. KMC has three branches, strategically located all over Kuwait in Shuwaikh, Farwaniya and Sabahiya.

Theory education

KMC provides driving theory education in state-of-the-art facilities which include modern, specially equipped classrooms and simulators. "The theoretical training covers the following subjects: Traffic laws, driving behavior, traffic signs, car mechanics and first aid. The company offers pre-license training for light vehicles, motorbikes, heavy vehicles (truck and buses), construction vehicles as well as manual car driving, SUV driving and drifting. In addition, we also have courses for various professionals such as firemen and ambulance drivers. Soon we will launch a branch for vision tests, which is currently available only in two areas - Jahra and Qurtuba," stressed Rashoud.

KMC has an in-house MoI traffic department to process police test appointments and driving licenses. In line with its motto "Better Training, Better Driving", KMC strives to reduce traffic accidents and related injuries through the provision of high-quality training which encourages clients to adopt attitudes and behaviors focused on safety and hazard awareness.

By Nawara Fattahova