Dubai is a fast-paced city famous for it's modern infrastructure and state of art transit networks. This is one of the reasons, it provides an unparalleled driving experience for both it's residents and visitors. If you wish to drive in the UAE, the initial step is to get a valid driving licence. This is a comprehensive step by step guide to the complete process of obtaining a driving licence in Dubai through RTA Dubai. RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) in Dubai is the central regulatory authority that oversees the process for the issuance of driving licence in Dubai. They set the criteria, conduct tests and complete all the processes involved in the issuance of a driving licence in Dubai, UAE.
Before we go ahead with the step-by-step process of obtaining a driving licence in Dubai, let's take a look at the costs of obtaining the driving licence. The total cost is usually between 4,000 to 6,000 AED depending on your situation. Here's an easy-to-understand approximate cost breakdown for you:
| Steps of RTA Driving Licence Process | |
|---|---|
| Steps | Prices (Approximately) |
| File Opening | 800 AED |
| Lecture | 420 AED |
| Theory Test Lecture | 105 AED |
| Evaluation Test | 210 AED |
| Eye test | 180 AED |
| Driving Class (20 classes) | 1050 AED |
| Road ASR | 105 AED |
| Parking ASR | 105 AED |
| Parking RTA | 300 AED |
| Road Test | 300 AED |
All the prices given above are for people who have a valid licence from their home country. However for a beginner the number of classes may increase and so the cost would vary.
Requirements for obtaining the Driving licence in Dubai:
Resident of Dubai
The foremost step when applying for a driving licence in Dubai is to be applicable on the criteria to apply for the licence. Here are the basic requirements:
- Age: The candidate must be 18 years or older to be able to obtain a driving licence in Dubai
- Medical Fitness: The person applying must be medically fit and should be able to join the training test by RTA
- Tests: The candidate must pass both theoretical and practical test to be able to obtain the licence.
- Medical Test for Commercial Drivers: Candidates applying for commercial licence shall have to go through a medical driver's test.
Driving licence requirements for people with Special Needs:
For individuals that suffer from any form of mental or physical disability, the process involves opening a training file based on the medical report. Usually the overall training sessions are set by the driving institute, in coordination with the Drivers Affair Department of Dubai, defined on the basis of the disability type that has been submitted in the report.
International Driving License Holders:
If you are in Dubai for a visit and you have a valid international driving licence of your home country, you are lucky. You can rent a car and register it in your own name or on the name of your first-degree relatives. This will allow you to drive in Dubai with your home country driving licence.
Registering with a Driving Institute to obtain a driving licence in Dubai:
Once you have met the initial prerequisites for obtaining the Dubai driving licence, your next step is to find a suitable driving institute for yourself. In Dubai, you can find a lot of RTA approved institutes that provide different types of driving training programmes according to the needs of the users.
Here's a list of most accredited driving schools by RTA for obtaining a driving licence in Dubai:
- Emirates Driving Institute (Branches & registration offices): 04 2631100
- Belhasa Driving Centre (Branches & registration offices): 04 3243535
- AL Ahli Driving Centre (Branches & registration offices): 043411500
- Dubai driving centre (Branches & registration offices): 043455855
- Galadari motor driving centre (Branches & registration offices): 04 2676166
- Drive Dubai: 048855118
All of these institutes are accredited by the RTA and they ensure a standardised training programme for individuals who are willing to obtain a licence.
Once you make your decision about commencing your journey with any of the training institutes, they would request you to undergo an eye test which is a mandatory requirement when you are applying for the driving licence. This test must be conducted from one of the RTA recognised optical centres in Dubai. There are many eye test centres approved by RTA and below are the ones that are most recognised:
- Al jaber optical centre
- Barakat optical
- Rivoli Eye Zone
- Maghrabi Opticals
- Yateem Optics
- Uae optical
- Grand optics
- Salik optical
- Casa optics llc
Theory Training and Knowledge Test:
Once you have cleared the eye test from one of the recognised institutes in Dubai, you have to start your training for the theory test. The theory test training classes are given in the driving institute and helps you in gaining a comprehensive understanding on the rules and regulations of driving in Dubai. It usually includes critical aspects like driving laws, traffic signs and safety practices while driving. You may also gain detailed knowledge about the legal rules from RTA Dubai Driving licence guide which is an online booklet also provided by the training institute for preparation and guidance.
Upon completing your knowledge training, you will have to undergo a theory knowledge test which will measure your understanding of Dubai driving rules and regulations. This test is a mandatory prerequisite by RTA for bringing you closer to your aim of obtaining a licence in Dubai.
Practical Training and Final Driving Test:
Bottom of Form
After your successful completion of the theory test, you may proceed to take the practical training sessions. These sessions are provided by certified driving instructors to acquaint you with necessary driving techniques on real roads of Dubai. The training hours of beginners are typically 20 hours or 40 classes of practice sessions. However, those individuals that have a valid 2 to 5 year old international driving licence may be eligible to modified training duration between 12 to 15 hours.
Once the practical training is taken, you can proceed with the practical final driving test. This test is usually conducted by an RTA examiner who assesses your driving skills and your understanding and application of the driving regulations of Dubai.
Issuance of Driving Licence:
Once you clear the final practical test, you can easily submit your request to apply for a UAE driving licence from RTA through your driving institute. Congratulations! This is your milestone and finally this is the complete and easy to understand 5 step process of obtaining a valid driving licence in Dubai.
Conclusion:
The process of obtaining a UAE driving licence is a very straightforward process with a duration of 1 to 2 months depending on the schedule of your training programme and also the driving institute that you choose. We hope that this comprehensive guide will make your process of obtaining the UAE driving licence easy for you to understand. And once you are ready to buy your car, First Choice Cars is here to help you find the perfect vehicle to suit your needs.
Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.
