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.
Related Resources
- Government of Dubai – Roads and Transport Authority
- Approved driving school websites for course details and booking links.
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