Everything you need to know to get your driver's licence in the Emirates, including the steps and requirements. This is your incredibly simple and straightforward step-by-step guide to hitting the road.
Having a driver's licence in Dubai opens up a world of possibilities, from road excursions across the United Arab Emirates to increased employment prospects as gas prices drop.
If this year you want to broaden your horizons (quite literally), you'll find all the information you need to travel freely in Dubai right here.
You need a transferrable licence to drive in Dubai.
Step 1: Make sure you qualify.
To begin the process of obtaining a driver's licence in the United Arab Emirates, both nationals and residents must be of legal age and in good health. Also, different vehicle classes have different minimum ages.
- You have to be 17 to ride a motorbike.
- Minimum age to operate an automobile or light truck is 18.
- Heavy vehicles (trucks, tractors, etc.) must be 20 years old.
- Age restriction for buses is 21
Step 2: Launch a traffic log
After making sure you are of legal, medical, and age eligibility, you may start getting your paperwork in order. Learning to drive requires accessing a traffic database. You'll need the following materials for this task:
- A photocopy of the visa page from your passport
- Original and duplicate Emirates identification card.
- A pair of images
- Report of an Eye Exam
- If the traffic division you prefer asks for it, your sponsor's letter of support.
Step 3: Take driving lessons.
You should definitely brush up on your driving skills before venturing out on the roads of Dubai.
Emirates Driving Institute, Dubai Driving Centre, Galadari Motor Driving Centre, Belhasa Driving Centre, and Al Ahli Driving Centre are just few of the top driving schools in the area.
These programmes provide comprehensive education in all aspects of driving, including safety, legislation, and best practises. You'll need to take theoretical classes to get ready for the written exam, and then driving classes to get ready for the behind-the-wheel test.
The fourth action is to schedule a driving test.
After finishing all required driving training and passing an eye exam, you can schedule your road test.
You'll need proof of an eye exam, an Emirates ID, and a booking fee to secure a reservation. The RTA accepts online applications, which can be submitted at this link.
You can also apply through your driving school, the RTA's Smart App or website, the Customer Happiness Centre in Deira, or the Dubai Drive smart app.
Step 5: Take the Exams
To earn your driver's licence, you must first pass three exams. The first step is to take the RTA theory test, which will include questions on general driving knowledge as well as those specifically related to the driving licence.
You'll then take a parking test in the front garden of your driving school. Parking on a slope or hill, using the emergency brakes, parking at an angle (60 degrees), parking in a garage (90 degrees), and parking in a straight line will all be put to the test.
After you've mastered the parking portion of the test, you'll go on to the road test portion, where your actual driving abilities will be evaluated. Your driver's licence will be valid for two years from the date it was issued.
