Driving is an important life skill and is also vital for most professionals. For UAE Residents, the rules, regulations, and fees to obtain a driving license can be a confusing process. Each Emirate in the UAE have their own processes for obtaining a license. According to the RTA, the main procedure to obtain a driving license is to get it from an authorized driving school. Training is open to UAE residents and citizens above the age of 21. For those aged 18-21 years old, a probationary license is usually issued.

Authorized Driving Schools & Costs

Note that for other class timings or vehicle types, costs will differ.

A. 40 Classes (Recommended for first-time learners)

B. 30 CLASSES (Existing two to five years old license)

C. 20 Classes (Existing license for more than five years old)

Procedure:

1. Get an eye test from an optician or authorized by your driving school.
2. The school will process the paperwork with RTA.
3. You will get a temporary license for the duration of your training.
4. Internal tests such as garage and parking should be passed first, after which the theory test and road test should be taken.

Documents Required:

• Passport and Emirates ID
• No objection letter (NOC) from sponsor
• Eight photos

The exam consists of two parts: Theory & Road Tests. The theory test is only carried out at the authorized driving schools in Dubai. Be prepared for questions about hazard lights, road signals, and guidelines on safe-driving. On the road test, you will only be given a few minutes to demonstrate your driving skills in the presence of an RTA officer. If your test fails, you need to register for an additional set of classes and get another road test date.

Here are some areas the course covers:

• Preliminary & Final Lecture
• Garage, Side Parking & Hill
• Use of Clutch, Accelerator, Brakes etc.
• Signals (Theory & Test)
• Systematic driving skills
• Observation, Reaction & Timing
• Blind Spots, Lane Discipline & Lane Changing
• Alcohol, Stress & Fatigue
• Control of Vehicle & Attentiveness
• Handling Emergency Situations
• Hazards (actual risk & potential risk)
• Safe Driving with Best Attitude