Driving is more than just a good skill to have in the UAE. Whether you are a job seeker, a professional working in the UAE, or even a stay-at-home parent, a driving license can make or break your chances of living here successfully.
Having one of the world’s best infrastructures, ranked third best in the world by the World Economic Forum in 2015, the UAE is extremely well-connected, and driving is almost a necessity. Driving without a license can also land you in a lot of legal trouble, which is not worth it. There is also an excellent public transportation system in the country, which can be used very effectively. This article explains everything you need to know about public transportation in the UAE. Do check it out.
The following article provides a comprehensive guide on how to get a light motor vehicle license.
Who can apply?
You need to be:
- Citizens or residents of the UAE.
- Over the age of 18 (for a light motor vehicle license. Motorcycles and heavy vehicles have separate requirements).
- Medically fit (eye test required).
What documents are required?
The following documents are required to open a traffic file:
- Passport and visa page copies
- Original and copy of Emirates ID card
- 2 photographs
- Eye test report
- No objection letter from the sponsor (if required by the relevant traffic department).
Only an Emirates ID is required for Emiratis. For ex-pats, an Emirates ID and resident visa are required.
For certain professions, a no-objection certificate from the sponsor is required. Details about this requirement are provided at each driving center or on the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) website.
 Now, sponsors are able to issue the NOCs online, making the entire process much faster and easier.
An applicant’s eyes are tested for visual activity and color blindness. Almost all opticians across the country provide eye test reports for the purpose of obtaining a driver’s license. You can simply ask a local shop if they provide the service. Prices can vary depending on the emirate you are applying from.
If one already has a driver’s license. Will one be able to drive in the UAE?
A driving license can be converted into an Emirates driving license only if it was issued by one of about 30 countries.
To obtain a license, foreign nationals must follow the steps below.
Which centers can one apply to?
UAE’s federal website provides a list of registered driving centers in the country:
Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Driving Company – 600 588880
Dubai
- Emirates Driving Institute – 04 263 1100
- Dubai Driving Centre – 04 345 5855
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre – 04 2676166
- Belhasa Driving Centre – ‪800 2354272‬
- Al Ahli Driving Center 800-252454
Sharjah
- Sharjah Driving Institute – 06 538 2020
Ras Al Khaimah
- Ras Al Khaimah Driving Academy – 07 233 2888
Fujairah
- Fujairah National Driving Institute – 09 201 4000
What is the optimal number of classes to register for?
Depending on your driving experience, the number of training hours can range from 10 to 40.
The majority of centers allow applicants with valid driving licenses from another country to take a road test after 10 training hours.
In addition, applicants must complete eight mandatory theory classes and pass a theory test before moving on to training on UAE roads.
For details about the number of training hours (driving classes), you will need, contact your center. However, passing your driving test on your first try is more difficult than it sounds.
An additional money-saving tip – If your budget allows it, you can usually get a discounted rate for a certain number of training sessions.
What license should one get – automatic or manual?
A majority of driving applicants appear to choose the automatic vehicle license since there are fewer vehicle management rules to learn, although some enthusiasts cannot get enough of manual driving.
If you choose one or the other, here are some important differences to keep in mind:
- Having a manual license will allow you to drive any light motor vehicle, whether it has manual or automatic gears.
- If you have an automatic license, you can only drive cars with automatic gears.
If you already have an automatic vehicle license in the UAE and wish to convert it to a manual driving license, you simply need to register with a driving school and take the manual test. You will be able to convert your license to a manual driving license if you pass the test.
However, driving schools recommend that applicants take a few hours of training before they take the road test.
How much will it cost?
A driving school will charge you a one-time fee that includes the registration fee, the road test fee, and the license issuance fee. If you wish to take a few classes of training, that fee will also be added to the one-time payment.
Costs vary from one institute to another, so you should ask the institute in your emirate for details.
What are the tests one has to take?
The tests an applicant needs to take are:
- Theory test
- Parking test
- Road test
Candidates are tested on the meaning of road signs, rules for driving on highways and busy intersections, and how to react to road hazards during theory tests. You can, however, prepare for your driving test by taking free online mock tests from driving institutes. If you do an online search, you can find several practice tests you can take before taking the actual test.
Parking tests, also known as yard tests, measure an applicant’s ability to maneuver the vehicle in various situations, including:
- Parallel parking
- Side parking (60 degrees angle)
- Garage parking
- Hill
- Sudden braking.
What was the result of your yard test? A computer now tells Dubai driving learners the results
Some residents have the unfortunate distinction of taking several road tests before passing and getting their license. Check out the links below for tips and tricks on how to pass your road test and what not to do.
Training rules at driving schools in the UAE are extremely strict, with many monitoring trainees’ every move.
You will be part of a group of applicants who will drive the car with a traffic officer after you have been given a date for the road test.
 After each applicant has taken turns driving and been tested on a variety of aspects of driving according to UAE road laws, the group returns to the driving center to find out if they passed or not.
Dubai recently announced that it would conduct road tests via artificial intelligence.
If you pass the test … Mabrook! You now have a UAE driver’s license.
How long is the license valid?
A new driving licence is valid for two years, and it has to be renewed every two years.
Under the age of 21, the license is valid for one year.
Every driving center has a department where the license is issued as soon as the test has been passed.
What are the requirements for getting a bike license?
Applicants with a motorcycle license from any of the countries can automatically convert their country’s license into a UAE license.
You can register for fewer classes before taking a road test if you hold a bike license from a country not on the list. Before beginning drivers can take their road test, they must complete 15 hours of mandatory training.
It covers all aspects of driving a motorcycle in the UAE, such as lane discipline, gearing, clutching, using side mirrors, etc as well as what traffic signs mean. In addition, 8 theory classes need to be taken, with many centers offering online classes as well.
Documents required
- Original Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Eye test
- 2 passport size photographs
- The sponsor may be required to provide an NOC (No Objection Certificate).
- A visa copy may be requested by the center in some cases.
- You will need to submit a valid driving licence from your home country and a legal translation if it is not in English or Arabic if you want to take fewer classes. The passport must be attested by the embassy/consulate of the home country if it is handwritten or in book form.
The bike license validity is the same as for a light motor vehicle license – two years, except for drivers under 21 years of age.
Is a desert driving license required?
While Sharjah requires desert driving licenses, other emirates also offer training for those interested in honing their dune bashing skills. Candidates are trained in aspects of desert driving such as the vehicle’s swing technique, the mechanics of the vehicle, identifying desert terrain, and safety techniques.
Safari company drivers are required to have specialized driving licenses, but individuals in emirates other than Sharjah can also register with some driving institutes to receive one-day training courses. The course isn’t offered by every driving center, so talk to your driving institute to find out if you can enroll.
Required documents
Original and valid UAE car driver’s license OR an original and valid international car driver’s license valid for 6 months.
