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 to you, which needs to be carried at all times while you undergo the training.
WHAT IS THE DUBAI DRIVING LICENCE PROCEDURE?
If you fall within the legal age for driving, simply follow this step-by-step Dubai driving licence guide so that you know how to proceed. The Dubai driving licence process is simple, but rigorous. Here are the processes to get your driving licence in Dubai.
- 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 RTA test
- Pass the test and then the final RTA road test
- Obtain licence
If in case you fail your first attempt, you need to obtain an additional 7 classes of training before appearing for the road test again.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR 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 (at least 8)
- Your eye test results
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor*
- Drivers under 21 should get an NOC from RTA
* The NOC is not required for driving licence in Dubai for 66 professions including managers, doctors and lawyers. Make sure to check with your driving school if your profession falls in the exemption list.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE DRIVING LICENCE TESTS?
There is no easy way to get a driving licence in Dubai. You have to pass a few tests in order to obtain a 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 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 accordingly and thoroughly before you take both these tests and you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money and additional hassle.
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
- Relevant Emirates ID
- Driving File
- 2 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.
The test is divided into three segments. The first segment contains 17 questions. These questions quiz you in various traffic situations. You need to answer at least 11 questions correctly to pass this segment. The second segment comprises 18 questions which 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 with these conditions and their impending 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 the 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 that 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 take 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:
- Relevant Emirates ID
- Driving File
- 2 passport sized photographs
- The road test fee
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 the results of your RTA Dubai driving licence test right after. In case you fail, you need to complete 7 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 a few minutes to get your hard-earned Dubai driving licence.
Once you have your driving licence, you become eligible to apply for the International Driving Licence (IDL) Dubai. All IDL procedures are dealt by the Automobile and Training Club of UAE (ATCUAE).
Tips to Pass the RTA Road Test
- Dress to impress. You should look and feel like a busy professional.
- Avoid wearing sunglasses. The examiner checks your eye movements while you drive.
- Obey 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 get 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 rear view 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.
WHICH ARE THE RTA APPROVED DRIVING INSTITUTES IN DUBAI?
Here are the 5 driving schools in Dubai endorsed by the RTA. Each school has multiple branches across the city, which offer convenient access to applicants. So, it doesn’t really matter where your located. You’ll always find an RTA approved driving school nearby.
AL AHLI DRIVING SCHOOL
- Contact: +971-4-341-1500
- Location: Al Quoz
BELHASA DRIVING CENTER
- Contact: +971-4-324-3535
- Location: Al Wasl
DUBAI DRIVING CENTER
- Contact: +971-4-345-5855
- Location: Al Mina
EMIRATES DRIVING INSTITUTE
- Contact: +971-4-263-1100
- Location: Al Qusais
GALADARI DRIVING SCHOOL
- Contact: +971-4-267-6166
- Location: Al Qusais
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE COST OF OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI?
The Dubai driving license cost may vary between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000 if you manage to pass the final road test in the first attempt. The driving licence cost in Dubai varies depending 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. There are certain institutes that 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 the Remote Interpretation Services (RIS) via Microsoft and Skype translations services, which translates lessons into 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)
- NOC for driving licence in Dubai from your sponsor
- 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.
HOW MANY HOURS OF CLASSES ARE REQUIRED FOR SOMEONE WITH PRIOR DRIVING EXPERIENCE?
For expats with prior driving experience belonging to non-exempt countries, the number of classes (practical training: yard and road) would depend on the extent of their experience. Refer to the prerequisite Dubai driving licence details below for further clarity.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL | NUMBER OF HOURS |
|---|---|
| More than 5 years | Minimum 10 and Maximum 20 hours |
| 2-5 years | Minimum 15 hours and Maximum 30 hours |
| Less than 2 years | Minimum 20 hours and Maximum 40 hours |
These hours should be completed before the applicant appears for the final road test. A pre-evaluation test is conducted for applicants who sign up for a maximum of 30 and 20 hours to evaluate their driving skills. In addition, all applicants need to complete 8 hours of theory classes.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRANSFER MY DRIVING FILE FROM ONE DRIVING 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.
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.
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