How To Apply for a Driving License In Dubai 2024: Complete Guide
Quick Links For You!
- Eligibility Criteria
- Documents Required
- Process of Getting a Driving License
- Types of Tests
- Cost of Getting a Driving License
- Driving Schools in Dubai
- FAQs
If you are planning to get a driving license in Dubai soon, you will need to complete a detailed process of application, including driving tests, and more. While this process might initially appear a bit lengthy, we have it all sorted for you in our detailed guide about how to get a driving license in Dubai.
Read below about the process of getting a driver's license in Dubai, including details about eligibility and the documents required. Also, to simplify your queries, we have a separate section to answer the most commonly asked questions about the process of getting a driving license.
Also Read: Dubai Traffic Fines 2024: A Complete Detailed Guide
What Is The Eligibility Criteria?
Before you proceed with the process and documentation requirements, it is important to note that the Road and Transport Authority of Dubai has specified different eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled. Depending on your age and the type of vehicle you are going to drive, these requirements differ.
Basic Eligibility Details
To apply for a driving license in Dubai, make sure you complete the below checklist:
- Age: The minimum required age for driving on the roads of Dubai is 17 years or above, depending on the license type. Any minor below this age limit is not eligible to apply for or get a driver's license. However, candidates only above 18 years of age will be handed over the license to drive in Dubai.
Below are the permissible age limits for different types of driving license applications:
Motorcycles and Specially-abled People: 17 years
Cars and Light Vehicles: 18 years
Heavy Vehicles and Tractors: 20 years
Buses: 21 years - Training: Every applicant needs to undergo complete theoretical and practical driving training so that they can understand the rules and regulations clearly. This training needs to be completed via the RTA-approved driving training schools only.
- Tests: To get a driving license, the applicant must surpass the final road tests that are conducted by the RTA. In case of failure, re-training is required for such candidates.
- Fees: The required processing fees need to be paid to get the driving license issued.
- Medical Exam: Candidates applying for heavy vehicle licenses need to pass specific medical exams as well.
Eligibility Details For Specially-Abled Candidates
For candidates with special abilities, the eligibility criteria are different than the regular candidates. The applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria in such cases:
- Training File: The training file that the candidate needs to submit, will be made as per the recommendations by their medical report. These recommendations help eliminate unnecessary training procedures, thus creating a positive and easy learning environment for the applicants.
- Training Sessions: The training sessions that will be required for the applicant, will be co-jointly decided by the driving school and the Drivers Affairs Department. As each individual might be facing a certain disability, the training procedure needs to be altered and implemented in the decided layout. This process helps the candidates learn to drive in Dubai easily.
Also Read: Top 5 Used SUVs To Buy Under 60,000 AED In 2024
What are the Documents Required for a Driving License?
Once you have ensured that you are an eligible candidate for applying, the second and most important step is to gather the required documents. The documentation ensures that a smooth process flow is obtained and you get your driving license on time.
If you are a resident of UAE, the following documents will be required to have with you before you start proceeding with the process of applying for a driving license:
- A valid passport and residence visa or entry stamp (for foreigners)
- A ‘No Objection Certificate’ or NOC must be obtained from your employer or sponsor
- Your original Emirates ID along with a copy of it
- 4 passport-size photographs of yours with clear details of your face
- A detailed eye test report from an authorized eye testing centre or a licensed optician (who has been granted permission to conduct tests)A ‘Driving File Transfer Certificate’ for applicants who have a valid license from another country
What is the Process of Getting a Driving License in Dubai?
After the eligibility and documents are confirmed, you can start with the simple process of getting your driving license in Dubai. This is mainly a three-step process where you will be required to create a traffic file, join the training, and then face the tests before the license is handed over to you.
The below steps need to be followed by the candidate to get a driving license:
- Traffic File
The first step in the process is to open a traffic file with the Dubai RTA. Now this can be done either by any of the approved driving schools by the RTA or by using the MOI Website. You will require the above-mentioned documents including the Emirates ID, NOC by your sponsor, and more. - Eye Test
Once you have successfully opened a traffic file, you need to get your eyes tested at the authorized eye test centres near you or the opticians with licenses to test the eyes. Once you complete the eye test, a certificate will be handed over to you that is needed further in the process. - Driving Lessons
After the traffic file is successfully opened, you can visit your chosen driving school and start taking the virtual lessons. Here, you will learn about the basics of driving including the traffic rules and fines in Dubai. Additionally, advanced lessons will be given to the candidates who have applied for special licenses like heavy vehicles, etc. Post the lessons, you will be required to go through practical training in driving a car in various conditions. At last, your driving school will conduct the internal tests that are mandatory for the candidate to pass before the RTA testing. - Testing Phase
Once you have successfully passed the internal tests of your driving school, you will be provided with a certificate of eligibility. This certificate is then needed at the RTA Test Center in Dubai for the conduction of the final tests. This step includes various tests in different conditions of driving in Dubai. A candidate needs to pass this final testing phase before getting their driving license. However, if you fail to pass the tests, you will be required to go through 7 more driving lessons before you can make your second attempt at clearing the road test. - Receive License
Post the successful passing of your RTA tests, the authorities will submit the report and you will be handed over your new driving license.
Also Read: Top 5 Used Sedan Cars in Dubai Under AED 60,000
Different Types of Tests and How To Pass Them?
As mentioned above, a candidate is required to pass different tests before getting their driving license in Dubai. These tests include mainly of three types, as explained below:
- Theoretical Test
The primary types include theory lessons learning and testing. A candidate is required to take different classes or lessons about the driving culture, driving methods, traffic rules in Dubai, and traffic fines in Dubai. These lessons are taught by the RTA-approved driving school that is chosen by the candidate. Once the lessons are completed, a theoretical test is done to know the knowledge levels of the candidate and how well they can perform in real-world driving conditions on the UAE roads.
If you are soon going to go through a theory test, below are a few quick tips from us that will make your learning effective and efficient:
- Make sure to go through the RTA handbook thoroughly before attempting a theory test. It has all the information that you need to know to pass this test.
- You can practice sample tests before attempting the theory tests. Different sets of sample tests are available on the RTA Driving Test App.
- Further, you can also give more mock tests available online on various websites. These will not only help you learn about the RTA rules and regulations quickly but also boost your confidence.
- Yard Test
The Yard Test also known as Parking Test, is conducted inside the safe premises of your driving school. Under this test, you are required to perform safe parking maneuvers, majorly including two tests: a parallel parking test and a reverse parking test.
Your instructor will help you learn the tactics of parking a vehicle in tight spaces and safely maneuvering it. Further, you will be given sufficient time to perform safe parking under the confined environment of your driving school. In case of mistakes, you can always perform again and learn more with the help of your driving school and the instructor allotted to you.
- RTA Road Test
The final testing is ultimately done by the Road and Transport Authority officials. After your successful completion of learning lessons and internal testing, you are required to perform a safe driving test on the road. Here, an official RTA instructor will sit beside you in the car, while you will be given a specific route to drive and demonstrate your driving skills.
The instructor will quietly observe your skills including how you perform in different conditions and the basic checks that you do while driving on the road. Additionally, your knowledge about traffic laws will be silently tested by the instructor during this test.
Post-testing, the final results will be shared with the candidate immediately and the allotment of driving license will be done further. In case a candidate fails to clear the road test by RTA, they will be required to undergo 7 training lessons and then go through a re-evaluation process.
Also Read: Understanding Dubai’s Traffic Fines and Black Points System
Cost of Getting a Driving License in UAE
Another crucial part of getting a driving license in the UAE is the cost involved. As per the norms and different testing procedures, the cost of getting a license in the UAE can revolve around AED 4,500 to AED 7,000. There are various factors that can easily fluctuate the overall cost of applying for a driving license and getting one. Some of these are as follows:
- Application Type: The cost depends on the type of application that you are filing to get a driving license. A normal application will cost you around AED 4,400 but the time of getting a license would be around 2-3 months. If you want to save time, you can apply through the VIP application which costs AED 5,600 and you can get your license within 1 month. However, with the VIP application, you will need to pass the RTA tests in one attempt.
- Test Fee: Another major factor affecting the cost of the license is the number of tests that you take to complete the driving course. The more attempts you make, the more you end up paying. Usually, a test will cost you between AED 200 to AED 600, depending on the Emirates. Moreover, the cost will vary upon the number of attempts you take to clear the theory tests, and practical tests, and the number of lessons you take.
- Driving School: There are various RTA-approved driving schools in the UAE that offer learning courses and testing. However, the cost also depends on the school you choose to complete your driving course. Usually, the driving schools in the UAE charge between AED 4,000 - AED 8,000.
- License Issuance Fee: The cost of a license will also depend on the type of license you have applied for. For example, a light vehicle license will cost you less than a heavy vehicle license. The cost range of license issuance in the UAE is between AED 100 - AED 500.
- Date Prepone Fee: As the process of getting a date for a practical RTA road test is lengthy, sometimes the date of the test can be inconvenient or too far for the applicants. Hence, there is an option to prepone the test dates, but it comes at a cost. Depending on the test date you are getting preponed, the rates may vary from AED 200 - AED 720, per service.
- Additional or Miscellaneous Costs: Adding to the above costs are some miscellaneous expenses that may occur during the process of getting a driving license. These may include additional medical tests, translation of international license certificates into Arabic, fees for exchanging foreign licenses, etc.
*Readers must note that these prices may vary with time. Please check with the licensing authority near you for the exact details of the costs while applying.
Driving Schools In Dubai
To acquire a valid driving license in Dubai, a candidate must choose a valid driving school. Numerous driving schools or institutes in Dubai have been granted licenses or permission by the RTA to train and conduct tests. Some of these schools are as follows:
Also Read: Dubai Traffic Fines 2024: A Complete Detailed Guide
CARS24 Used Cars In Dubai For You
By following the above-mentioned process, you can easily apply for and get a driving license in Dubai. However, you will be requiring a car to drive in Dubai and what could be best apart from buying a used car in Dubai, right? CARS24 has a plethora of used cars in Dubai, including every budget, and body type, ensuring you the best quality. Below are some of the top-selling carsbrands in Dubai’s used car market, which you must check out for yourself:
Your Questions, We Answer!
1. Can I get a driving license in Dubai if I am not a resident?
Yes, you can apply for a driving license in Dubai without having a permanent residency. The process of getting a driving license in such cases is similar to the normal process for residents, however, more documentation is required from your sponsor or workplace to ensure your work proof in Dubai.
2. Can I apply for a driving license if I am a GCC national or belong to any other nationality?
Dubai’s RTA allows applicants who belong to the GCC nationality or any other nationality to apply for a driving license. The process of obtaining a driving license with another nationality is similar to that of Dubai residents, but, the documentation may vary depending on the type of license you need.
3. How long does it take to get a driving license in Dubai?
The time taken to get a driving license in Dubai is variable depending on your learning skills and abilities to clear the tests in minimum attempts. Moreover, it also depends on the fact whether you have any prior experience of driving a vehicle. Usually, it takes around 2-3 months to get a driving license in Dubai. But, if you apply through the VIP gateway, it can be received within 1 month or before.
4. Do I need to renew my old driving license in Dubai?
Yes, it is mandatory to renew your license in Dubai after 2 years. Once your driving license is issued, it remains valid for the next 2 years. However, it needs to be renewed after it and the next validity of renewal lasts for 10 years (in case you are a UAE citizen or GCC citizen) and 5 years (for the UAE residents).
5. Can I use my international driving license in Dubai?
Dubai’s RTA allows foreigners to use their international driving license to drive on the roads. However, the vehicle you are driving must be registered either in your name or in the name of your immediate family member. You can also use the rental cars with your international driving license.
Quick Links For You!
- Eligibility Criteria
- Documents Required
- Process of Getting a Driving License
- Types of Tests
- Cost of Getting a Driving License
- Driving Schools in Dubai
- FAQs
If you are planning to get a driving license in Dubai soon, you will need to complete a detailed process of application, including driving tests, and more. While this process might initially appear a bit lengthy, we have it all sorted for you in our detailed guide about how to get a driving license in Dubai.
Read below about the process of getting a driver's license in Dubai, including details about eligibility and the documents required. Also, to simplify your queries, we have a separate section to answer the most commonly asked questions about the process of getting a driving license.
Also Read: Dubai Traffic Fines 2024: A Complete Detailed Guide
What Is The Eligibility Criteria?
Before you proceed with the process and documentation requirements, it is important to note that the Road and Transport Authority of Dubai has specified different eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled. Depending on your age and the type of vehicle you are going to drive, these requirements differ.
Basic Eligibility Details
To apply for a driving license in Dubai, make sure you complete the below checklist:
- Age: The minimum required age for driving on the roads of Dubai is 17 years or above, depending on the license type. Any minor below this age limit is not eligible to apply for or get a driver's license. However, candidates only above 18 years of age will be handed over the license to drive in Dubai.
Below are the permissible age limits for different types of driving license applications:
Motorcycles and Specially-abled People: 17 years
Cars and Light Vehicles: 18 years
Heavy Vehicles and Tractors: 20 years
Buses: 21 years - Training: Every applicant needs to undergo complete theoretical and practical driving training so that they can understand the rules and regulations clearly. This training needs to be completed via the RTA-approved driving training schools only.
- Tests: To get a driving license, the applicant must surpass the final road tests that are conducted by the RTA. In case of failure, re-training is required for such candidates.
- Fees: The required processing fees need to be paid to get the driving license issued.
- Medical Exam: Candidates applying for heavy vehicle licenses need to pass specific medical exams as well.
Eligibility Details For Specially-Abled Candidates
For candidates with special abilities, the eligibility criteria are different than the regular candidates. The applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria in such cases:
- Training File: The training file that the candidate needs to submit, will be made as per the recommendations by their medical report. These recommendations help eliminate unnecessary training procedures, thus creating a positive and easy learning environment for the applicants.
- Training Sessions: The training sessions that will be required for the applicant, will be co-jointly decided by the driving school and the Drivers Affairs Department. As each individual might be facing a certain disability, the training procedure needs to be altered and implemented in the decided layout. This process helps the candidates learn to drive in Dubai easily.
Also Read: Top 5 Used SUVs To Buy Under 60,000 AED In 2024
What are the Documents Required for a Driving License?
Once you have ensured that you are an eligible candidate for applying, the second and most important step is to gather the required documents. The documentation ensures that a smooth process flow is obtained and you get your driving license on time.
If you are a resident of UAE, the following documents will be required to have with you before you start proceeding with the process of applying for a driving license:
- A valid passport and residence visa or entry stamp (for foreigners)
- A ‘No Objection Certificate’ or NOC must be obtained from your employer or sponsor
- Your original Emirates ID along with a copy of it
- 4 passport-size photographs of yours with clear details of your face
- A detailed eye test report from an authorized eye testing centre or a licensed optician (who has been granted permission to conduct tests)A ‘Driving File Transfer Certificate’ for applicants who have a valid license from another country
What is the Process of Getting a Driving License in Dubai?
After the eligibility and documents are confirmed, you can start with the simple process of getting your driving license in Dubai. This is mainly a three-step process where you will be required to create a traffic file, join the training, and then face the tests before the license is handed over to you.
The below steps need to be followed by the candidate to get a driving license:
- Traffic File
The first step in the process is to open a traffic file with the Dubai RTA. Now this can be done either by any of the approved driving schools by the RTA or by using the MOI Website. You will require the above-mentioned documents including the Emirates ID, NOC by your sponsor, and more. - Eye Test
Once you have successfully opened a traffic file, you need to get your eyes tested at the authorized eye test centres near you or the opticians with licenses to test the eyes. Once you complete the eye test, a certificate will be handed over to you that is needed further in the process. - Driving Lessons
After the traffic file is successfully opened, you can visit your chosen driving school and start taking the virtual lessons. Here, you will learn about the basics of driving including the traffic rules and fines in Dubai. Additionally, advanced lessons will be given to the candidates who have applied for special licenses like heavy vehicles, etc. Post the lessons, you will be required to go through practical training in driving a car in various conditions. At last, your driving school will conduct the internal tests that are mandatory for the candidate to pass before the RTA testing. - Testing Phase
Once you have successfully passed the internal tests of your driving school, you will be provided with a certificate of eligibility. This certificate is then needed at the RTA Test Center in Dubai for the conduction of the final tests. This step includes various tests in different conditions of driving in Dubai. A candidate needs to pass this final testing phase before getting their driving license. However, if you fail to pass the tests, you will be required to go through 7 more driving lessons before you can make your second attempt at clearing the road test. - Receive License
Post the successful passing of your RTA tests, the authorities will submit the report and you will be handed over your new driving license.
Also Read: Top 5 Used Sedan Cars in Dubai Under AED 60,000
Different Types of Tests and How To Pass Them?
As mentioned above, a candidate is required to pass different tests before getting their driving license in Dubai. These tests include mainly of three types, as explained below:
- Theoretical Test
The primary types include theory lessons learning and testing. A candidate is required to take different classes or lessons about the driving culture, driving methods, traffic rules in Dubai, and traffic fines in Dubai. These lessons are taught by the RTA-approved driving school that is chosen by the candidate. Once the lessons are completed, a theoretical test is done to know the knowledge levels of the candidate and how well they can perform in real-world driving conditions on the UAE roads.
If you are soon going to go through a theory test, below are a few quick tips from us that will make your learning effective and efficient:
- Make sure to go through the RTA handbook thoroughly before attempting a theory test. It has all the information that you need to know to pass this test.
- You can practice sample tests before attempting the theory tests. Different sets of sample tests are available on the RTA Driving Test App.
- Further, you can also give more mock tests available online on various websites. These will not only help you learn about the RTA rules and regulations quickly but also boost your confidence.
- Yard Test
The Yard Test also known as Parking Test, is conducted inside the safe premises of your driving school. Under this test, you are required to perform safe parking maneuvers, majorly including two tests: a parallel parking test and a reverse parking test.
Your instructor will help you learn the tactics of parking a vehicle in tight spaces and safely maneuvering it. Further, you will be given sufficient time to perform safe parking under the confined environment of your driving school. In case of mistakes, you can always perform again and learn more with the help of your driving school and the instructor allotted to you.
- RTA Road Test
The final testing is ultimately done by the Road and Transport Authority officials. After your successful completion of learning lessons and internal testing, you are required to perform a safe driving test on the road. Here, an official RTA instructor will sit beside you in the car, while you will be given a specific route to drive and demonstrate your driving skills.
The instructor will quietly observe your skills including how you perform in different conditions and the basic checks that you do while driving on the road. Additionally, your knowledge about traffic laws will be silently tested by the instructor during this test.
Post-testing, the final results will be shared with the candidate immediately and the allotment of driving license will be done further. In case a candidate fails to clear the road test by RTA, they will be required to undergo 7 training lessons and then go through a re-evaluation process.
Also Read: Understanding Dubai’s Traffic Fines and Black Points System
Cost of Getting a Driving License in UAE
Another crucial part of getting a driving license in the UAE is the cost involved. As per the norms and different testing procedures, the cost of getting a license in the UAE can revolve around AED 4,500 to AED 7,000. There are various factors that can easily fluctuate the overall cost of applying for a driving license and getting one. Some of these are as follows:
- Application Type: The cost depends on the type of application that you are filing to get a driving license. A normal application will cost you around AED 4,400 but the time of getting a license would be around 2-3 months. If you want to save time, you can apply through the VIP application which costs AED 5,600 and you can get your license within 1 month. However, with the VIP application, you will need to pass the RTA tests in one attempt.
- Test Fee: Another major factor affecting the cost of the license is the number of tests that you take to complete the driving course. The more attempts you make, the more you end up paying. Usually, a test will cost you between AED 200 to AED 600, depending on the Emirates. Moreover, the cost will vary upon the number of attempts you take to clear the theory tests, and practical tests, and the number of lessons you take.
- Driving School: There are various RTA-approved driving schools in the UAE that offer learning courses and testing. However, the cost also depends on the school you choose to complete your driving course. Usually, the driving schools in the UAE charge between AED 4,000 - AED 8,000.
- License Issuance Fee: The cost of a license will also depend on the type of license you have applied for. For example, a light vehicle license will cost you less than a heavy vehicle license. The cost range of license issuance in the UAE is between AED 100 - AED 500.
- Date Prepone Fee: As the process of getting a date for a practical RTA road test is lengthy, sometimes the date of the test can be inconvenient or too far for the applicants. Hence, there is an option to prepone the test dates, but it comes at a cost. Depending on the test date you are getting preponed, the rates may vary from AED 200 - AED 720, per service.
- Additional or Miscellaneous Costs: Adding to the above costs are some miscellaneous expenses that may occur during the process of getting a driving license. These may include additional medical tests, translation of international license certificates into Arabic, fees for exchanging foreign licenses, etc.
*Readers must note that these prices may vary with time. Please check with the licensing authority near you for the exact details of the costs while applying.
Driving Schools In Dubai
To acquire a valid driving license in Dubai, a candidate must choose a valid driving school. Numerous driving schools or institutes in Dubai have been granted licenses or permission by the RTA to train and conduct tests. Some of these schools are as follows:
Also Read: Dubai Traffic Fines 2024: A Complete Detailed Guide
CARS24 Used Cars In Dubai For You
By following the above-mentioned process, you can easily apply for and get a driving license in Dubai. However, you will be requiring a car to drive in Dubai and what could be best apart from buying a used car in Dubai, right? CARS24 has a plethora of used cars in Dubai, including every budget, and body type, ensuring you the best quality. Below are some of the top-selling carsbrands in Dubai’s used car market, which you must check out for yourself:
Your Questions, We Answer!
1. Can I get a driving license in Dubai if I am not a resident?
Yes, you can apply for a driving license in Dubai without having a permanent residency. The process of getting a driving license in such cases is similar to the normal process for residents, however, more documentation is required from your sponsor or workplace to ensure your work proof in Dubai.
2. Can I apply for a driving license if I am a GCC national or belong to any other nationality?
Dubai’s RTA allows applicants who belong to the GCC nationality or any other nationality to apply for a driving license. The process of obtaining a driving license with another nationality is similar to that of Dubai residents, but, the documentation may vary depending on the type of license you need.
3. How long does it take to get a driving license in Dubai?
The time taken to get a driving license in Dubai is variable depending on your learning skills and abilities to clear the tests in minimum attempts. Moreover, it also depends on the fact whether you have any prior experience of driving a vehicle. Usually, it takes around 2-3 months to get a driving license in Dubai. But, if you apply through the VIP gateway, it can be received within 1 month or before.
4. Do I need to renew my old driving license in Dubai?
Yes, it is mandatory to renew your license in Dubai after 2 years. Once your driving license is issued, it remains valid for the next 2 years. However, it needs to be renewed after it and the next validity of renewal lasts for 10 years (in case you are a UAE citizen or GCC citizen) and 5 years (for the UAE residents).
5. Can I use my international driving license in Dubai?
Dubai’s RTA allows foreigners to use their international driving license to drive on the roads. However, the vehicle you are driving must be registered either in your name or in the name of your immediate family member. You can also use the rental cars with your international driving license.
