Anyone who has attained driving skills from any authorized Driving School in Dubai and has an age ranging between 18 to 21 can get a driving license by simply applying for a test in Dubai. Foreigners from certain countries can transfer their existing driving licenses without taking a driving test. As RTA outlines, they only need a valid driving license from these countries. You can call RTA on 8009090 for a list of eligible countries.
Its Criteria
Suppose you have never attended any driving training instruction or are a foreigner, and a driving license from your country is not recognized. In that case, you are trained for six months before being licensed. However, you must produce the following documents if you are well-trained.
- Both an Original and a copy of your official stamped passport
- Emirates Recommendation on the Driving Certificate
- A certificate from an authorized Driving School in Dubai
Before you are given the driving license, you are taken through the following assessments.
Theory Test
In this test, one is asked various questions that best reflect the guidelines, hazards, and road signs involved with vehicle driving. Majorly exams are taken through computers, but computer-illiterate people are guided through oral testing. Three categories of tests are involved; the first with seventeen questions, the second with eleven questions, and lastly, one with twelve questions. Questions in all the categories aim to test the person’s driving ability in terms of theory. A minimum of a 30-question pass is required for one to proceed to the next category.
Road Test
In this stage, one is tested practically about his road driving knowledge. The category encompasses 18 questions to determine why a person should be granted a driving license. During this testing period, one is given a short-time license as the test requires him to drive. After a pass in all the above steps, one is granted a license.
If you fail the practical or theory test, you must retake the test after a certain period.
You must renew your driver’s license every ten years.
The process of getting a driver’s license in Dubai is quite simple, but there are a few steps you need to follow. This article will guide you through getting a driving license in Dubai.
Step 1: Obtain a Dubai Residency Visa
Before you can apply for a driver’s license, you need to apply for a residence visa in Dubai. You must have a job or start a business in Dubai to obtain a residence visa. Alternatively, you can apply for a residence visa if you have purchased a property in Dubai. Once you have received your residence visa, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Apply for a learner’s permit
The first step towards obtaining a driving license in Dubai is to obtain a learner’s permit. You can apply for a learner’s permit by visiting any RTA ( Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) customer service centers or online at the RTA website. To apply for a learner’s permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid Emirates ID
- A residency visa
- Passport copies (original and copies)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Eye test certificate from an approved optician
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer (if applicable)
Once you have provided all required documents, you will need to take a written test to receive your learner’s permit. The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 30 points to pass the test and you have to pay
- 100 AED learning permit fees for motorcycles and light vehicles
- 200 AED learning permit fees for buses and heavy vehicles
Step 3: Attend Driving Classes
After obtaining your learner’s permit, you can begin attending driving lessons. You can attend driving classes at any RTA-approved driving school. There are several driving schools in Dubai, and you can choose the one that is most convenient for you. The driving classes consist of practical and theoretical sessions, and you will learn everything you need to know about driving in Dubai.
Step 4: Pass the driving test
Once you have completed your driving classes, you will need to take a driving test to get your license. The driving test consists of both a practical and theoretical test. The theory test is computer-based, in which you must answer 35 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 26 points to pass the test. The practical exam tests your driving skills, and you must show that you can drive safely in traffic.
Step 5: Obtain your driver’s license
Once you have passed both the practical and theory tests, you will be issued a driver’s license. You can pick up your driver’s license at any RTA customer service center. You must present your Emirates ID and learner’s permit to pick up your driver’s license. Fees is
- 100 AED new license fees for drivers younger than 21 years old
- 300 AED new license fees for drivers 21 years old and above
Dubai is one city with a strict zero-tolerance policy on DUI. It is common for police in civilian attire to travel in unmarked vehicles, legally stop you, and conduct a test at any point. You should get a driving license before driving on the road to avoid problems.