Commonly referred to as the pearl of the Middle East, Dubai is one magical city that exudes an air of grandeur and sophistication for its citizens. It may be one of the hotspots of the UAE, but the magnificent skyscrapers, serene beaches and sand dunes will keep you thriving. Driving in Dubai is one of the most exhilarating experiences. However, one must not forget the stringent rules and regulations imposed by the traffic police department.
At Cars24, we have put together an extensive guide on how to get a Dubai driving licence, know about eligibility criteria, different driving schools and informative tips to make sure you ride stress-free on the roads of Dubai. So let’s gear up for the ride.
Eligibility Criteria For Dubai Driving Licence
Who doesn’t love hitting the massive road network that spans all of the UAE and beyond? Your driving skill will take you to exquisite places, but getting a Dubai driving licence can be hectic. As per the Road Transport Authority (RTA), there are specific requirements you must fulfil before applying for a Dubai driving licence. Those will help you take the first step towards driving your favourite set of wheels.
- Minimum Age Requirement: The age requirement varies according to the type of vehicle to ensure road safety.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a light vehicle driving licence in Dubai.
- The minimum requirement for motorcycles is 17 years, and for heavy vehicles is 20 years.
- Residency Visa Requirement: You need to have a valid residency visa in Dubai or be a United Arab Emirates citizen.
- Eyesight Test Is Mandatory: You must pass an eyesight test by an authorized optician or eye-testing centre.
- Knowledge Test Is Crucial: You must pass a theory or knowledge test so that the authorities can analyze your understanding of traffic rules, regulations, and road signs.
Be prepared to spare a few days, as your Dubai licence cost also includes a substantial time span to prepare and take the driving test. After getting to know about your eligibility criteria, the next step would be to keep your documents handy for hassle-free verification.
How To Apply For Your Drivers License In UAE
A driving license is a must-have document to ride your vehicles on the roads of the UAE regardless of whether you are a native or an expatriate. It serves as a supplementary identification document, makes transportation easy, and protects you against accidental vehicle damage.
If you are looking to know more about driving license procedures, we have all the information you need right here!
Complete UAE Guide on Applying For a Drivers License
The Road and Transport Authority in UAE provides all types of registrations and licensing services for businesses operating under its jurisdiction. You can also transfer your unexpired driving license from another country to UAE with the help of a simple legal procedure.
Note: Click here to know the list of transferable driving licenses.
Here are the steps to apply for your driver’s license in the UAE.
Learn To Drive
Apply at a registered driving institute that provides extensive training and driving courses. These institutes have competent trainers who cover all the driving lessons based on license categories. The training varies according to the type of vehicle you want to learn.
Search all registered institutes in UAE here: https://edi-uae.com/en/
For more information Click Here
Check Your Eligibility
Any medically fit person aged 18 or above can apply for a driving license in the UAE. The age criterion varies depending on the type of vehicle you want to drive. The minimum age requirement is –
● 17 years for motorcycles and vehicles for applicants with special needs
● 18 years for cars and light vehicles
● 20 years for tractors and heavy vehicles
● 21 years for buses
If you are a first-time applicant, you need to identify the category which you belong to; First Time Emirati Applicants or First Time Expat Applicants, as the procedure is different for each category.
Collect Required Documents
Emiratis are required to submit their valid Emirates ID to apply for a driving course. If you are an expatriate, you have to submit a few additional documents including –
● Two passport-size photos
● Original passport and photocopy
● Original foreign driving license and photocopy (for expatriate applicants)
● A valid UAE residency visa photocopy
● A no objection letter from your visa sponsor or employer
● Eye test report
● Arabic translated foreign driving license
Note: Make sure your residency visa has a validity of at least six months before
applying. Click here for more help.
Application Procedure
If you have the above documents, start with the procedure to open your traffic file –
● Get your eye test done
● Join an RTA approved driving institute and submit required documents
● Obtain learner’s permit or temporary license in UAE
● Pass theory classes, followed by practical training and internal assessment
● Learn about highways, city roads, traffic signs, and rules
● Pass the parking test and apply for the final RTA test, and pass
Note: If you fail in the RTA test on the first attempt, you have to attend additional seven classes of training before appearing for the next RTA test.
Theory Test
Your driving school will register you for this test which is divided into three segments. The first two segments have 35 questions about signs/signals, roads/driving, safe driving guidelines. The last segment includes a risk recognition test. You have to qualify for the theory test to apply for the RTA test.
Parking And Road Test
The parking test is fully automated and includes five important steps –
● Slope parking
● Emergency brakes
● Angle parking
● Garage parking
● Parallel parking
A road test involves driving on the road to prove that you are capable to get a driving license. Make sure you drive confidently and patiently to pass the exam.
Common Rules And Regulations For Drivers
The violation of traffic rules can get your license canceled. Make sure you follow these regulations –
● All people in the car should wear seat belts
● Get a Salik tag for the toll gates
● Drink and drive is restricted in UAE
● Drivers must carry a driving license that is valid for up to 2 years
● Drivers should get third party insurance while driving in UAE
● The law completely prevents the use of mobile while driving
License Renewal
You can face heavy penalties for driving with an expired license, which is why you should renew your license. You can do it through the online portal of the Ministry of Interior. Obtaining a driving license is a challenging process, but following the above steps can help you get your driving license in the first go.
Documents Required To Get A Drivers Licence In Dubai
Getting your Dubai driving licence takes more than just meeting the eligibility requirements. You must submit various documents to the RTA to ensure a smooth and easy application process. However, to make the task even easier, we’ve put together a list of documents for your comfort:-
- A valid passport is issued under the residence visa page or entry stamp.
- You also require a copy of your valid residence visa or entry permit.
- Ask your employer or sponsor for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if they sponsor your driving licence.
- Submit a copy of your Emirates ID card.
- Take and submit 8-10 passport-size photographs on a white background.
- A certified eye test from an authorized eye testing centre or a licenced optician is mandatory.
- A driving file transfer certificate issued by the appropriate traffic department or the licensing authority if you have a driving licence from another nation.
- While applying for a heavy vehicle licence, submit an education certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.
How To Get A Driving Licence In Dubai?
Step 1: Consider your eligibility for your Dubai licence
To start getting a driver’s licence, UAE citizens and residents must be legally and medically fit. There are age necessities for every vehicle class, which include:
- Must be 17 years old for motorcycles
- Should be 18 years and above for cars and light vehicles
- Need to be at least 20 years old for heavy vehicles
- Attain 21 years of age for buses
Step 2: You need to open a traffic file
After passing the legal, medical and age requirements, assemble and prepare your documents for the driving test. Below are the essential documents for opening a traffic file:-
- Copy of passport and residence visa page
- Emirates ID card (Original and copy)
- Two photographs
- Eye test report
- NOC (No objection certificate) from your sponsor
Step 3: Put your driving skills to test
In order to make sure your driving skills are top-notch, you might have to join the city’s best driving schools. These schools will help in everything related to driving. They will teach about many road safety laws, preventive measures to keep in mind while riding and more. They will assist in preparing you for theory and practical tests.
Step 4: Book a driver’s licence test
The time to book to get ready for the test day is here. Before booking, you need to submit your eye test results, Emirates ID, and a booking fee. Access the RTA website to apply online. Alternatively, use the Dubai Drive smart or RTA app to book the driver’s licence test.
Step 5: Undergo the driving test
In order you obtain your Dubai driving licence, you need to pass the below-mentioned tests:-
- Take the RTA theory test to test your theoretical knowledge and understanding of various traffic situations.
- Next, take the parking test, which remains integral to the driving school. You will be tested for slope, angle, garage, and parallel parking.
- Lastly, take the road assessment test that will issue your driver’s licence. The validity for the Dubai driving licence is two years.
op Driving Schools in Different Dubai
Driving is a highly valued skill in Dubai. Even though Dubai has excellent connectivity across all significant locations, you must exercise that freedom to drive at your peril. We’ve collated a list of primary driving schools in Dubai that can teach about road safety laws and help you ace your driving test with ease. So fasten your seatbelt because we are bringing you a step closer to your Dubai driving licence.
Emirates Driving Institute
With over 50,000 students in UAE, you can enlist for car, motorcycle, bus and even truck driving licence courses at this prestigious institute. They also have a mobile app to register for the driving program.
- Address: Multiple, including Al Qusais and Al Quoz
- Contact: +971-4-263-1100
Galadari Motor Driving Centre
Best known for light and heavy vehicle driving courses, GMDC stands by the framework rolled by the RTA. It has over 40 branches across multiple places in Dubai
- Address: Multiple (Al Qusais, Lulu Al Warqa, Dubai Silicon Oasis, The Dubai Mall)
- Contact: 600-595-956 (Al Qusais Main Office)
Dubai Driving Center
Accredited by RTA, the school offers a diverse range of courses for light vehicles, heavy vehicles, buses and more. They also have e-learning courses on the website apart from in-person courses available at their centre.
- Address: Multiple including DIP, Al Barsha, Al Khail, Jumeirah Road
- Contact: +971-4-345-5855
Drive Dubai
One of the high-recommended driving schools in Dubai with state-of-the-art facilities and in-depth courses. You can learn from highly profound instructors and own your UAE licence without any hassle. They have courses for heavy and light vehicles, apart from buses and forklifts.
- Address: Main branches in Arjan, Motor City, International City
- Contact: +971-4-885-5118
Al Ahli Driving School
Established in 2006, the institute offers tailored courses for cars and heavy and light vehicles, along with trucks, forklifts and motorcycles. The institute boasts proud instructors from Sharjah Humanitarian Services.
- Address: Multiple branches in Al Nahda, Bur Dubai, Al Quoz
- Contact: 800-252-454
UAE Driver’s Licence Cost
UAE licence cost depends on many factors. Starting from your Emirate application to the licence type to the school institute you have enrolled at. Before you tease your brains too much, check out the list to get an overview of the costing guidelines for a UAE driving licence.
- Application and testing fees: Fees like application process, eye test, theory and the practical test could cost you anywhere from 200 AED to 600 AED depending on the emirate
- Driving school fees: Ranges from 4000 AED to 8000 AED, depending on the package
- Licence issuance fee: Starts from 100 AED but can also go up to 500 AED depending on the type of licence applied for
- Additional costs: There also might be additional costs like medical tests, translation services for foreign licences, or fees for exchanging a foreign licence
Note: The prices can be subject to change over time. Always check with the licensing authority or your driving institute for the latest UAE licence cost updates.
How To Get A Driving licence in Dubai If You Don’t Have A Residency Yet?
You can still obtain your driver’s licence whether or not you have a residency in Dubai. Here’s a list of the documents required for your Dubai driving licence:-
- Passport-sized photos
- A valid copy of your passport
- Copy of your original driver’s licence
- Emirates ID
- Eye test certificate
- Licensing fee.
After all the above-mentioned documents are processed, you will be given a waiting time of three working days to get your international driving licence.
FAQs
How to Check Driving Licence Status Online in the UAE?
To check your Dubai driving licence status, visit the Roads and Transport Authority website. Give your Emirates ID or driving licence number along with your birthday or mobile number for verification purposes. After the website verifies your identity, you can check the status, including validity or any fines related to it.
How long does it take to get a driving licence in Dubai?
You will receive your Dubai driving licence results immediately. Once the results are out, and in case you fail, you’re required to pay for another seven additional classes before getting a new date. If you pass, the examiner will approve the paper, which you can submit at the Pass Counter. Submit your documents along with the licensing fee, and you will be given your driving licence.
Is the RTA road test difficult?
The difficulty level of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) road test in Dubai can vary depending on your driving skills, preparation, confidence, and familiarity with the local traffic rules and regulations. Practice beforehand and apply for the test to obtain a Dubai driver’s licence.
How many times can I fail the RTA road test?
The retake process after failing the RTA road test in Dubai varies. Check the official website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or contact their office for more accurate information.
How many questions are on the Dubai RTA theory test?
The Dubai RTA theory test will have 40 multiple-choice questions, out of which a minimum of 30 must be answered with a score of 75% or higher. Studying the official driver’s handbook and familiarizing yourself with various traffic rules and signs in Dubai is good practice to pass the test successfully.