Dubai Driving License Guide – Requirements, Test & Fees

You need to learn to drive and pass theories and road tests to get the driving license in Dubai

Feature Image-Dubai Driving License Guide

A Dubai driving license is quite essential if you want to drive your vehicle in Dubai. The government of Dubai and, in general, UAE have imposed strict rules in case of traffic rules and accidents, so a driving license in Dubai is highly essential, especially if you are new to the country or a first-time driver.

Generally, to get a Dubai driving license, you need to learn to drive and pass theories and road tests. Then you must submit documents like Emirates Id, passport, and eye test report and pay the required fees.

In this guide, you will know some of the tests you must pass before applying for a driving Dubai license. Similarly, you will also know all the eligibility criteria, required documents, and fees incurred while submitting your application.

How to get a driving license in Dubai?

You must follow a simple procedure to get a driving license in Dubai. Check them out below. [1]Road and Traffic Authority, Obtain Driving License in Dubai, … Continue reading

1. Eye test

The first step to obtaining a driving license in Dubai is to pass an eye test. This is to ensure that individuals have a clear vision so that they are less likely to cause accidents or have difficulty driving.

There are several RTA-approved eye test centers across Dubai, such as Max Vision, Barakat Optical, and Rivoli Eye Zone, where you can do your eye test. The process is pretty simple and quick, and once you have passed the eye test, you will be one step closer to getting your driving license.

2. Register at RTA valid driving school

Once you have your documents in order, you can register at an RTA-approved driving school in Dubai. When registering, you must present your original Emirates ID, two passport-size photos, and an eye test certificate.

You may also need to provide a letter of no objection. Once registered, you can take driving lessons and the driving test to obtain your license. Al Ahli, Dubai Driving Center, and Belhasa are all reputable schools that offer quality instruction.

3. Pass theory and practical class

After registering at the RTA Dubai school, you must complete your theory and practical classes. At the school, you will learn all the traffic rules and regulations. Similarly, you will also learn about the fines and black points and how to avoid them. After completing your driving classes, you will be eligible for a driving test.

4. Parking class

Before moving to RTA tests, you must pass the theory and internal parking tests. First, complete the theory test, and during the time of the parking test, you will be accompanied by an internal instructor who will judge you on your parking skill.

If you complete parking successfully, you will receive a certificate of approval from your instructor. With this letter, you are now eligible to give RTA road tests.

5. Road test

The road test is the final step to getting your driving license. You will have to drive in the examiner’s observation and immediately find your test result once it is finished. The examiner will grade you on several factors, including your vehicle control, ability to follow traffic laws, and overall safety habits.

Although it can be nerve-wracking, the road test is essential to becoming a safe and responsible driver. Following the examiner’s instructions and remaining calm can increase your chances of passing the test and earning your license. [2]Road and Traffic Authority, Obtain Driving License in Dubai, … Continue reading

How to check the driving license status in Dubai?

InArticle Images-dubai driving license-Emirates Vehicle Gate Official Site

The process of checking the status of a driving license in Dubai is relatively simple. To do so, you will need to have your driver’s license number and your national ID card number. You can then visit the website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and follow these steps: [3]Emirate Vehicle Gate, “Driving license … Continue reading

Step 2: Go to the view driving license section under the driver’s column on the homepage and enter your login ID, password, and driving license number.

Step 3: Click submit button.

Step 4: Get your driving license status.

You can also use the same process to check if your driving license is valid, how many black points you have on your license, and the traffic fines you are due to pay.

Similarly, drivers are given a grace period of 30 days to renew their licenses in Dubai. Failure to renew within that period will result in a fine of AED 10 per month. If you do not pay your fine for a certain period, it can be up to even 500 AED per month.

Documents and eligibility requirements of Dubai driving license

InArticle Images-dubai driving license Documents

To obtain a Dubai driving license, you must provide certain documents and meet eligibility requirements. The required documents vary depending on your nationality but typically include your passport, visa, and proof of residence in Dubai. In addition, you must pass a driving test and be at least 18 years old to drive a car or a light vehicle.

Let’s look into the details of different age criteria and required documents. [4]UAE Official Portal, “Eligibility Age, … Continue reading

Age criteria

Applicants must meet the specific age criteria to get a driving license in Dubai. If you fulfill all the needed eligibility criteria, you can apply for a driving license in Dubai.

  • You must be at least 17 years old to get a motorcycle license.
  • You must be over 18 years to get a car license.
  • You must be over 20 years old for heavy vehicles and tractors licenses.
  • Finally, you must be 21 years old for a Dubai bus license.

Required documents

When applying for a driving license in Dubai, there are certain documents that you will need to submit. The process may seem daunting, but it is relatively straightforward as long as all necessary documentation is compiled in advance. [5]UAE Official Portal, “Required documents, https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/transportation/get-a-driving-licence”

  1. Emirates ID card original and duplicate copy
  2. Resident visa page and passport copy.
  3. You will also have to submit your eye test report.
  4. Two passport-size photographs.
  5. If any traffic department asks, you must submit a no-objection letter from the sponsor.

Tests required for Dubai driving license

The process of getting a Dubai driving license is simple. You must pass an eye, theory, parking, and RTA test to get your driving license in Dubai. You have to pass a few tests.

Let’s take an in-depth look at these tests below:

1. Vision test

InArticle Images-dubai driving license-2 Eye Test

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has made it mandatory for all driving license applicants to take and pass a vision test. This is to ensure the safety of the drivers and the other people using the roads.

The applicant will be asked to read different materials at a distance during the test. This is to test how well they can see far-away objects. The optician conducting the test will determine if the person’s vision is good enough or needs improvement before someone can drive on Dubai’s roads.

2. Theory test

InArticle Images-dubai driving license-3 Theory Test

After completing the vision test, you must take a theory class. The theory test is held in your registered driving school and may cost around AED 150 – 200, depending on the driving school.

There are 35 questions on the theory test for the RTA. The first part has 17 questions and is about general road situations. The second part has 18 questions and is about specific vehicle license questions.

In addition, you can take the test in four languages: English, Urdu, Arabic, and Telegu. Also, you can give oral tests if you are uncomfortable with the language. However, your score must be at least 65% to pass the test.

Once you pass the theory test, you will be permitted to take practical classes.

3. Practical classes

InArticle Images-dubai driving license-4 Driving Test

To complete a practical assessment test, you must first get practical driving training from the driving institutes.

There are certain conditions you have to fulfill before taking driving classes, and they are:

  • Applicants who are beginners and do not have a driver’s license are required to take 40 practical classes.
  • If the applicant has been driving in foreign countries for 2 to 5 years, they must take 30 practical classes in Dubai.
  • You must take 20 practical classes if you have had a Dubai license for over five years.

Once you have completed the practical classes, you will meet your internal parking test.

4. Parking test

InArticle Images-dubai driving license-5 Parking Test

After completing the driving classes and theory test, the driving school will test your parking and road skills before you take the official RTA tests.

In the parking test, your instructor will check your skills in hill parking, angle parking, garage parking, parallel parking, and emergency brakes.

Remember that in a parallel parking test, you will have to park your car in a spot using reverse gear after you reach your destination.

You must pass the parking test within five chances; otherwise, you must retake internal classes. Once you pass the parking test, the instructor will permit you to take your RTA road test.

5. RTA road test

InArticle Images-dubai driving license-6 Person driving in road

This is the final practice test where you will have to drive along with your examiner appointed by RTA to prove you can drive efficiently.

Now you are assigned an examiner who will grade you on how well you drive and follow directions. You will have 10-12 minutes to show them your skills. Once the test is over, they will give you the results immediately.

If you fail your road test, you have to attend seven extra classes and then schedule another date for the road test. If you pass, the examiner will give you an approval letter which you can submit with your ID and fees at the Pass counter.

Dubai driving license fees

It is pretty apparent a Dubai driving license fees vary from the driving schools where you learn to drive or take your tests.

The first expense you may incur while applying for a Dubai driving license is the driving school cost which may vary between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000 if you pass the final road test on the first try.

But if you fail your first test, you will have to participate in seven additional training which will cost you even more.

Other than driving school fees, you will have to incur some standard fees while applying for a driving license. [6]RTA, “Fees and charges, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=3704291#:~:text=Yard%20or%20Road)-,200%20AED%20RTA%20test%20fees,-320%20AED%20to”

Booking driving test fees

  • Booking RTA test fee – AED 200
  • Reschedule and book a driving test – AED 320
  • Knowledge and Innovation – AED 20

Driving license not issued for more than a year after passing the road test

  • RTA test fees – AED 200
  • Issuing driving license – AED 300
  • Issuing learning application – AED 100
  • Opening training file – AED 200
  • Knowledge and Innovation – AED 20

Driving license not renewed for 10 years or more

  • Opening training file – AED 200
  • Issuing learning application – AED 100
  • RTA test fees – 200 AED
  • Driving license renewal fee – AED 300
  • Delay fee – 10 AED per month, up to 500 AED
  • Knowledge and Innovation – AED 20

VIP driving test

  • Knowledge and Innovation – AED 20
  • Test fees – AED 2,600

Related Info


FAQs on Dubai driving license

Is NOC required for a driving license in Dubai?

NOC is not required for a driving license in Dubai since the new rule in 2020. Before, taking NOC from the employer while applying for a driving license was compulsory.

How much does a driving license cost in Dubai?

The cost of driving varies from the driving institute and if you pass the test on the first attempt. Generally, it costs between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000.

How can I get a driving license in Dubai?

You can easily get a Dubai driving license if you pass your RTA test and all theory and practical tests.

Is Dubai driving test hard?

Yes, RTA of Dubai is quite strict in providing licenses to reduce accidents and traffic violations. The Dubai RTA test is considered one of the hardest, but if you take assistance from professional driving schools, you can pass the test in a few tries.

What are the requirements for a Dubai driving license?

A Dubai driving license requires a NOC letter, if necessary, an Emirates ID card, a passport-size photo, and your eye test results.

Is the Dubai driving license valid internationally?

Dubai’s driving license is valid internationally for one year. However, you must have a local driving license from your home country.

How can I pass my driving test in Dubai?

You can easily pass your driving test in Dubai if you follow all the rules and make no mistakes during the RTA road test conducted by the authority.

Final thoughts

Getting a Dubai driving license is quite challenging but possible. You must pay attention while learning theory classes and be more attentive during your practical lessons.

The UAE government is very strict with traffic rules and is imposing heavy fines and prison time for unnecessary accidents.

So, if you want to get a driving license in Dubai, we hope our guide helps you prepare for it. Please share this guide with your friend and family looking forward to issuing a new driving license in Dubai.

About the author

Ajay Singh
Business Lawyer, UAE | + posts

Ajay Singh is a highly experienced and skilled business lawyer in the United Arab Emirates. With a wealth of corporate law, taxation, real estate, banking, and finance expertise, he has successfully represented clients on various legal matters. He is well-versed in navigating the intricate laws and regulations governing the UAE and has achieved many legal victories for his clients.

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