As a resident if you want to drive or buy a vehicle in UAE, you’ll need a valid driving license. Getting on the road in UAE may look intimidating, but don’t let that scare you off! Before you venture into that, you need to fulfill the requirements for getting a UAE license.
UAE has an extensive network of public transportation but nothing can equal the freedom of driving your own car with a valid UAE driver’s license. No need to be dependent on anyone else for your transport.
You may apply for a Driver’s License in UAE if you are 18 or above. Getting a license here in the UAE is very simple if you have a valid license from any of these 31 approved countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
However, if you are a first time driver or your driver’s license is not from the approved countries, you will have to undergo training.
Here are the 5 steps to get your Driver’s license in UAE:
Step 1: You must register for your driver’s permit in any of the driving schools in UAE by opening an RTA file.
The documents needed for registration are:
- 5 Passport sized photos
- Passport copies
- Original Emirates ID card (for verification)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor (if expatriate)
- Eye Test receipt. You could take the RTA eye test either at an optician or at the driving school
Step 2: The Driving school sends your license application to the RTA and you will be provided with your temporary Driver’s Permit.
Step 3: Attend the 8 mandatory theory classes
Step 4: After completing the theoretical part of the training, apply and take the theory test at any of the authorized driving institutes:
- Al Ahli Driving School
- Dubai Driving Centre
- Belhasa Driving Institute
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre
- Emirates Driving Institute
Step 5:After passing the theory test, attend the practical training.
- If you are new to driving & do not possess any driving license (from any country) register for 40 classes and attend one session of stimulator.
- If you have your country’s driver’s license which is 2-5 years old you’ll have to attend 30 classes.
- If the driver’s license from your country is more than 5 years old you’ll have to take 20 classes.
Step 6: After completion of practical training you’ll have to take the parking test where, you will be tested for 4 types of parking
- Parallel Parking
- Garage Parking
- Angle Parking
- Hillside Parking
Step 7:Take the driving assessment test at your driving institute premises where you will be tested on your driving skills. In this test you will have to avoid some obstacles to assess your driving and anticipation skills.
Step 8: Attend highway classes.
Step 9: Take the final road test on the assigned day. Be at the Institute at least 30 minutes prior to the tests and bring the following documents
- Passport
- Driving File
- Two passport sized photos (which are to be given to the RTA License Section as advised by your driving school.)
You will have to fill up the given application form and submit the fee (approx. AED 200). When your name is called out for the test, you’ll have to go along with the other three candidates and the RTA inspector to the designated car. Just a few minutes will be given to demonstrate your driving and anticipation skills.
Step 10: If you fail the test, you will have to register with your driving school for at least seven more classes and get a new road test date.
If you pass, you will be given your driver’s license after completing a few steps.
Please take note that you may have to spend a minimum of AED 5000 which covers your application fee, training and exam fees. Failing and retaking lessons will cost more. So, check out discounts and make sure to take your driving lessons seriously and study.
Now that you have gone through all the steps to secure a driving license in UAE, it’s time to check out some driving schools and enroll in one near you today!
Enjoy your ride safely!
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