How to convert a UK driving licence in the UAE
For UK licence holders in the UAE, getting a UAE driving licence is a relatively simple process. No road tests, driving classes or knowledge tests are involved – all you need to do is apply for a licence conversion in the UAE. This guide details how to convert a UK driving licence to a UAE licence.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CONVERT UK DRIVING LICENCE TO THE UAE
Wondering how to convert UK licence to UAE? Here are the mandatory documents for converting UK to UAE driving licence:
FOR CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS
The documents required for UK licence conversion in the UAE for citizens and residents include:
- Original British driving licence
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your company
- Valid and original Emirates ID
- Electronic eye test
- Arabic-language translation of foreign driving licence (if required)
FOR RESIDENTS WITH VISA IN EMIRATES OTHER THAN DUBAI
If you’re a resident in the UAE with a visa issued in emirates other than Dubai, you will need the following documents to convert UK licence to the UAE:
- Original valid Emirates ID
- Electronic eye test
- Trade licence copy of both branches (Dubai and other Emirates)
- A letter from the company certifying that you work at the Dubai branch.
Please note that this process is for people who work with companies with branches in Dubai.
FOR PEOPLE WITH DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS
If you happen to have a diplomatic passport, be sure to carry the following documents to convert UK driving licence to the UAE:
- Diplomatic passport original and copy
- Original driving licence
- Electronic eye test
- Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission
- Diplomatic Cards for Embassies, Consulates and International Organisations instead of Emirates ID
In addition to the aforementioned documents for UK driving licence replacement in the UAE, it is advisable to carry the following documents as well.
- Original passport
- A copy of your passport
- A valid UAE resident visa
ELECTRONIC EYE TEST
The electronic eye test and the post-test optician certificate to convert the UK licence to UAE must be certified by the concerned emirate’s medical authority. Some RTA-approved eye test centres in Dubai are Eye 2 Eye Optics, Eye Care Optics and Allure Optical Centre. The validity of an eye test is for 3 years from the date of issuance and costs AED 140.
HOW TO APPLY FOR UK DRIVING LICENCE CONVERSION IN THE UAE
The process to convert a UK driving licence to the UAE is simple. You only need to gather the required documents and visit the designated traffic authority in the emirate.
Those who wish to convert their UK driving licence in Dubai can visit an RTA office or their official portal. The conversion processes are dealt with at the RTA customer happiness centres. Here’s a list of areas where you’ll find a Customer Happiness Centre:
- Umm Ramool
- Al Manarah
- Al Twar
- Deira
- Al Barsha
- Al Kifaf
Once you submit the documents, your British driving licence is verified for authenticity; a customer file is opened in your name. You’re then required to pay the British driving licence conversion fees.
The process takes one visit to an RTA branch in Dubai, where you walk out with a valid Dubai driving licence. However, converting a UK driving licence to UAE takes a week in Abu Dhabi.
Did you know those with a US driving licence do not need to take a driving test? Our guide to US driving licence conversion to UAE has all the details.
HOW TO CONVERT UK LICENCE TO THE UAE THROUGH WEBSITE
If you’re applying via the RTA website, you can follow this process:
- Specify your nationality and the source of your driving licence
- Attach a copy of your licence
- Submit your application, and you will receive a reference number to follow up
- You will undergo an eye test
- Bring your original driving licence to any of the Customer Happiness Centres for verification
- Receive your converted driving licence
If you are an Apple user, you can receive the electronic licence from the Apple Wallet through the RTA Dubai app.
British driving licence holders in Abu Dhabi must visit the Drivers’ Licencing Department in Mushrif to transfer their UK licence to a UAE licence.
BRITISH DRIVING LICENCE CONVERSION FEES
Can I convert my UK driving licence in UAE? Of course, you can! The licence transfer fee in the UAE is normally below AED 1,000. It may vary from one emirate to another. The fee structure to convert a UK driving licence to the UAE in Dubai includes:
- File opening: AED 200
- Issuing licence: AED 600
- Handbook manual: AED 50
- Knowledge and Innovation fees: AED 20
To sum it up, it will cost you AED 870 to transfer your UK licence to a Dubai licence. These costs will vary slightly in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates.
FAQS ABOUT UK DRIVING LICENCE REPLACEMENT IN UAE
CAN I APPLY ONLINE FOR MY UK DRIVING LICENCE REPLACEMENT IN THE UAE?
You can apply online for a UK driving licence conversion in the UAE through the RTA website or the RTA Dubai app.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION IN DUBAI?
For vehicle registration and inspection in Dubai, you can visit the Hatta Tasjeel Centre. And if you’re looking for the complete process of registering your car in Dubai, our guide contains all the necessary details.
ARE THERE ANY DRIVING INSTITUTES IN DUBAI?
Yes, quite a few! These driving schools in Dubai are recognised by RTA and have multiple locations throughout the city.
Residents of Dubai and other emirates can consider the EDI Driving Institute.
HOW CAN I TRANSFER MY DRIVING LICENCE FROM ONE EMIRATE TO ANOTHER?
The driving licence transfer process from one emirate to another is quite simple. You need relevant documents such as NOC and submit them to the transport regulatory authority of the particular emirate.
And that’s a wrap! UK driving licence replacement in the UAE is straightforward. As soon as you convert your UK licence to UAE, you can legally drive in the country.
But before you hit the roads, familiarise yourself with the traffic signs in the UAE to avoid traffic violations.
Our guide will be handy if you reside in the capital and seek a vehicle registration renewal in Abu Dhabi. If you are buying a second-hand car, read our guide on vehicle ownership transfer in the UAE. You can read our guide on renewing a driving licence in Abu Dhabi.
And for new drivers in Dubai, make sure you know the specific traffic laws and fines in Dubai.
