How to Get a Driving License in Dubai?

Obtaining a driver’s license in Dubai can be a goal for many locals and expatriates. It can provide them with greater freedom to travel within the city and around the country. Although the process may appear to be daunting, we can guide you through it all – from the paperwork to the driving exam. With the right knowledge, the process should be straightforward and soon you’ll be cruising on the roads.

A driver’s license in Dubai is a relatively straightforward process if all of the requirements are met and the proper steps are taken. This overview outlines the process:

1. Open a traffic file at an RTA-approved driving institute,
2. Have an eye test performed at an RTA-approved centre,
3. Complete the necessary driving lessons (theoretical and practical),
4. Pass all internal tests at the driving school,
5. Take the final test at the RTA,
6. Receive your UAE driver’s license.

What Do You Need to Get a Driving License in Dubai?

To obtain a driving license in Dubai, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid UAE residence visa, and pass a medical test. Additionally, you must also pass a written and practical driving test. You will also need to provide valid identification documents such as a passport or Emirates ID, two passport-sized photographs and the required documentation for the vehicle you will be driving.

What Are the Different Tests You Should Pass?

• Parking Test The Parking Test (also known as the Yard Test) is a practical driving test conducted in a controlled environment. It tests your ability to safely and correctly perform basic driving maneuvers such as parallel parking, reversing, and turning.

• RTA Road Test The RTA Road Test is a practical driving test conducted on the roads of Dubai. It is conducted in a vehicle provided by the RTA, and an RTA-approved examiner will accompany the candidate in the vehicle. It tests the candidate’s ability to safely and correctly follow traffic laws, adjust speed and lane position, and safely move through intersections.

Theory Test

The test consists of two parts:

• a multiple-choice exam and a hazard perception test. You must pass both parts to be eligible for a driving license.
• The multiple-choice exam is made up of 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
• The hazard perception test consists of 20 video clips of real-life driving scenarios.
• You must identify 15 potential hazards or risks on the road in order to pass the test.
• You have three attempts to pass the theory test, and if you fail, you must wait for at least 7 days before re-taking it. If you pass the theory test, you will then be able to book a practical driving test.

1. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Driving Licence in Dubai?

It can cost between AED 4,500 to AED 7,000 to get your driving licence in Dubai, including administrative fees and the cost of driving lessons. 

A significant factor that will impact how much it costs is the driving school you choose, so do your research before registering at a driving school.  

Furthermore, if you don’t pass the test on your first try, you will need to take more driving classes, which would result in increased costs.

2. How Long Does it Take to Get a Driver’s Licence in Dubai?

Getting your driving licence in Dubai can take as little as two months. If you fail one of the tests, then this will obviously prolong the process, especially because there are waiting periods between test attempts.  

Besides, you should note that the number of training hours you are required to take will impact how long it takes to get your licence, and it is based on your level of driving experience:

Expected Training Hours:

• No driving experience: 40 hours
• 2 to 5 years of driving experience: 30 hours
• Over 5 years of  driving experience: 20 hours 

3. When Do You Have to Renew Your Dubai Driving Licence?

A new driving license in Dubai is valid for two years, after which you will need to renew it. Upon renewal, it will be valid for 10 years if you are a GCC or UAE citizen and five years if you are a UAE resident.  

It costs AED 120 to renew your driving license if you are under 21 years of age and AED 320 if you are over 21.