Get a Desert Safari Driving License in Dubai

Are you planning to get a desert safari driver's license in Dubai? Then this is the right article for you. We'll walk you through the eligibility test, application process, document requirements, fees, and more. You'll have a thorough understanding of the topic and know where to get your driver's license.

Dubai is a marvel amidst the Emirates sand dunes. These magnificent dunes are the perfect playground for thrill-seeking motorists in Dubai. To conquer these desert landscapes, however, RTA-recognized licensing is mandatory. Let's get you started on your journey to obtaining one.

How much does it cost to get a safari driving license?

The cost to obtain a desert safari driving license can vary from one driving school to another. It also depends on the nature of the certification you enroll in. The beginner training will cost around 1550 Dhs., and the extra training will cost around 850 Dhs., additionally.

Different sources can show varying fees. So, you should directly contact the driving school and request a quotation. It is the best way to know how much it costs to get a desert safari driving license in Dubai.

Who is eligible for a desert safari driving license?

Most UAE nationals and residents are eligible for a Dubai desert driving license. Individuals should have a valid UAE driver's license issued at least six months earlier. For a professional desert driving license (RTA driving license for safari tour guides), the RTA-issued license should be at least 2 years old.

The minimum height requirement is 140 cm. However, for safari tour guides with Dubai's tour company visas, their age should be 25 years old.

Who isn't eligible for a desert driving license?

All tourists (visitors), pregnant women, individuals under the age of 21, those under 140 cm in height, and those with medical conditions are not eligible. Those suffering from severe backaches, neck pain, motion sickness, or travel sickness don't qualify for the desert driving license.

What documents are required to obtain a safari driving license in Dubai?

A specific set of documents is mandatory for desert safari registration, training, and licensing. It falls under the RTA, the UAE's official road and transport authority requirements. The fundamental set of required documents includes the following:

• Emirates ID (original),
• Dubai light-vehicle driver’s license (original) that has been valid for at least 2 years,
• Passport (copy),
• Eye test report Police report NOC from the (DTCM) Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing,
• Tour company NOC letter (applicable for tour guides), and
• Four passport-sized, colored photographs.

How to apply for a desert safari license in Dubai?

Applying for a desert safari driving license is only possible after you go through the RTA-required five-day safari driver training. You can enroll in this training online through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism's Apply for Safari Driver Training page.

It entails a seven-step process that awards you a soft and hard copy training certification after five days of training and assessment. The link above takes you to the registration page, where you'll find all the information you need to know for this certification.

• Generally, all driving schools want you to visit them in person with all the required documents for registration. Some institutes offer online registration for one-day desert driving certificate courses.
• Set up training dates, times, and assessment schedules with the driving school or institute. Attend classes and take your driving test by the pre-planned schedule.
• If you fail the test, you should schedule a new appointment and retake it. You keep doing it until you pass. For these appointments, certain fees are applicable.
• You become eligible for a criminal case investigation certificate from Dubai Police after passing the test. Apply for the certificate online and obtain it as soon as possible.
• Then you take your eye test and get a license eligibility report. You submit all of these documents and reports to the driving institute or school, and you pay their service charge. They will take over from here.

You will receive a soft copy of your newly issued desert safari driving license in your email. You can either collect a hard copy of the license from the institute or have it delivered to your doorstep.

Where can you apply for a desert safari driver's license in Dubai?

You can apply online for desert safari driver training on DET's official website (above link). However, the actual safari driver's license is obtainable only through government-approved driving institutes and schools, such as Emirates Driving Institute Dubai (EDI), Galadari Motor Driving Centre (GMDC), Belhasa Driving School, and Al Ahli Driving Centre.

These are Dubai's most prominent driving centers, with multiple branches throughout the city. Locate them using Google Maps, and then visit the nearest branch for further inquiries and enrollment.

Pointers to obtain your desert driver's license with ease

Getting a desert safari driving license in Dubai will be an effortless experience, as you have already honed your driving skills. However, you shouldn't take it for granted. Good discipline and unwavering effort are the keys to obtaining your desert driver's license with ease.

• Make sure you gather all the required documents beforehand for a seamless licensing procedure.
• Don't miss your theory and practical classes; punctuality and discipline are mandatory.
• Gear up comfortably, as per the trainer's recommendations, for a comfortable training experience.
• Take your training pointers and apply them during the exam or driving test. Stay focused and attentive to the instructor's commands for a top-tier result.

Summary

Dubai is the perfect place for a desert safari experience. A safari driver's license is your path to an enthralling desert adventure in a 4x4 off-roader. Get it by following the above-mentioned processes and staying dedicated to your goal. For a memorable experience, make an effort to research and choose a top driving center.

FriendsCarRental can arrange several jaw-dropping desert safari packages and offers from Dubai's top safari companies.

FAQ:

How long does it take to obtain your desert safari driver's license in Dubai?

It might take from a week to a month to get your desert safari driver's license. License processing can take up to 7 days, depending on the licensing department's busy schedule. It is not the same as obtaining a desert guide permit, which is a five-day training with immediate certificate issuance.

What is the validity of a safari driving license?

A desert safari driver's license is only valid for one year. You should renew your Desert Safari license before it expires, extending the validity to a year.

Do I get to drive as soon as I clear my Safari driving test?

Yes, you can drive on a desert safari once you receive your "desert safari driving license." Otherwise, you cannot legally drive, even if you've cleared your exams. A soft-copy license is valid for driving, and you obtain it quicker than a carded license.