If you have recently landed in Dubai and want to buy a car, you should apply for a driving license as soon as possible. If you hold a valid driving license from one of the countries approved by the RTA then you can easily transfer your license to a UAE license. However, if not, it may take a significant amount of time for you to get a driving license, as you will need to do a minimum number of classes and pass a theory and driving test. The experts at ServiceMarket have put together this guide to make it easy for you to obtain your driving license in Dubai:
Get a new driving license:
Step 1: Get your eyes tested. You can either go to your optician or a driving school to get this done.
Step 2: Register with one of the following authorized training schools:
- Al Ahli Driving School
- Belhasa Driving School
- Dubai Driving Center
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Galadari Driving School
- Drive Dubai
Step 3: Submit the following required documents at the designated counter in your training school and they will coordinate with the RTA:
- Passport with relevant visa
- Emirates ID
- No-objection certificate from your employer
- 8 passport size photographs
- Eye test results
Step 4: You will receive a temporary driving license, which you will have to keep with you during the training period.
Step 5: Take the theoretical and a road test, during which your will demonstrate driving skills like parking. You will have to take the test again if you don’t pass. Once you pass the test, you will collect your test file, submit it to the designated counter, and receive your driving license after a few minutes.
The number of classes you will need to take depends on your driving experience and whether or not you currently hold a driving license from another country.
If you have no driving experience:
If you are a new driver, you will need to take at least 40 classes before you attempt the tests. If you pass the tests in your first attempt then the total cost of getting a new driving license will be around AED 5.500. This cost includes all classes and test fees.
If you have driving experience:
If you already have driving experience and a non transferable license then you will still need to take some driving classes – typically around 20 classes before you will be allowed to take the test.
In case you are not a citizen of a country approved by the RTA but have a valid driving licence from one the these countries, you will still have to enroll in a driving school in Dubai. You can get an appointment for your tests after registering for the RTA test procedures. Don’t forget to bring along all required documents. The total cost of doing all this will be around AED 2,200. However, it can vary, depending on your training school. People who don’t pass the final test are required to to attend at least eight classes before they can take the test again.
Transfer your driving license
If you have a valid driving license from one of the 36 countries approved by the RTA, then you can get your license transferred by simply submitting the documents mentioned below. It usually takes around 20 minutes to transfer the driving license and the total cost is AED 420.
- Passport with relevant visa
- Emirates ID
- No-objection certificate from your employer
- 8 passport size photographs
- Eye test results
- Original license (if you already have a driving license from one of the 36 listed countries)
Looking for an easy way to find the right car insurance? You can compare insurance policies, get free quotes and buy insurance online on ServiceMarket with a few simple clicks.
