UAE driving licence guide: How to get your licence, costs, age limit and step-by-step process

Dubai: A UAE driving licence is more than just a document that allows you to get behind the wheel. For many residents, it can open up better job opportunities, make daily commuting easier and provide greater flexibility for work and family life.

Whether you are someone who has never driven before or you already hold a foreign licence, applying for a driving licence can involve several key steps, from getting your eye test to checking whether or not you need to register for driving classes.

Here's a detailed guide on all you need to know before you begin the process of applying for a driving licence.

The legal driving age in the UAE is 18 years for cars and light vehicles. However, if you are a young person eager to start driving as soon as you turn 18, you can start taking driving classes as early as 17 years and six months. You would, however, need to wait till you turn 18 to get your driving licence, even if you clear your test before your birthday.

Dubai

Al Ahli Driving Centre - 800 252454

Belhasa Driving Centre - 800 235 4272

Bin Yaber Driving Centre - 04 215 6000

Drive Dubai (Dubai International Driving Centre) - 04 885 5118

Dubai Driving Centre - 04 323 6000

Eco Drive Driving Institute - 600 595 959

Emirates Driving Institute - 04 231 1916

Emirates Transport Driving Institute - 800 6006

Excellence Driving Centre - 800 6006

First Driving Centre - 800 178 378

Galadari Motor Driving Centre - 600 595 956

Abu Dhabi

Emirates Driving Company (EDC) - 800 23523

Sharjah

Sharjah Driving Institute - 06 538 2020

Belhasa Driving Centre - 800 235 4272

Al Midfa Driving School - 06 566 3131

Venus Motor Driving School - 06 539 9884

Al Bedoor Driving School - 06 534 2228

Prime Motor Driving School - 06 534 6646

Al Deyar Driving School - 06 542 2526

Sharjah Motor Driving School - 06 533 3535

Control Motor Driving School - 06 535 8858

Al Shamsi Driving School - 06 543 3373

Ajman

Al Ietemad Driving Centre - 06 748 8770

Ajman Driving Academy - 06 740 4448

Ras Al Khaimah

RAK Driving Academy – 07 235 6661

Al Naeem Driving School – 07 228 8333

Fujairah

Fujairah Driving Institute - 09 222 2240

Umm Al Quwain

UAQ Driving Institute - 06 766 6670

The first step would be to get an eye test done. In Dubai, you can get this done at any optical shop licensed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). An easy way to identify a shop is to check for a sticker on the display window, which normally shows that the optical shop is licensed by the RTA. Or you can simply visit the shop to ask if they can do an eye test for a driving licence.

Eye test fee varies depending on the shop’s service fees, but would normally cost between AED140 to AED180, according to the RTA.

This can easily be done at any of the driving schools you visit. Normally, all you need to provide is your Emirates ID, as your records and even the eye test you have done get linked automatically in the system. However, if you are living in a different emirate and want to take classes at a school in Dubai, you may be asked to provide additional documents like a tenancy contract. Also, in some cases, a 'No Objection Certificate’ from your visa sponsor may be required.

Cost: AED 220

If you have a valid driving licence from one of the countries that is part of the driving licence exchange agreement with the UAE, you can convert your existing driving licence to a UAE driving licence, without the need to take any classes or tests.

In Dubai, you can also take a test directly as part of the RTA’s Golden Chance initiative, if you have a licence issued by one of these countries:

This allows applicants to take a test without taking any classes beforehand. However, if you do not pass the test, you will need to register for classes.

According to RTA’s website, you are required to complete a minimum number of training sessions to be eligible to take a driving test:

The total cost for the classes will depend on your driving school’s per session fees, and how many classes you register for. But if your budget allows for a one-time payment, many centres offer a discounted cost for a pre-determined number of training classes.

The tests an applicant needs to take are:

Theory tests focus on a driver’s understanding of road signs, rules while driving on highways or busy junctions and how to act when there are road hazards. Many driving institutes offer free online mock tests to help prepare you for the test as well, so enquire with your driving instructor or the driving school directly for how you can prepare for the tests.

The parking test, also known as yard test, includes checking the applicant’s abilities to successfully manoeuvre the car in the following situations:

The last and final step is the road test. Once you have completed your assigned number of sessions, you will be given a date for the road test.

After the test, you will be informed of whether you have passed or failed. In case you are not successful, you can immediately register for additional classes at the driving school.

Once you pass the test, you can now complete the application process for the driving licence.

Once you’ve passed the road test, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number, asking you to proceed with the licence application at an approved traffic centre.

You simply need to present your Emirates ID at the centre and your digital driving licence will be issued immediately.

You can also apply for a physical copy of the licence, which can be issued through any self-service machines at different RTA centres across Dubai, or you can request it to get delivered to your home or office, through one of the registered courier services.

Cost:

You can renew your driving licence online in most emirates, as long as you have settled any traffic fines that may have been issued.