Driving License Guide in Dubai, UAE - Process, Tests, Cost & More

A driver's license in the UAE opens up many possibilities. Drive to work, explore by yourself, or take your family for a drive, and more importantly, have independence. You no longer need to depend on someone else to drive you around. Acquiring a driver's license has become mandatory at this time. However, it can be a daunting task without proper guidance and information. So, this article intends to help everyone who desires a UAE driver's license. Go through this complete driving license guide in Dubai, UAE, and learn all about the processes, tests, costs, and more.

Eligibility for Driver’s License in the UAE

Not everyone is eligible to obtain a driver's license in the UAE. There are strict criteria everyone must meet to apply for a driving license. These include legal status, age requirements, documents, and medical fitness.

Legal Status

Only Emiratis and UAE residents with valid residency visas can apply.

Age Requirement for UAE Driver’s License

The minimum age requirement to obtain a UAE driver's license depends on the vehicle category.

Documents Required for UAE Driver’s License

Both Emiratis and UAE residents generally need to submit the same set of documents. You should hand over the documents to the driving institute you've selected. They'll take care of the documentation for you. The RTA requires the following documents to apply for a UAE driver's license:

• Original Emirates ID card
• Emirates ID soft copy
• Passport and visa copies
• Passport-size photographs (4–8)
• Eye-test report
• NOC (no objection certificate) from your sponsor

Medical Fitness

You must pass the medical exam at a government-approved medical center. Some tests involve an overall health assessment, blood pressure, hearing, and vision tests.

Dubai Driving License Application Process

A series of processes, theory classes, training sessions, and assessments will lead you to your goal: a UAE driver's license. Let's take a look at the step-by-step process of obtaining a driver's license.

• Visit a government-approved driving institute near you with all the necessary documents and some money. Enroll according to your license requirements.
• Get a temporary learner's permit (the institute issues it).
• First, complete all the theoretical classes. These classes can be done online. Attend the classes until you're ready to take the test.
• Take your theoretical test. Pass it and move on to the next step—practical classes.
• Try your best to master the driving skills as soon as possible. Learn every aspect to the minute details. These training sessions can last from 20 to 40 hours in total, depending on your learning ability. It prepares you for the parking and road tests.
• Pass the internal assessments and take your highway and city road classes.
• Complete your internal parking test (four types) and get ready for the final RTA tests.
• Pass the RTA exam and road test (which usually take 10–15 minutes).
• That's it! You've secured your driver's license.

Driving Tests Categories

There are three categories of tests to obtain a UAE driver's license: theory, parking, and road test.

Theory Test

Everything starts with a theoretical test. It's mandatory to pass this test to move forward. It includes 40 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). You must score above 30 to pass the test. It includes 10 different topics, all involving the fundamentals of road knowledge and safety.

This test will evaluate your overall driving knowledge. The test revolves around traffic rules, roadside signs, road preparation, and safe-driving guidelines. You'll take this test on a computer in your preferred language: English, Urdu, or Arabic. The driving institute takes this test on behalf of the RTA.

Parking Test

This test is a series of fully automated parking tests done according to the instructor's instructions. It takes place at your driving institute's smart yard. It involves a series of five different parking types. Those include:

• Angle Parking: Parking at a 60° angle within the confines of the parking lines.
• Emergency Brakes: Successfully stop at the instruction of your instructor.
• Garage Parking: Park in a tight space without interfering with the movement of other vehicles.
• Parallel Parking: Parking your vehicle parallelly with other vehicles.
• Slope Parking: Stopping your vehicle at a hill/slope within the marked area.

Note: Passing the parking tests lets you move on to the next step—the road test. Failing the parking test five consecutive times entails retaking the internal assessments.

Road Test

The RTA road test is the final step to acquiring your UAE driver's license. It involves you driving on the road with your instructor. You get 10–15 minutes to show your driving skills. The instructor looks into every little detail and marks your score.

Stay calm, confident, and aware of your surroundings, and drive accordingly. Fastening the seatbelt, checking the mirrors, adjusting seats, and every aspect of safe driving are mandatory during your road test.

Upon passing your tests, the examiner hands you the approval paper. Submit it to the Pass Counter along with the necessary documents and the Dubai driving license fee. You then collect your file and submit it to the control counter. Take a photo, and after some time, you'll walk away with your UAE driver's license.

Note: If you fail the test, you must take seven additional classes to become eligible for the next one. Stay focused, confident, and believe in yourself to successfully pass the test on a single try.

Golden chance: skip to the road test

The RTA allows UAE residents from several countries to convert their home country's driver's license to the UAE driver's license. These countries are the USA, UK, Ukraine, Turkey, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, South Africa, Slovenia, Slovakia, Singapore, Serbia, Romania, Portugal, Poland, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Montenegro, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Japan, Italy, Ireland, Iceland, Hungary, Hong Kong, Greece, Germany, France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Cyprus, China, Canada, Bulgaria, Belgium, Austria, Australia, and Albania.

What about the other countries? Before April 2023, everyone else had to take mandatory classes to obtain a UAE driver's license. It's not the same today. The RTA has introduced the Golden Chance, an opportunity to bypass classes and directly take the tests. This has made it easy for residents with driving licenses from their home countries. No theoretical or practical classes are needed; take the tests and get your UAE driver's license.

Dubai, UAE driving license fees

Of course, obtaining a UAE driver's license is not free. It's a financial commitment. You make several large and micro transactions, from the start to the finish. Let's take a look at the breakdown of the monetary aspect of the UAE driver's license fees.

The overall price for obtaining a UAE driver's license can range from AED 1000 to AED 10,000. The prices vary from one driving institute to another. Other aspects, such as license validity, training shifts, course hours, etc., directly affect the prices.

Note: These prices may not remain the same at the time you decide to apply for your license. Please contact your driving institute for accurate and updated prices.

UAE’s Top Driving Institutes

You'll find many government-approved driving schools and institutes in the Emirates. They all offer license courses, trainings, and RTA exam gateways. All of them will help you obtain a driver's license. However, some offer better service than others. These are the driving institutes that have made a reputation for themselves in the Emirates.

Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)

• Branches: 48 locations across Dubai
• Main Centers: Al Qusais Center, Port Rashid Center, and Al Quoz Center
• Office hours: 8:15 AM–11:00 PM (11:30 AM–2 PM breaks on Friday).
• Contact: 04 2631100

EDI’s license fee structures:

Galadari Motor Driving Centre (GMDC)

• Branches: 63 locations across Dubai
• Main Centers: Al Qusais Office, and Al Quoz Office
• Office hours: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM (8:00 AM–8:00 PM on Sundays).
• Contact: 600 595956

GMDC’s license fee structures:

Belhasa Driving School (BDS)

• Branches: 32 locations across Dubai
• Main Centers: Al Wasl, Al Qusais, Jebel Ali, Nad Al Hammar, and Al Quoz
• Office hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (7:00 AM–3:00 PM on Sundays).
• Contact: 800 235 4272

BDS’s license fee structures:

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned prices were significant at the time of this article's creation. Prices can change over time, depending on several factors. Please contact the respective driving schools for current and updated prices.

Tips to Ace Your UAE Driver’s License Road Test

Obtaining a UAE driver's license can be a daunting task without dedication and 100% effort. However, you should take inspiration from the millions of individuals with UAE driver's licenses. If they can do it, you too can. Implement the following tips during your test for a successful trial:

• As soon as you enter the vehicle, shut the door properly, fasten the seatbelt, and check the horns and wipers. Adjust your seats and mirrors.
• Check the handbrake and gears, and then start your vehicle.
• Sunglasses during the road test are not recommended. The examiner is constantly checking your eye movements on the mirrors, shoulder checks, etc.
• Follow every instruction of the examiner to the precise detail. No cross-questioning.
• Drive confidently and within the speed limit.
• Stop at the stop signs for at least 3 seconds, even if the road is clear. Apply the same rule to the junction as well.
• Change lanes only after checking the rearview mirrors. Give the indicator as per the command of your examiner, and change the lanes whenever it is safe to do so. Check your blind spots on every lane change.
• Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road is mandatory.
• Smooth breaking is important. Don't use hard or sudden breaks.
• Park your vehicle on the side as per the instruction of the examiner.

These are some important tips that will help you ace your RTA road test. You'll learn about all these during your practical training. All you need to do is apply all the learnings from your training to your tests.

UAE driver’s license summary

The eligible candidates can easily obtain their driver's license in Dubai by enrolling in one of the driving institutes. The process can scare you, but it is achievable. Prepare, train, and take the tests with confidence. Look at the easy reachability of your Dubai driver's license.

• Register for a license at a government-approved driving institute.
• Theory classes, practical training, and internal assessments.
• Theory test, parking test, and RTA road test.
• Pass them all and grab your driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the UAE driving license file opening fee?

The UAE driving license file opening fee is AED 200.

What is the Dubai driving license unlimited package price?

The Dubai driving license unlimited package price is AED 8,000, exclusive of the 5% VAT. It enables you to take classes and tests without incurring additional costs. This package is suitable for beginners. Pay the amount upfront and get your license with unlimited tries.

What languages are the theory classes offered in?

Theory classes are offered in three languages: Arabic, Urdu, and English. Pick a language that suits you for your classes.

Is it possible to transfer my driving file from one institute to another?

Yes, it is possible to transfer your driving license file from one institute to another. Obtain the file and clearance letter from your current school. Provide them to the school you are planning to join. That's it.