How to Get a Driving License in Dubai

• Maida Noor


• 4 Jan 2024

In Dubai, obtaining a driver’s license might be a little challenging and confusing for many. Throughout this guide, you will learn every step of the process for a seamless license application. This comprehensive guide will overcome all the hurdles in obtaining a license, from the methods to the expenses and the documents needed.

Eligibility For Driving License

You must be of legal age and medically fit to issue a driving license in Dubai.  Thus, there are different eligibility requirements for various types of vehicles mentioned below.

• Age 17 for motorcycles
• Age 18 for light vehicles
• Age 20 for heavy vehicles
• Age 21 for buses

Documents Required for Driving License

The standard requirements for obtaining a driving license in Dubai are as follows.

• Emirates ID copy and original
• Residence copy
• Passport copy
• Eye test report
• Two passport-size photographs
• No Objection Certificate from your sponsor

Process of Obtaining a Driving License in Dubai

As per the driving license center, residents of Dubai are eligible to apply for a driving license by following the usual procedure. On the other hand, if you are not a citizen of Dubai and currently hold a driver’s license from your home country, you may transfer it per the Dubai driving license transfer policy. 

Standard Driving License Process

• Get yourself registered in an approved driving school.
• Pass an eye test from an approved driving school.
• Get a learner’s permit. It is temporary and only eligible for 17 to 21-year-old individuals.
• Complete both theory and practical sessions from the driving learning center.
• Pass the necessary driving tests, both theoretical and practical.
• Fill out a form for the issuance of a driving license from a registered driving license center.
• Submit the documents and the test clearance from the Roads and Transport Authority RTA Dubai and collect your driver’s license.

Conversion of Driving License

If an individual has a driving license from an RTA-registered country and wants to convert his driving license to a local Dubai license for an easy commute. He can exchange effortlessly with just a few requirements needed.

• A copy of your original driving license.
• Passport of your home country
• Replacement license form.
• No Objection Letter NOC from a sponsor.
• Residence visa issued by the UAE
• A theory and RTA road test form.

Moreover, taking driving lessons is optional for citizens with valid driving licenses. They can instantly issue a driving license online using the MOI UAE app or physically visit the RTA office in Dubai.

Costs for Obtaining a Driver’s License

Lastly, the driving license fee in Dubai varies from 345,560.33 RS to 537,538.29 RS, including the driving lessons, tests, and documents costs. However, it depends on the number of courses and the driving school you choose.

Driving Institutes in Dubai

Some of the RTA-registered driving license schools are listed below, where you can enroll and prepare for the driving license tests.

• Dubai Driving Center
• Al Ahli Driving School
• Belhasa Driving Center
• Excellence Driving Center
• Emirates Driving Institute

Obtaining a driving license in Dubai is highly recommended to avoid fines and to follow RTA laws and regulations. However, if you don’t fall under the categories mentioned above, Dubai brings a Golden Chance for ex-pats who do not belong to RTA-approved countries. 

This initiative was started in 2023 for the betterment of Dubai transport. Therefore, do not wait; get yourself qualified by passing the theory and driving test and get your license ASAP from the RTA office in Dubai.