UAE Driving License Guide for 2023

Driving is a talent that can take you everywhere, quite literally, wherever you reside. However, getting a driving license can occasionally be challenging for various reasons. This UAE driving license guide can help you overcome obstacles by outlining the steps, techniques, and advice needed to get a license.

In Dubai, anybody at least 18 years old can apply for a driver’s license. Those between 18 and 21 are eligible for a probationary license. The RTA must receive applications for driving licenses in Arabic (Road and Traffic Authority). Accredited driving schools will handle driving lessons in Dubai.

This article will guide you through each step of getting your UAE driving license and provide some crucial extra details to make the process easier for you. 

UAE Driving License 

The UAE has a well-organized transportation infrastructure open to individuals of all socioeconomic classes. The Road and Transport Authority, often known as the RTA, is the regulatory organization overseeing the UAE transportation system, including licensing. This includes the metro system and covers every facet of road transportation in the UAE.

The UAE driving license is a validated approval that enables you to operate any vehicle throughout the Emirates. A valid driving license is required in the UAE if you have a resident visa.

UAE Driving License Categories

There are several UAE driving license categories, like various road transportation system types. This indicates that each type of vehicle requires a unique licensing process and educational approach.

The list of the UAE’s eight driving categories is below:

How to Convert Your Driving License in Dubai?

You must meet the minimum conditions to convert your foreign driver’s license into a Dubai driver’s license.

Firstly, you need to determine if the country from which your license originates qualifies for conversion. You can check the up-to-date list of all the countries here.

If you are qualified for license conversion, you can start converting your license following these steps.

• First, get an eye exam in a facility that has RTA approval.
• If your driver’s license was not issued in English, get it legally translated. Then, go to an RTA service facility.
• Submit the necessary paperwork, eye examination, original and copy of the license, passport, residency visa, and Emirates ID.
• Pay the 870 AED in fees.
• Obtain a driving license for the UAE

How to Apply for New UAE Driving License?

To obtain a UAE driver’s license, the following applicant groups must enroll in a UAE driving school, complete lessons, and pass exams:

• Those whose native country’s license is in good standing but not one that can be converted.
• Those who wish to begin driving in the UAE but never have a driving license.

The actions to get a new driving license in Dubai are listed below:

• Join one of the accredited driving schools in the Emirate where you live.
• Visit any medical facility authorized by the RTA to get a fitness and sight exam.
• Complete the test and theoretical classes.
• Begin your driving lessons. The school will determine the number of lessons based on your prior driving experience.
• You may take the tests (road and yard test)once all of your lessons have been completed
• Get your Dubai driving license after completing the examinations.

You must obtain your license in the Emirate where your visa was obtained. Be aware that the requirements for classes and the amount of practice time needed before the test vary widely amongst the different Emirates.

Documents Required for the UAE Driver’s License

Here is the list of the documents you will need to apply for UAE  driver’s license. 

• A valid passport and visa copy
• Emirates ID
• Eye test results
• Original copy of no objection certificate from your sponsor
• 2 copies of your passport-size photograph

Dubai Driving License Fee for 2023

Before speaking with the desired driving school, it could be important for you to determine the specific cost of the Dubai driving license. This is because everything depends on the usual pricing of the school and the kind of training you want to enroll in. For instance, weekend sessions are not priced similarly to regular classes.

Others choose evening lessons, which are more expensive than morning or afternoon programs. Some people are also lucky enough to sign up while discounts are available. As a result, they ultimately enroll at a reduced cost.

Therefore, the cost of a Dubai driver’s license should be in the range of 4,000 and 7,500 AED. However, as was already said, it mainly relies on the training facility and the learning package you select.

The costs will increase since you’ll have to attend an additional seven lessons if you fail to pass the initial road test.

RTA Tests for Obtaining the Dubai Driving License

As RTA is a regulatory body responsible for issuing driving licenses in the UAE, you need to take all the tests required by RTA. The test include

• RTA Theory Test
• RTA Parking Test
• RTA Driving Road Test
• RTA Eye Test

1. RTA Theory Test

After attending the classes in person or online, the theory test, also known as the knowledge test, you can take the RTA theory test. Before really putting driving into practice, you learn about all its fundamental and significant components here.

The theoretical test is divided into three sections that assess your knowledge of the following:

• Traffic situations
• Traffic laws 
• Risk assessment methods

Therefore, it is advised to practice as much as possible to pass the theoretical test. In addition, utilizing the website and mobile app of the RTA, as well as your driving school’s online tools, will help you prepare for the exam.

2. RTA Parking Test

This exercise is mainly designed to improve your parking techniques. Therefore, the purpose of the parking exam is to evaluate your parking skills in several aspects. In addition, a thorough explanation of how to approach various parking areas is provided.

If you fail this RTA exam five times in a row, you could have to retake the internal exams at your driving school to continue.

You move on to the road test if you pass this test. The parking exams to expect are listed below:

• Parking in parallel
• Hill and slope parking
• A safety brake
• Parking in the garage (90 degrees)
• A parking angle (60 degrees)

3. RTA Driving Road Test

You may put all of your driving expertise to use during the RTA road test. You will be tested in several ways, including your adherence to traffic regulations and signage. You’ll also be taught about your knowledge of fundamental safety procedures.

To avoid making mistakes during the driving test, you must be confident. In addition, this exam is often the final evaluation before receiving your license. So, maintain your confidence and concentrate on getting the most out of it. It takes around 10 to 13 minutes to finish.

Always follow instructions and bring your Emirates ID to all RTA examinations. You will be informed of additional details, such as the road test charge, before the scheduled day.

4. RTA Eye Test

The RTA requires an eye check before obtaining your driving license in Dubai. This is done to make sure you are healthy enough to operate a vehicle.

You might need to visit a medical facility that has received RTA approval or request that an eye expert conducts the training facility’s examination. In any case, the driving school typically aids in guiding the eye exams.

How to Renew your Dubai Driving License?

Your driving license in the UAE must be renewed regularly. On your license, it says when it expires. The duration of the Dubai driver’s license is 10 years for UAE citizens and 5 years for foreigners.

You can apply for the renewal of your driver’s license in the following manners.

1. Through the RTA Website

The steps to renew your UAE driver’s license online are as follows:

• First, go to the RTA website.
• On the homepage, select “services” from the list of available choices.
• Choose from the menu choices “Drivers and automobile owners’ service” or any other choice that interests you should be selected.
• Click “Apply for renewing a driving license” if you want to extend your Dubai driver’s license.
• You are then sent to an overview page where you can see every document needed for the renewal. Additionally, you will be shown the cost.
• Settle all outstanding traffic penalties before making the payment.

Using the Mobile Application RTA Dubai drive

Through an RTA mobile application, you may renew your driver’s license easily. Here are the step you will need to follow:

• First, download the RTA Dubai Drive smartphone application.
• Then, click “driver’s license” on the homepage.
• Enter your traffic file number or log in.
• Complete the necessary fields and pay the renewal price.

As an alternative, you might go to one of the main RTA service centers in any of the following cities:

• Umm Ramool
• Deira
• Al Barsha

Take your Emirates ID with you and your license will be immediately renewed.

Conclusion

Applying for a driving license in Dubai involves various steps and seems tricky. But, there is no need to worry as this UAE driving license guide can help you understand the process and complete it smoothly. 

It’s crucial to remember when your license expires for everybody who successfully acquires one in Dubai. You will be exposed to severe fines and penalties if you drive with an invalid license. As a result, it’s critical to always check the expiration date so you may renew your driver’s License in Dubai on time.

Have you taken the test for a license to drive? What part of your experience did you find the most difficult? Post a comment and let us know. Please get in touch with us.