How to Get a Driving License in Dubai?
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Driving License in Dubai
Who does not love driving on the roads of Dubai on their hot wheels? After all, Dubai is a magnificent ultra-modern city that sports one of the world’s best road infrastructure and transit networks.
However, everyone should remember the stringent traffic rules & regulations before they hit the roads with full zeal.
A driving license is mandatory to drive a vehicle on Dubai roads. Not possessing a valid driving license is considered a criminal offense.
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) imposes heavy fines for such violations. The offenders may also face imprisonment and deportation for repeated violations.
Obtaining a driving license by attending a driving course and passing the necessary tests ensures better road safety for all drivers. It helps to prevent accidents and legal hassles arising due to irresponsible or negligent driving.
Several employers in Dubai expect their prospective employees to possess a valid driving license. Further, a Dubai driving license enjoys international recognition, and you can use it across the world with minimal hassles.
What are the Types of Driving Licenses in Dubai?
There are 8 different types of driving licenses in Dubai based on the type of vehicle you drive. The details are as follows
Motorcycles
All two and three-wheeler motorcycles in Dubai require this license. The minimum age requirement for a Category 1 license is 17 years.
Light Travelling Vehicles (LTV)
Vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons fall under this category. It includes private vehicles like sedans and SUVs. The minimum age requirement for a Category 2 license is 18 years.
Heavy Travelling Vehicles (HTV)
Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons fall under this category. The minimum age requirement is 20 years, and applicants must possess the Category 2 license for at least a year before applying for a Category 3 license.
Buses
This category includes buses with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers. The applicant must be aged at least 21 years and should possess a Category 2 license at the time of application.
Light Trailers
This category includes non-commercial trailers weighing less than 750 kg. The applicant should possess a Category 2 license at the time of application.
Heavy Trailers
Trailers weighing more than 750 kg fall under this category. Applicants must possess a heavy-duty vehicle license to apply under this category.
Forklift
Forklifts are industrial vehicles used to move heavy materials over short distances. The applicant must be at least 20 years of age and possess skills in operating different types of forklifts.
Heavy Forklift
Heavy-duty forklifts are used to move materials weighing 5,000 to 10,000 kg or more. The applicant must be at least 21 years of age and should possess prior experience in operating a regular forklift.
How to Apply for a Dubai Driving License?
The applicants can follow this step-by-step procedure to obtain a driving license in Dubai
Step 1: Check the Eligibility Criteria
Every citizen or resident of the UAE can obtain a driving license if he/she is legally & medically fit. Further, the applicants should fulfill the minimum age criteria as outlined in the above section. This requirement is 18 years for car drivers.
Step 2: Arranging the Requisite Documents
The set of documents required to apply for a Dubai driving license is as follows :
A copy of the passport or the residence visa
Emirates ID card (both original and copy)
About 8-10 passport-sized photographs of the applicant against a white background
Eye test report from an authorized eye testing center or a licensed optician
A no objection certificate (NOC) from the sponsor
A driving file transfer certificate issued by the appropriate licensing authority (for driving licenses issued in another country)
Step 3: Enrolling in a Driving Course
It is recommended that applicants enroll in a driving course with any of the top driving schools in Dubai. This helps them learn everything about driving from professionals. They also learn the traffic rules and safety measures to prevent accidents while driving. These training schools effectively prepare the candidates for theory & practical driving tests.
Step 4: Registering for the Driving License Test
The applicants can register for the test online on the RTA website or the RTA app. They need to submit the necessary documents and pay the booking fee to get a slot.
Step 5: Take the Driving Test
The driving test to obtain a driving license in Dubai includes the following:
An RTA theory test to assess your knowledge of traffic rules and situations
A parking test to assess your slope, angle, garage, and parallel parking abilities
A road assessment test for issuing the license that shall remain valid for two years
What are the Requirements to Get a Driving License in Dubai?
The applicant should be a citizen or a resident of the UAE. The minimum age requirement is 17 years (for motorcycles) and 18 years (for light vehicles)
He/she should be declared fit by an authorized medical professional. The eyesight test is mandatory.
The applicant should enroll in a training program offered by any of the driving schools approved by the RTA in Dubai.
He/she should pass the tests (both theory & practical) conducted by the RTA.
Application Procedure for Driving License in Dubai
Get the eye testing done at an authorized center
Enroll in a driving course at an RTA-approved driving school and submit the necessary documents
Get the learner’s permit or a temporary driving license
Pass the theory and the practical tests
Understand the roads, highways, traffic signs, and rules in Dubai
Pass the parking test. Then, apply for the final RTA test and pass the same.
How to Get a Driving License in Dubai If You Are Not Yet a Resident?
The applicants who do not have a residence visa can get a driving license by submitting the following documents:
A valid passport (copy)
Emirates ID
A copy of the original driving license
Passport-sized photographs
Eye testing certificate
Licensing fee
Note: The above documents are duly processed. The waiting period is three working days to get an international driving license.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving License in Dubai?
Driving license holders in Dubai can apply and obtain a duplicate driving license to replace a lost or damaged one; the procedure is as follows:
Log in to the official website of the RTA. Enter the details of your Emirates ID or the driving license.
Your identity is verified by the system by sending an OTP to your registered phone number.
Click upon the “Replacing a Lost/Damaged Driving License” tab. Pay the prescribed fees and settle the outstanding fines (if any). The payment can be made online.
The temporary driving license is sent by email while you wait for the new license. This can be obtained through self-service machines or delivery services by paying the prescribed fees.
You can also apply for a duplicate driving license through the RTA smart apps – RTA Dubai and Dubai Drive.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Duplicate Driving License in Dubai?
The applicants get the results of their driving license tests immediately in Dubai. All those applicants who fail to clear the test are required to pay for an additional seven tests and get a new test date. If they pass the test on this date, the paper shall be approved by the examiner. This has to be submitted at the pass counter along with the documents and licensing fees to get the driving license.
How Much Does a Driving License Cost in Dubai?
The cost of obtaining a driving license in Dubai depends on various factors. The prices are also subject to revision from time to time. An overview of the same is given below:
Application & Testing Fees :
This includes the cost of application processing, eye testing, theory, and practical tests. This cost is in the range of AED 200 to AED 600
Driving School Fees:
The fee paid to an RTA-approved driving school for training ranges between AED 4,000 to AED 8,000
License Issuance Fees:
Depending upon the type of license you need, this fee ranges between AED 100 to AED 500
Other Costs:
This includes the cost of miscellaneous services such as medical testing, translation, exchanging a foreign license, etc
Frequently Asked Questions on Getting a Driving License in Dubai
How difficult is it to get a driving license in Dubai?
The application procedure to obtain a driving license in Dubai is quite easy and seamless. However, passing the road test depends on the individual’s training, driving skills, confidence, and knowledge of traffic rules.
Are the driving licenses issued by other countries acceptable in Dubai?
Yes. The UAE does accept the driving licenses of countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Australia, and other GCC nations. People with driving licenses from these countries are only required to take an eye test and submit the required documents.
Can applicants aged below 18 years get a driving license in Dubai?
The minimum age requirement in Dubai is 17 years for a motorcycle license. In the case of light motor vehicles such as cars, the training can be started if the applicant is aged at least 17 years & 6 months. However, the driver’s license will be issued only after he/she turns 18.
When should I renew my Dubai driving license?
A new driving license issued in Dubai is valid for two years and must be renewed upon expiry. After renewal, the license remains valid for 10 years (for UAE & GCC citizens) and 5 years (for UAE residents).
Disclaimer: The information presented here is derived from a variety of sources. This is not a recommendation or promotion from Prominent Insurance Brokers. Before taking any action please confirm the same.