How to Obtain a Driving License in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Overview and Eligibility
If you are a UAE citizen or resident over the age of 18 who has never held a driving license before, you are eligible to apply for a UAE driving license. Accepted identification includes an Emirates ID or, for diplomatic staff of embassies, consulates, and international organizations, a diplomatic card accompanied by a valid letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (valid for at least six months from the date of submission).

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before starting your application:

Recent passport-size photograph.
Original passport and a photocopy.
Emirates ID or a diplomatic card with an accompanying letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (valid for six months).
A copy of your valid UAE residency visa.
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor (exceptions apply to certain professions and diplomatic passport holders).
A valid eye test certificate (if applicable).

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Obtain a Learning Permit

Submit your documents to an approved Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) driving school or training center such as:
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Dubai Driving Center
- Belhasa Driving Center
- Al Ahli Driving Center
Open a driving file and complete an eye test if required.
Attend theoretical lessons (usually two hours) covering traffic rules, safety, and driving ethics.
Pass the theory test to obtain your learning permit. Pay the relevant fees at this stage.

2. Take Practical Driving Lessons

The number of lessons varies based on your driving experience:
- Complete beginners: ~30 hours
- Intermediate learners: ~20 hours
- Advanced students: ~10 hours
Practice under the supervision of your driving instructor until you receive a certificate of readiness for the road test.

3. Schedule and Complete the Road Test

Book your road test at the RTA center. Bring your passport, driving file, two passport-size photographs, and pay the applicable fees.
During the test, you and three other candidates will be evaluated by an RTA inspector.
If you fail, you must complete at least seven additional lessons before retaking the test.
If you pass, collect your approval slip, pay the fees at the Pass Counter and Control Counter, and proceed for your final photograph.
Your UAE driving license will be issued within minutes.

Fees (Approximate, May Vary by Center)

Eye test: AED 120
Educational courses: AED 830
Theory test: AED 50
Road test: AED 200
Pass counter fee: AED 100
Control counter fee: AED 200

Validity of License

Ages 18–21: Valid for 1 year.
Ages 21 and above: Valid for 2 years.

Additional Information

Citizens of 41 approved countries (e.g., GCC nations, many European countries, the USA, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and others) can directly exchange their home-country license for a UAE license by visiting an RTA office with the necessary documents and fees.
A UAE driving license serves as an official ID for many transactions, car rentals, and vehicle registrations.

Key Contact Information

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)

Call Center: 800 90 90 (inside UAE)
International Calls: +971 4 605 1414 (24/7)
Tel: +971 4 284 4444
Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box: 118899, Dubai, UAE

Driving Schools:

Dubai Driving Center: Alquoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai | Phone: 04 3236000 | [email protected]
Al Ahli Driving School: Al Quoz Industrial 4, Dubai | Tel: 04-3411500 | [email protected]
Belhasa Driving School: Dubai | Tel: +971 4 8817171
Emirates Driving Institute: Al Qusais, Dubai | Tel: 04 2631100 | [email protected]
Galadari Driving School: Dubai | Tel: +971 4 2676166 | [email protected]
Drive Dubai: Dubai Investment Park 2 | Tel: +971 4 8855118 | [email protected]

Processing Time

Depending on your progress and test results, the entire process—from opening a driving file to receiving your license—may take several weeks to a few months.