How To Apply For Your Drivers License In UAE? [Ultimate Guide]

Introduction

Getting your UAE driver’s license doesn’t have to be hard, and you can easily follow the 14 steps in this guide. We’ll cover everything from checking if you qualify (you must be at least 18 for cars and have a valid UAE residency) to the final road test with the RTA. 

Along the way, we’ll explain how to gather your documents, choose a driving school, complete your theory classes, and check those practical driving lessons.

We’ll also tell you about the “Golden Chance” program for experienced drivers that can save you money and break down the costs, which are usually between 5,000 and 7,000 AED.

Complete Step-by-Step Guide For Driver’s License In UAE

Getting a driving license in the UAE is a simple 14-step process that includes tests, training, and proper paperwork. The first step is to make sure you are eligible, and the last step is to receive your license.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for a UAE Driving License

The UAE has clear rules about who can apply, so make sure you meet these requirements before you start.

• Age Limits: in the UAE, the type of car you can drive depends on your age:
• 17 years old: If you have special needs, you can drive bikes or cars that have been customised to fit your needs.
• Older than 18 years: You’re good to go for light trucks and cars.
• 20 years old: This age is required to drive trucks and big cars.
• Older than 21: This is the youngest age you can be to drive a bus. 

They don’t bend the rules, so if you’re too young for the type of car you want, your application won’t even be considered. 

Residency Status 

You must be a legal UAE resident to apply. This means you need:

• A valid Emirates ID card in your pocket
• An up-to-date residence visa that hasn’t expired 

If your visa is from a different emirate than where you’re applying, you’ll need extra proof like:

• Your Ejari-approved tenancy contract or property deed
• Your company’s trade license for that emirate
• A letter from your employer confirming you work there 

Tourists and visitors can’t apply for a UAE license, so don’t waste your time if you’re just passing through. Plus, diplomats need their diplomatic passport, card, and a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Medical Fitness 

Everyone needs to prove they’re fit to drive, which mainly comes down to:

• Passing an eye test at an approved center
• Meeting the minimum vision standards for safe driving
• Getting a note on your license if you need glasses or contacts 

Some medical conditions might require extra checks, and people with physical disabilities may need a special assessment at places like Rashid Hospital in Dubai. 

The eye test will set you back about 140-180 AED, stays valid for two years, and only takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents for UAE Driving License

Now that you know you’re qualified, let’s prepare all of your papers. The application process will go more easily if you have all the necessary papers ready. Things you need to gather are listed below:

Valid passport and residence permit:

• Your real passport, because they need to see it.
• Your main passport page in clear copy
• A copy of the page of your residence visa 

Watch out: Your visa might run out in 3 months, which could stop you in your tracks.

Emirates ID (EID) 

Bring the real card and a copy of it.

• Remember to make sure it’s still current; a fake ID won’t work.
• You can do almost anything in the UAE with this little card.

Photographs

• 8 new colour pictures the size of a passport
• Only a white background
• Put your face in the middle of the room; don’t hide behind shades.
• 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm is the standard size.
• Don’t wear a hat or sunglasses unless your doctor tells you to.

Tip: Some driving schools will take these right away for a small fee if you’re in a hurry.

No Objection Certificate (NOC) 

This is a lot like your supporter telling you to “go for it!”

• Be on business paper and have the right stamp and name.
• For dependents, this must come from the person who is paying for your visa.
• In some cases, lucky people may not have to do this, based on their country or region.

Eye Test Report:

• Get this done at an eye centre that is approved by the RTA.
• In most cases, it should be from the last month.
• The price is 140 to 180 AED. 

Most of the time, the results are sent electronically straight to your traffic file.

Additional Documents (For Special Cases)

Special Case	Required Documents
Golden Visa holders with foreign license	Copy of previous valid driving license – Knowledge test and road test results
Sons of Emirati Women	Copy of valid passport – Current letter from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs confirming Emirati mother
License holders from qualifying countries	Original license – Arabic translation from authorised centre (100-200 AED) – Additional verification (for some countries)
People of Determination	Certificate referring you to a doctor (from Licensing Agency) – Medical assessment from Rashid Hospital (for Dubai residents)

Step 3: Select a Driving School

There are many licensed driving schools in the UAE, and each has its own style, teaching methods, and prices. 

Also, don’t worry about quality, though; the RTA in Dubai and similar groups in other emirates keep an eye on them all, so you’ll get good training no matter where you go.

Authorised Driving Schools by Emirate

Driving School	Key Features	Locations
Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)	The big kahuna of driving schools in the Middle East – Over 40 branches across Dubai	All over Dubai
Galadari Motor Driving Center (GMDC)	Teaches you to drive everything from cars to trucks – Great motorcycle programs	Al Qusais 4 – Al Qouz 3
Dubai Driving Center	Top-notch facilities that have won awards – Instructors who speak your language	Jumeirah – Al Qouz Industrial 3 – Al Qusais 1
Belhasa Driving Center	Branches all over the place – Fancy premium packages if you want the VIP treatment	Al Wasel – Jebel Ali – Nad Al Hammar
Al Ahli Driving School	Won’t break the bank – Really focuses on keeping you safe – 18 convenient branches in Dubai	Throughout Dubai

Other Emirates

Emirate	Driving School
Abu Dhabi	Emirates Driving Company- Emirates Transport Driving Institute
Sharjah	Sharjah Driving Institute
Ras Al Khaimah	Ras Al Khaimah Driving Academy
Fujairah	Fujairah National Driving Institute
Ajman	Ajman Driving Institute
Umm Al Quwain	UAQ Driving Center

Step 4: Open a Traffic File

We’re now getting down to business! If you want to drive legally in the UAE, the first thing you need to do is open a traffic file. This step allows you to start attending classes and setting up exams, and also creating your digital stamp in the RTA system (or whatever body oversees operations in your emirate).

How to Get to a Traffic File:

• Take your papers to the driving school you’ve picked.
• Give your papers to the person at the front desk.
• Just give some general information about yourself on the entry form.
• Include the fee for opening the file, which is around 200 AED, to get things started.
• They might just use your passport picture for your learner’s permit, so smile for the camera.
• Get a ticket and read about what to do next.

Fees Involved: Time to open your wallet! Here’s what you’ll be paying for:

Fee Description	Amount (AED)
Traffic file opening	200
Learning permit (light vehicles)	100
Learning permit (heavy vehicles)	200
Handbook Manual	50
Knowledge and Innovation fees	20
Total (approximate)	370-470

You’ll be one step closer to hitting the road once you’ve taken care of your traffic file. If you have all of your paperwork ready, the whole process should only take an hour.

Step 5: Complete the Eye Test

The eye test is a breeze on your way to getting your license. Everybody has to go through a quick 10-15 minute check, which costs 100–180 AED at any RTA-approved centre. 

The good news is that these results have been good for two years, and most places now send them online straight to the RTA system. Remember to bring your glasses or contacts with you because this will be written on your card.

If you fail, don’t worry—just fix your eye problems and try again. The test measures how sharp your eyes are, how well you see colours, and how well you can tell the difference between things in three dimensions.

What does the Eye Test Look for?

• These are the main things the eye doctor will look at:
• Visual acuity (basically how sharp your eyesight is at different distances)
• Eyesight (make sure you can tell the difference between red and green road lights)
• Field of vision (testing whether you can see objects from the corner of your eye)
• Ability to tell how far away things are

Places to Get Eye Exams

• Numerous choices exist for checking your eyes:
• The majority of optical stores in malls
• Optical units in hospitals
• Right at your driving school if they offer on-site tests

Step-by-Step Process

1. Pop into an approved centre with your Emirates ID
2. Sign in at the front desk
3. Pay the fee (anywhere from 100-180 AED, depending on where you go)
4. Sit through the quick vision check with the eye specialist
5. Get your results printed on an official form
6. Take the results to your driving school (or keep them for when you open your traffic file)

Step 6: License Exchange or Full Training

Skipping driving school is not necessary if you already have a license from one of the 43 recognised countries. It will only cost you 100 to 200 AED to have your license translated into Arabic. Then, give it to the RTA with your application and the swap fee, which is around 600 AED.

You’re good to go after the swap, which normally only takes 3–7 days. Countries that make the cut for license exchange include:

Region	Countries
Europe	UK, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Spain
North America	USA, Canada
Asia/Pacific	Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Turkey
Middle East	Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar

If your home country isn’t on this VIP list, then you’ll need to buckle down and go through the full training program, complete with theory classes, practical lessons, and all the tests.

Step 7: Complete Theory Training

Theory training is important for new drivers because it teaches them the rules of the road, how to read road signs, and how to stay safe on UAE roads. 

What you need to know is:

• There will be eight theory classes, and each one will last about an hour.
• Classes are offered in Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu, so language won’t be a problem.

What you’ll learn is:

• How to drive in the UAE and what will happen if you break the rules
• What all of those road signs and the different lines mean
• How to be safe behind the wheel (because not everyone else will!)
• Advice on how to stay safe
• Understanding your car’s safety tools and how to use them

The RTA will give you a study guide, and if you can’t make it in person, many schools now offer online classes or e-learning. You can’t miss class because they do keep track of who is there. Plus, the lessons have to be finished before the theory test.

Step 8: Take the Theory Test 

The theory test checks to see if you’ve been following all the rules and laws about driving. When you’re ready, pay the fee (about 200 AED) and book your test time through your driving school or the RTA website. 

The test is electronic and has 35 to 40 multiple-choice questions. So, to pass, you must get at least 75%, which means 30 out of 40 questions will be correct.

What you can expect:

• The test is available in 8 languages, such as Arabic, English, Urdu, and Hindi, so you shouldn’t have any trouble if you don’t speak the language.
• You have 30 minutes to finish, which most people find enough time.
• It has questions about road signs, rules of the road, and safety tips.
• If you pass or fail, you’ll find out right away.

If you do well, you can go straight to training in the real world. If not, don’t worry. You can take the test again in a week, but you’ll have to pay the fee again.

Step 9: Complete Practical Training

Practical training is the meat and potatoes of learning to drive in the UAE. How many classes you need depends on your driving history:

• Never had a license before? You’ll need 40 classes
• Had a license for 2-5 years? You can get by with 30 classes
• An old pro with a license for more than 5 years? Just 20 classes for you

Each driving session lasts about 30 minutes and is conducted by an RTA-certified instructor using the school’s cars. Your training covers everything from A to Z:

• Getting the hang of basic controls (starting, stopping, turning without jerking around)
• Staying in your lane and changing lanes without cutting anyone off
• Following traffic lights and signs like a pro

Step 10: Take the Parking Test

This in-house test at your driving school checks if you can handle tight spots without bumping into anything. You’ll need to master several types of parking:

Parking Type	Description
Garage Parking	Driving straight into a perpendicular spot (the standard shopping centre parking)
Parallel Parking	The tricky sideways parking between two cars
60-degree Parking	Sliding into those angled spaces typically found in malls
Hill Stop	Stopping and starting on a slope without rolling backwards into the car behind you
Emergency Stop	Slammed on the brakes safely when someone yelled, “STOP!”

The whole test takes about 15-20 minutes, and you’ll get a different instructor than your regular one (just to keep things fair). If you mess up any part, you’ll need some extra practice before moving ahead. 

Step 11: Take the Assessment Test

The assessment test is a test that your driving school gives you to see if you’re ready for the RTA or if you need more practice. For the next 20 to 30 minutes, they will test all of your skills, such as your ability to change lines and turn properly. Aside from that, they’ll also watch how sure you look while driving and how well you handle traffic.

Your results will fall into one of these categories:

Assessment Result	What It Means	What Happens Next
Excellent	You’re totally ready to rock the RTA test	Go ahead and book your final road test right away
Very Good	You’re almost there; just need tiny tweaks	You can book the test but should polish specific skills first
Moderate	You need more time behind the wheel	You’ll need to take 5-8 extra classes before you can book the real test
Weak	You’ve got significant gaps to fill	You’ll have to complete 10+ additional classes before they’ll assess you again

Step 12: Book the RTA Road Test

After you did well on the test, it’s time to set up the real thing! It’s easy to schedule your legal RTA road test:

• Pay the test fee, which is around 200 AED.
• You can choose from available times (usually about two weeks out).
• Get your confirmation email that tells you when and where to show up.

You can make a reservation by:

• The front desk of your driving school
• The RTA website or app for phones
• The RTA call center at (800) 9090

Double-check that you’ve:

• Completed all of your training hours
• Did well on the private test
• Paid your driving school any outstanding fees
• Practiced those tricky moves that are hard for you

Need to change the date? You have to do it at least 48 hours before your meeting, or you will have to pay a 300 AED fine.

Step 13: Take the RTA Road Test

The RTA Road Test is your final hurdle before freedom on the roads. Make sure to show up at least 30 minutes early with all your paperwork and the 200 AED test fee.

The test only takes about 10 minutes, but those are some intense minutes! An RTA examiner will evaluate everything:

• How smoothly do you handle the car
• Whether you use signals and check mirrors properly
• How well you stick to your lane and change lanes safely
• Your response to traffic lights and signs
• Your roundabout navigation skills
• Your awareness of other drivers
• Your overall confidence and decision-making

You’ll drive a car provided by your school, typically with 3-4 other test-takers in the same vehicle. The examiner will guide you through a set route while scoring your every move. People commonly fail for things like:

• Forgetting to check mirrors regularly
• Poor lane positioning
• Freezing up at junctions or roundabouts
• Not using signals properly
• Driving too fast or too slow

If you don’t pass, don’t beat yourself up! You’ll need to take seven additional classes (yes, more money) before you can book and pay for another shot at the test.

Step 14: Receive Your License

You made it! If you pass the road test, getting your actual license is a breeze. Here’s how to cross the finish line:

1. Grab that precious approval paper from your RTA examiner
2. Head over to the RTA Pass Counter with the following:
   • Your original Emirates ID
   • A copy of your passport with the visa page
   • License fee: 100 AED if you’re under 21, or 300 AED if you’re 21+
   • Extra 20 AED for those Knowledge and Innovation fees
3. Hand everything over at the control counter
4. Pay up
5. Smile for one last photo
6. Walk away with your brand-new driving license in hand!

For first-timers, your license is valid for 2 years. After that initial period, citizens and GCC nationals can renew for a whopping 10 years, while other residents get a 5-year renewal.

Age Group	License Fee
Under 21 years	100 AED
21 years and above	300 AED

Last Words

So that’s the whole story of getting a UAE driving license! The system is thorough and makes sure everyone on the road knows what they’re doing before handing out licenses. You’ll go through document checks, eye tests, theory classes, and plenty of practical tests to prove you’re road-ready. While it might hit your wallet hard (typically 5,000-7,000 AED), the process is flexible enough to recognize your experience level. 

FAQ