Your ultimate guide to Dubai driving licence

• Eligibility
• Procedure
• Documents Required
• Driving Licence Tests
• RTA Approved Driving Institutes
• FAQs

No matter where you live, driving is a skill that can take you places. But obtaining a driving licence can be challenging at times. This Dubai driving licence guide can help you overcome all hurdles by identifying the processes, procedures and tips involved in obtaining a driver’s licence. 

WHO CAN GET A DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI?

Anyone aged 18 and above can apply for a car 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 (Roads and Transport 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 you must carry during the training. 

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

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

• Register at an RTA-approved driving school in Dubai and submit all relevant documents.
• Get your eye test done. This can be carried out at your driving school or by an optician.
• Get your temporary Dubai driving licence or learner’s permit and start training.
• Complete all theory classes, which can be taken online or in the driving schools.
• Pass the theory test to move on to practical lessons.
• Complete the practical classes and go for your internal assessment.
• Upon completing the internal assessment, you must complete highway and city road classes.
• Pass the internal parking test so the school can apply for the RTA test.
• Pass the test and then clear the final RTA road test.
• Get your licence!

In the case of a failed first attempt, you must complete four hours of additional training classes before appearing for the road test again. Currently, you can benefit from RTA’s Golden Chance and get a licence without attending theory classes.

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 the following:

• Your Emirates ID (copy and original)
• 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?

You must pass a few tests to obtain a valid driving licence in Dubai. Your driving school registers you for the theory test. You can proceed to the RTA tests once you pass all internal tests, specifically the yard parking exam. You can only attempt the RTA road test if you are successful in the RTA theory test.

With our car licence in Dubai guide, you will know exactly what to expect from these driving exams. Prepare thoroughly before you appear for these tests and save yourself 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
• Theory test fee

The test entails 40 questions to evaluate your knowledge about road/driving hazards, signals and signs, and safe-driving guidelines. You need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass.

This test is conducted on a computer in English, Urdu or Arabic. Candidates unfamiliar 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 must reappear for the internal assessment.

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. 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 in Dubai with your: 

• Emirates ID
• The road test fee (if not paid previously)

On test day, wait patiently until your name is called out. Then, follow the RTA examiner and 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 must complete four additional training hours before securing a new date for your road test. If you pass, the examiner will give you the approval paper. 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 must pay the licence fee before proceeding to the photo area. Once the photo is taken, you only have to wait a few minutes to get your hard-earned Dubai driving licence. 

You can apply for the International Driving Permit (IDP) Dubai with the driving licence. All IDL procedures are dealt with by the Automobile and Training Club of UAE (ATCUAE), the Ministry of Interior mobile application, Emirates Post offices and the DNATA office on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).

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. Please fasten your seat belt and make sure everyone else in the car does the same.
• Check the handbrake and the gear 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.
• Change lanes after checking both the side and rearview mirrors. Check the blind spot before you give an indicator.
• Wait 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 as the examiner asks you to.

WHERE CAN I FIND RTA-APPROVED DRIVING INSTITUTES IN DUBAI?

The RTA endorses these driving schools in Dubai. Each school has multiple branches across the city.

Emirates Driving Institute or EDI has branches acorss the UAE.

FAQS ABOUT DUBAI DRIVING LICENCE

WHAT ARE THE DRIVING LICENCE FEE IN DUBAI?

The Dubai driving licence price may vary between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000 if you pass the final road test on the first attempt. The driving licence cost in Dubai also depends on your chosen driving institute.

If you fail the test, a reattempt would require two classes of additional practical training before the actual test. You may end up paying extra 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 provide additional languages. E-learning options include English and Arabic.

If you cannot take theory lessons in any primary languages, opt for Remote Interpretation Services (RIS) via Microsoft and Skype translation services, which offer 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: exempted and non-exempted countries.

People from exempted countries with valid driving licences can swap it for a Dubai driving licence. The list includes the following:

• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• France
• Japan
• Germany
• Italy
• Belgium
• Netherland
• Switzerland
• Denmark
• Greece
• Spain
• Sweden
• Ireland
• Norway
• Turkey
• Canada
• Poland
• South Korea
• Finland
• South Africa
• Australia
• Romania
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Austria
• Slovakia
• Luxembourg
• Serbia

If you’re a citizen of the countries mentioned above 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)
• Pay the Dubai driving licence fees

Please know that citizens from some 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, transferring your file from one driving institute in Dubai to another is allowed. You need to request your current institute to make the transfer after the dues settlement.

ARE THERE ANY GOOD DRIVING SCHOOLS NEAR KARAMA?

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

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR DUBAI DRIVING LICENCE RENEWAL?

Wondering ”how to renew driving licence online in Dubai?” Well, the Dubai driving licence renewal procedure 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 penalty of AED 10 per month. This can amount to a total fine of AED 500. However, if your licence expired more than ten years ago, you must 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, which is AED 120 for applicants younger than 21 and AED 320 for those above 21.

HOW TO TRANSFER CAR OWNERSHIP IN ABU DHABI?

If you need answers the question how to transfer car ownership in Abu Dhabi as well as the other emirates we have a comprehensive guide for you. If your licence is expiring, here is the process for Abu Dhabi driver’s licence renewal.

For everyone who successfully obtains a driving licence in Dubai, keeping track of the licence renewal date is essential. Driving with an invalid licence will subject you to heavy fines and penalties. Thus, checking the validity date of Dubai driving licence renewal on time is always important. When driving in the emirate, you must also know the pedestrian road crossing fine in Dubai.

With that, we wrap the guide on how to get a driving licence in Dubai. You can also get your driver’s licence in Dubai on your phone with a few taps. Expats with a valid Dubai driving licence have a better chance of landing certain jobs in the UAE. If you frequently travel to different countries, you can also get an international driving licence in Dubai.