No matter where you live, driving is a skill that can take you places. But obtaining a driving licence can be challenging at times. This Dubai driving licence guide can help you overcome all hurdles by identifying the processes, procedures and tips involved in obtaining a driver’s licence.
Anyone aged 18 and above can apply for a car licence in Dubai. People aged between 18 and 21 qualify for a probationary licence. A driving licence application should be submitted in Arabic to the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
The authorised driving schools in Dubai will take care of that for you. Based on this application, the RTA issues a temporary licence, which you must carry during the training.
If you fall within the legal age for driving, follow this step-by-step guide to get a Dubai driving licence. The Dubai driving licence process is simple but rigorous.
In the case of a failed first attempt, you must complete four hours of additional training classes before appearing for the road test again. Currently, you can benefit from RTA’s Golden Chance and get a licence without attending theory classes.
Emiratis only require their valid Emirates ID to apply for a Dubai driving course.
The Dubai driving licence requirements are different for expats. If you’re a foreigner living in Dubai, you need to submit the following:
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You must pass a few tests to obtain a valid driving licence in Dubai. Your driving school registers you for the theory test. You can proceed to the RTA tests once you pass all internal tests, specifically the yard parking exam. You can only attempt the RTA road test if you are successful in the RTA theory test.
With our car licence in Dubai guide, you will know exactly what to expect from these driving exams. Prepare thoroughly before you appear for these tests and save yourself time, money and stress.
Your theory test will be conducted at one of the authorised driving schools (usually the one you’re registered at). On the day of the test, you should have your :
The test entails 40 questions to evaluate your knowledge about road/driving hazards, signals and signs, and safe-driving guidelines. You need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass.
This test is conducted on a computer in English, Urdu or Arabic. Candidates unfamiliar with these languages can opt for an oral exam.
A fully automated test with detailed parking instructions can be taken at the smart yard of your driving institute. There are five steps in the parking test. These include:
If you fail the parking test five consecutive times, you must reappear for the internal assessment.
This is the last and perhaps the most challenging step of your journey to get a driving licence in Dubai. Because this is where you prove to the examiner that you are worthy of this driving licence – and you barely get 10 to 12 minutes to do that!
This is a practical test and you will be driving. So make sure you’re mentally prepared. On your assigned date for the test, reach the RTA driving licence centre in Dubai with your:
On test day, wait patiently until your name is called out. Then, follow the RTA examiner and the other candidates to the designated car. When your turn comes, drive confidently in a way that demonstrates your overall driving skills.
You’ll get your RTA Dubai driving licence test results immediately. In case you fail, you must complete four additional training hours before securing a new date for your road test. If you pass, the examiner will give you the approval paper. Submit it at the Pass Counter with ID documentation and the Dubai driving licence fee.
Next, collect your driving file and submit it to the Control Counter. You must pay the licence fee before proceeding to the photo area. Once the photo is taken, you only have to wait a few minutes to get your hard-earned Dubai driving licence.
You can apply for the International Driving Permit (IDP) Dubai with the driving licence. All IDL procedures are dealt with by the Automobile and Training Club of UAE (ATCUAE), the Ministry of Interior mobile application, Emirates Post offices and the DNATA office on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
The RTA endorses these driving schools in Dubai. Each school has multiple branches across the city.
