Dubai Driving License Guide: Process, Tests, Cost & More

How to acquire a driving license in Dubai, UAE?

If you live in the UAE and want to drive in Dubai, you can apply for a driving license in accordance with the requirements for doing so. However, if you already possess a driving license from your home country, you may be eligible to convert it to a driving license issued in the UAE under terms and conditions that have been approved by the UAE.

General requirements for obtaining a driving license in Dubai?

Residents and citizens who are older than the legal age and in good health are entitled to apply for a new driver's license and for a driving learning permit. Depending on the vehicle for which you are applying for a license, there may be a minimum age restriction. The required minimum age is as follows:

• To drive motorcycles and special needs vehicles, you must be 17 years old.
• To drive light motor vehicles, you must be 18 years old. 
• To drive tractors and large vehicles, you must be 20 years old. 
• To drive buses, you must be 21 years old. 

Driving training requirements for people of determination 

In Dubai, any person eligible for driving can sit for the test, even People with Determination. 

Training courses are customized for People of Determination, using specially equipped vehicles with hand controls for those with disabilities below the waist. Required documents include the following: 

• A digital copy of the most recent Emirates ID 
• A copy of the visa that was issued in Dubai
• Medical documentation 
• Community Development Authority's Sanad Card or a People of Determination Card
• Report on eye exam (before RTA file opening)
• A driving license for the same vehicle type issued in another country (if any)

Documents required for a driving license in Dubai

As an Emirati, all that you need to apply for a Dubai driving course is a current UAE ID.

For foreigners, there are various Dubai driving license requirements. You must submit the following documents if you are a foreign resident of Dubai:

• Emirates ID (copy or original)
• The visa page of your passport (copy)
• Passport-sized photos (minimum of 4)
• Results from your optical test 
• NOC (No objection letter) from your sponsor (if asked by the relevant department)

Procedures and tests to apply for a driving license in Dubai, UAE

Simply follow this step-by-step tutorial to get a driving license in Dubai if you are of driving age. The Dubai licensing procedure is straightforward but meticulous.

• Get a checkup for your eyes. This can be done by an optician or at your driving school.
• Register with a driving school in Dubai that has received the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approval and turn in all required paperwork.
• Obtain your learner's permit or temporary license for Dubai and begin your training.
• All theoretical classes, which can be taken online or at driving schools, must be completed.
• To advance to practical lessons, you must pass the theory test.
• Finish the practical classes, then take your internal exam.
• You must finish the highway and city road classes after passing the internal assessment.
• Once you pass the internal parking test, the school you are enrolled in applies for the RTA test. 
• Pass the RTA exam, then pass the RTA's final road test.
• Acquire your license!

If your first try fails, you have to take seven more training sessions before you can retake the road test.

As you can see, you are required to go through a number of technical tests to acquire your license. These tests include the following: 

Theory test 

You will conduct your theory test at one of the accredited driving schools (often the one where you're registered). You should have your application file with your Emirates ID, two passport-sized photos, and the cost of the test with you on the day of the test.

The test is composed of 35 questions over three sections, assessing your understanding of traffic dangers, road signs and signals, and safe driving practices. An overview of the sections is as follows: 

• Section One: 17 questions about diverse driving conditions are included. To pass this section, you must successfully answer at least 11 questions.
• Section Two: 18 questions that are related to driving licenses are included under this section. For you to advance to the final road test, you must correctly answer 12 of these questions.
• Section Three: The final section, titled "Risks Recognition Test," consists of a number of movies showing various scenarios. Your strategy for dealing with these circumstances and associated hazards will be emphasized in the questions in this section.

You can take this test in English, Urdu, or Arabic. Applicants who don't speak these languages can choose to do the test orally. 

Parking test

At the smart yard of your driving school, you can take a completely automated test with thorough parking instructions. The parking test consists of five steps, including the following: 

• Hill or slope parking
• Emergency braking
• Angle Parking 
• Garage Parking 
• Parallel Parking 

You will need to retake the internal assessment if you fail the parking test five times in a row.

The road test and assessment 

This is the last and possibly most difficult step in the process of obtaining a driving license in Dubai. Because you only have 10 to 12 minutes to convince the examiner that you deserve this driving license, this is the most important step. You will be driving in this practical test. Arrive at the RTA driving license center in Dubai on the day of your test with your Emirates Driving License File, two passport photos, and the fee for the driving test. 

Wait patiently for your name to be called out on exam day. Together with the other candidates, follow the RTA examiner to the allotted vehicle. Take the wheel when it's your turn to drive and demonstrate your driving skills.

Your RTA Dubai driving license test results will be delivered right away. If you don't pass, you have to take seven more classes before you can get a fresh date for your road test. 

Once you pass the RTA driving test, you can proceed to the counter and submit your driving license file along with your Emirates ID, license fee and collect your UAE driving license.

What is the cost of acquiring a driving license in Dubai?

If you pass the final road test on your first try, the cost of a Dubai driving license might range from AED 4,913 to AED 9.975. The price of a driving license in Dubai also depends on the driving school and plan you select. If you fail the test, you are required to take additional classes before you sit for the test again, which would be of extra cost depending on the plan. 

What languages are the classes offered in?

The three main languages for theory classes at driving schools in Dubai that have received RTA approval are Arabic, Urdu, and English. A few institutions provide extra languages. English and Arabic are available as e-learning alternatives.

In case you are unable to take theory classes in any of the major languages. Then you can choose Remote Interpretation Services (RIS) through Skype and Microsoft translation services, which provide classes in 195 different languages.

Excellence Driving offers affordable driving courses for cars, motorcycle, bus, truck, and forklift. Our experienced trainers will help you get a driving license in Dubai, UAE. Get in touch with us for more information.