If you’re 16 and can’t wait to get behind the wheel (without getting behind bars) here’s some great news. In a country where the legal age to drive is 18, Car Museum City in Shuwaikh, could give future drivers a good idea on what to expect by the time they are old enough to get their driving license.
The main idea behind this was to teach youngsters about traffic rules, and the basics of safe driving. “The City aims to spread traffic awareness through an entertaining program. The participants will later respect the traffic rules and apply safe driving on real roads,” explains Director of the Car Museum City Ahmad Al-Anezi.
Part of the Historical, Vintage, and Classic Cars Museum in Shuwaikh, the Car Museum City has 20 Full Car vehicles in four different colours available for visitors to drive. The vehicles are electronic and have speeds which are controlled by a computer. Around 16 male and female instructors are available to train children to drive responsibly. The cars are safe and suitable for the differently-abled, especially since it can be stopped by the instructor at any time. This Museum City was built and designed according to international measures and technology using the highest standards.
“In order to let young visitors enjoy the simulated experience in a way that is similar to real driving, the tracks of the City have been designed like real streets with all the details,” Al-Enezi explains. He adds that the traffic signs, car parking, public transportation, pavements, green spaces, and traffic signal lights allow the participants to learn traffic rules and safe driving in a simple and exciting way.
The program starts with a registration procedure, where parents register their children’s names by filling out the application form and attaching their photograph. After watching a short documentary film, the child is ready to get started. The documentary, Al-Enezi explains, includes the rules and restrictions of driving in the Car Museum City, along with instructions to control the car.
The next part of the program is practical application, which is 15-minutes long, depending on the participant. “The participant will have the opportunity to drive the car with an instructor who will test them to determine what they have learnt. If the participant passes this test successfully, he will then receive a membership issued by the Car Museum City similar to a driving license. In case the participant fails, he receives another chance to come later and repeat the test,” he pointed out.
The Car Museum City has not been launched officially. Its soft opening took place on January 1 this year. Al-Enezi explained that the official opening will be held soon. According to him, the City began operating early because it wanted to provide better services. “We also take opinions and suggestions from visitors to improve our performance. We are also increasing the levels of difficulty so as to offer more activities for visitors,” highlighted Al-Enezi.
According to Al-Enezi, seven vehicles can be operated at the same time. There are about 180 visitors pouring in every day. On Saturdays, the number of visitors reaches nearly 400.The individuals can come without making a reservation as we have a waiting list. Therefore, it would be better if a group from any school, embassy or institution makes an advanced reservation,” he added.
The vehicles in the museum were granted by HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah. The Car Museum City is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Entry and all activities are free of charge. Children above the age of 10 are allowed to take the cars for a spin.
KUWAIT TIMES
By Nawara Fattahova, Staff Writer
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