Your ultimate guide to Dubai driving licence

• Eligibility
• Procedure
• Documents
• Driving Licence Tests
• Driving Institutes

No matter where in the world you live, driving is a skill that can take you places – quite literally. But at times, it is difficult to get a driving licence due to various reasons. This Dubai driving licence guide can help you overcome all hurdles by identifying the processes, procedures and tips involved in obtaining a driving licence. 

WHO CAN GET A DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI?

Anyone aged 18 and above can apply for a driving licence in Dubai. People aged between 18 and 21 qualify for a probationary licence. A driving licence application should be submitted in Arabic to the RTA (Road and Traffic Authority). The authorised driving schools in Dubai will take care of that for you. Based on this application, the RTA issues a temporary licence, which needs to be carried at all times during the training. 

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR A DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI?

If you fall within the legal age for driving, simply follow this step-by-step guide to Dubai driving licence. The Dubai driving licence process is simple but rigorous.

• Get your eye test done. This can be carried out at your driving school or an optician
• Register at an RTA approved driving school in Dubai and submit all relevant documents
• Obtain your temporary Dubai driving licence or learner’s permit and begin training
• Complete all theory classes which can either be taken online or in the driving schools
• Pass the theory test to move on to the practical training
• Complete the practical classes and go for your internal assessment
• Upon completion of the internal assessment, you need to complete highway and city road classes
• Pass the internal parking test so that the school applies for the RTA test
• Pass the test and then the final RTA road test
• Obtain licence

In the case of a failed first attempt, you need to complete an additional seven classes of training before appearing for the road test again. 

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR A DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI?

Emiratis only require their valid Emirates ID to apply for a Dubai driving course. The Dubai driving licence requirements are different for expats. If you’re a foreigner living in Dubai, you need to submit:

• Your Emirates ID (copy and original)
• Your passport with visa page (copy)
• Passport size photos (minimum of 2)
• Your eye test results
• A no objection letter from your sponsor (if asked by the relevant department)

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE DRIVING LICENCE TESTS?

There is no shortcut to getting a driving licence in Dubai. You have to pass a few tests to obtain a valid driving licence in Dubai. Your driving school registers you for the theory test. Once you pass all internal tests, specifically the yard parking exam, you can proceed to the RTA tests. You can attempt the RTA road test only if you are successful in the RTA theory test. 

With our Dubai driving licence guide, you will know exactly what to expect from these driving exams. Prepare thoroughly before you appear for these tests and save yourself a lot of time, money and stress. 

THEORY TEST

Your theory test will be conducted at one of the authorised driving schools (usually the one you’re registered at). On the day of the test, you should have your:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Driving File
• Two passport-sized photographs
• The theory test fee

The test entails 35 questions to evaluate your knowledge about road/driving hazards, signal and signs, and safe-driving guidelines. 

There will be three segments. The first segment contains 17 questions about various traffic situations. You need to answer at least 11 questions correctly to pass this segment. The second segment comprises 18 questions that focus on driving licence specifics. You need to get 12 of these questions right to be eligible for the final road test. 

The third segment – the Risks Recognition Test – is a series of videos depicting different environmental conditions. The questions in this segment focus on your game plan to tackle these conditions and their risks. 

This test is carried out on a touch-screen computer in English or Arabic. Candidates who aren’t familiar with these languages can opt for an oral exam.

TIPS TO PASS THE RTA THEORY TEST

• Thoroughly read and understand the RTA handbook
• Practice as much as you can on the RTA mobile app
• Memorise all road and traffic signs
• Take online mock tests to assess your standing

PARKING TEST

A fully automated test with detailed parking instructions can be taken at the smart yard of your driving institute. There are five steps in the parking test. These include:

• Slope/ hill parking
• Emergency brakes
• Angle Parking (60 degrees)
• Garage Parking (90 degrees)
• Parallel Parking

If you fail the parking test five consecutive times, you will have to appear for the internal assessment again.

THE ROAD TEST AND ASSESSMENT

This is the last and perhaps the most challenging step of your journey to get a driving licence in Dubai. Why? It’s because this is where you prove to the examiner that you are worthy of this driving licence – and you barely get 10 to 12 minutes to do that! 

This is a practical test and you will be driving, so make sure you’re mentally prepared. On your assigned date for the test, reach the RTA driving licence centre Dubai with your: 

• Emirates ID
• Driving File
• Two passport-sized photographs
• The road test fee

On the day of the test, wait patiently until your name is called out. Follow the RTA examiner along with the other candidates to the designated car. When your turn comes, drive confidently in a way that demonstrates your overall driving skills.

You’ll get your RTA Dubai driving licence test results immediately. In case you fail, you need to complete seven additional classes before you can secure a new date for your road test. If you pass, the examiner will give you the approval paper. Take that and submit it at the Pass Counter with ID Documentation and the Dubai driving licence fee. 

Next, collect your driving file and submit it to the Control Counter. You will be required to pay the licence fee before proceeding to the photo area. Once the photo is taken, you only have to wait for a few minutes to get your hard-earned Dubai driving licence. 

With the driving licence in your hand, you become eligible to apply for the International Driving Licence (IDL) Dubai. All IDL procedures are dealt with by the Automobile and Training Club of UAE (ATCUAE).

TIPS TO PASS THE RTA ROAD TEST

• Dress to impress. A professional look is always recommended
• Avoid wearing sunglasses. The examiner checks your eye movements while you drive.
• Follow the instructions of the examiner. Don’t argue or question their instructions.
• Adjust your mirror and seat. Fasten your seat belt and ask others to do it too. 
• Check the handbrake and the gear right before you start.
• Maintain a modest speed within the speed limit and drive confidently.
• Upon entering the main road, always stop at the STOP sign. Even if the lane is clear, wait for at least 3 seconds.
• Maintain a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you.
• Change lanes after checking both the side and rearview mirrors. Check the blind spot before you give an indicator.
• Wait for at least 3 seconds at the STOP line on a T-Junction and then slowly enter.
• Avoid applying hard brakes at all costs.
• Enter a roundabout only when the left side of the road is clear. Always exit with a ‘RIGHT’ indicator.
• Park the car on the side, just like the examiner asks you to.

WHERE CAN I FIND RTA APPROVED DRIVING INSTITUTES IN DUBAI?

Five driving schools in Dubai are endorsed by the RTA. Each school has multiple branches across the city.

You can read our detailed blog about driving schools in Dubai to find out more.

FAQs

WHAT IS THE COST OF OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI?

The Dubai driving licence cost may vary between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000 if you manage to pass the final road test on the first attempt. The driving licence cost in Dubai also depends on the driving institute you choose. If you fail the test, a reattempt would require seven classes of additional practical training before the actual test. You may end up paying an added amount for that. 

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE THEORY CLASSES OFFERED IN?

All lectures at RTA approved driving institutes in Dubai offer theory classes in three primary languages: Arabic, Urdu and English. Some institutes offer additional languages. E-learning options include English and Arabic only. If you cannot take theory lessons in any of the primary languages, you can avail of the Remote Interpretation Services (RIS) via Microsoft and Skype translations services, which offers lessons in 195 languages. 

CAN I SWAP MY LICENCE FOR A DUBAI DRIVING LICENCE?

The RTA divides expat applicants into two Dubai driving licence categories: the exempted and the non-exempted countries. People from exempted countries holding a valid driving licence can swap it for a Dubai driving licence. The list includes the following countries:

• GCC Countries
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• South Africa
• Spain
• South Korean
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• UK
• USA

If you’re a citizen of the above-mentioned countries with a valid driving licence, all you need to do is:

• Undergo an eye exam
• Submit the relevant documents
  • Your Emirates ID (copy and original)
  • Your existing licence (copy and original)
  • Your passport with visa page (copy)
  • Passport size photos (at least 8)
• Pay the Dubai driving licence fees

Please know that citizens from some of these countries may be required to produce translations or verification letters from their respective consulates. Also, note that the list of countries is subject to change.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRANSFER MY DRIVING FILE FROM ONE INSTITUTE TO ANOTHER?

Yes, it is allowed to transfer your file from one driving institute in Dubai to another. You simply need to request your current institute to make the transfer after settling your dues towards them.

ARE THERE ANY GOOD DRIVING SCHOOLS NEAR KARAMA?

If you live in a flat in Al Karama, you can find branches of Dubai Driving Centre and Galadari Motor Driving Centre in the area.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR DUBAI DRIVING LICENCE RENEWAL?

Wondering, ”How to renew driving licence online in Dubai?” The process is pretty simple. Settle all your traffic fines before applying for licence renewal. If you fail to renew your licence, you will be charged a fine of AED 10 per month. This can amount to a total fine of AED 500. However, if your licence has been expired for more than 10 years, you will have to sit for all the mandatory tests again.

To generate a Dubai licence renewal request:

• Visit RTA’s official website
• Go to ”Services”
• Select ”Drive and Vehicle Owners Services” from the dropdown menu
• Click ”Driving Licence Request” and apply
• Pay the service fee, i.e, AED 120 for applicants younger than 21 years and AED 320 for those above 21 years of age.

For everyone who successfully obtains a driving licence in Dubai, it is important to keep track of the licence renewal date. Driving with an invalid licence will subject you to heavy fines and penalties. Thus, it is always important to check the validity date so you can renew your licence in Dubai on time.

With that, we wrap the guide on how to get a driving licence in Dubai. Expats with a valid Dubai driving licence even have a better chance of landing certain types of jobs in the UAE. If you’re somebody who frequently travels to different countries, you can also get an international driving licence in Dubai.

Have you attempted a driving licence exam? What was the most challenging aspect of your experience? Let us know in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you!