The rules and regulations on driving in the UAE and how to get a license can be a challenge, especially for newcomers. Getting a driving license in Dubai is easy, as long as you know the steps and proper information about the process.

Whether you have a valid driving license in your country or just a fresher, you can check out this guide to help you better understand the process of getting a Dubai driver’s license.

Table of contents

• Beginner
• Transferred License
• Licence from Non-Exempt Countries
• What are the authorised Driving Schools in Dubai?
• Tips for RTA Theory Test in Dubai
• Tips for RTA Road Test in Dubai

SEE ALSO: List of RTA Traffic Fines in Dubai

Beginner
If you don’t have any existing license, you have to register with a driving institute in Dubai and attend a minimum of 40 classes. After registration, you need to take a preliminary driving test and final RTA test. This will cost you approximately 5,500 AED.

But if you fail, you need to retake the exams and pay additional fees.

What are the required documents to apply for a driver’s license?

• Emirates ID (Original and copy)
• Passport (personal details and relevant visa page)
• Passport size photographs
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from sponsor
• Eye test results

Transferred license
If you have a valid driving license, the country where your driving license is issued, along with your citizenship will determine if your driving license can be transferred to a UAE license.

To date, there are 32 countries listed by the RTA for transferable licenses in Dubai. This includes countries within the GCC region and others. This includes countries within the GCC region and others. You may need to pay a AED 360 fee for the process of registering it in Dubai.

Here are the 32 countries with transferable driving license:

Note the following:

*Poland, Greece, South Korea, Japan requires translation of the existing licence into Arabic and/or English by the relevant embassy or legally approved translation agents.

*For Canadian licence holders, you need to submit a letter from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai, proving the authenticity of your license.

There are two types of license transfer:

A. Same Licence and Citizenship

If you are a citizen of one of the above countries, and also have a licence from one of these countries (same or different), the process is very simple as long as you have the documents aligned:

• Required documents
• Passport copy and original
• Residence visa copy
• Original licence and copy
• Translation or consulate letter as required
• Passport photos
• Eye test certificate (from DHA approved test centres only)
• No objection letter from sponsor

For more detailed information, call 800909.

B. Different Licence and Citizenship

For non-citizens of above countries that have a valid license, you may need to register with a driving school for your licence procedures. This will cost you approximately 2,200 AED (fees differ as per driving school). By chance, you fail your final test, a minimum of eight classes are required for you to be able to retake the test.

Here are the required documents:

• Emirates ID (original and copy)
• Original (licence and copy)
• Passport with visa page (copy)
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from sponsor
• Passport size photos (8 or more)
• Eye test results for preferred category

License from Non-Exempt Countries
NOTE: There are some types of licenses that are not transferable to a UAE license. Depending on the validity of your driver’s license, the number of classes (hours) you need to take will also vary.

Refer to this table below:

Required documents

• Existing licence and copy
• Emirates ID (Original and copy)
• Passport (Photocopy of personal details and relevant visa page)
• Passport size photographs (8 or more)
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from sponsor – Depends on individual cases, so call ahead and confirm
• Eye test results for preferred category (Can be arranged by preferred driving school)

Do note that fees depend on your preferred institute and the validity of your license. For more detailed information, contact RTA at 800909.

What are the authorised driving schools in Dubai?

UAE has a very efficient public transport system. However, it is most convenient drive yourself from one place to another. If you want to get a driving license, you have to enroll in an authorised driving school in the UAE. If you fall between 18-21 years old, you will need a probationary license to drive in the UAE.

Below is a list of authorised driving schools. These schools have branches in major areas in the UAE and it’s very convenient to find them.

• Emirates Driving Institute: 04-2631100 (53 branches)
• Al Ahli Driving School: 04-3411500 (10 branches)
• Belhasa Driving School: 04-3243535 (18 branches)
• Dubai Driving Center: 04-3455855 (13 branches)
• Galadari Driving School: 04-2676166 (14 branches)

For specific requirements, you can refer to those mentioned above or visit the driving school’s website to gather more information.

Tips for RTA Theory Test

Here are a few tips to ace your RTA theory test before you can get a driving license in Dubai:

• Read the RTA handbook thoroughly
• You can take mock theory tests for practice. See the RTA Website for more information.
• Practice theory test using the RTA mobile app
• Memorise common road signs and take a traffic sign test online.

Tips for the RTA Road Test in Dubai

1. Dress up
Dressing up properly will give your examiner a good impression to the examiner.

2. Avoid wearing sunglasses
The examiner will also observe your eye movements while changing lanes. Thus, wearing sunglasses while taking the driving exam is prohibited.

3. Obey the examiner
If the examiner says something, obey what he says and don’t argue as much as possible.

4. Remember the first things you need to do
We often forget the basic ones during the test while trying to focus on the exam. Don’t forget to adjust your seat, mirrors, and your seat belt. These three are essential. Don’t forget to remind your passengers to buckle up as well.

5. Check the handbrake
Don’t forget to check the handbrake before you even start the vehicle. The correct gear should also be in place.

6. Good speed
Remember, don’t drive too fast yet not too slow. Make sure you drive confidently within the speed limit.

7. Entering the main road
Remember the 3-second rule when entering the main road. Wait at the stop sign for 3 seconds even if the lane is clear. Failure to do so will mark your test result as failed.

8. Keep a safe distance
Always try to keep two seconds between you and the car in front of you. Observe this distance all the time.

9. Change Lanes
Examiners are keen on observing student drivers in changing lanes. You need to check rear view and side mirrors. You also need to check the blindspot and turn on your indicator. Try to speed up your car and then slow down again after.

10. T-Junction
Remember to stop before the STOP line for 3 seconds before you turn into a main road from a secondary road at a T-Junction. Speed up gradually but make sure you stay within the speed limit.

11. Hard Brakes
Try not to use the brake too hard. Make sure you drive at a pace comfortable for you.

12. Entering Roundabouts
Make sure the road is clear from left side before you enter a roundabout and give the right signal indicator when exiting.

Never enter a roundabout, unless the road is clear from the left side. Remember, you always have to give RIGHT indicator while exiting.

13. Parking at the side
This is one of the most crucial parts of the exam. Follow what the examiner tells you to do. Do not park in front of any entrance or exit, or a bus stop.