When moving to Dubai for permanent residence, foreigners often wonder about the rules of the road and obtaining a driving licence. In this article, we will tell you in detail how to get a local licence and enjoy driving on UAE roads.
Requirements for obtaining a driving licence in Dubai
In order to obtain a driving licence in the UAE, you need to meet key conditions:
- Age 18 years or older.
- Possession of UAE resident ID card, Emirates ID, and resident visa.
- Availability of a medical examination, which should confirm the candidate’s fitness to drive a motor vehicle.
Choosing a driving school in Dubai
When choosing a driving school in Dubai, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get quality training and have a positive learning experience. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Accreditation and Licence: Make sure that the driving school is accredited by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. This ensures that the school meets the necessary standards and regulations.
Reputation and experience of instructors: Research the reputation of the driving school. Look for testimonials from previous students to gauge their overall satisfaction and success rate. Consider the qualifications and experience of the instructors.
Curriculum and teaching methods: Find out about the curriculum and teaching methods at the driving school. They should cover all necessary topics and be in line with the latest laws and road traffic regulations.
Facilities and resources: If possible, visit the driving school beforehand to familiarise yourself with its facilities and resources. Check the condition of the vehicles. In addition, assess the classroom facilities and any additional materials or technology used for theoretical training.
Flexibility and scheduling- Consider the flexibility of the driving school in terms of scheduling driving lessons to fit your schedule. Some schools may offer evening or weekend classes to accommodate the needs of different students. It is important to find a school that fits your schedule.
Cost and value for money- Compare prices at different driving schools in Dubai, but remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best.
Additional services: Find out about any additional services that the driving school offers, such as theory test preparation, practice driving tests or help with the licensing process. These services can be useful to improve your chances of success in obtaining a driving licence.
Stages of obtaining a driving licence
Obtaining a driving licence in Dubai involves several steps
Step 1. Choose a suitable driving school.
Step 2. Apply for enrolment and make payment.
Step 3. Receive confirmation of your enrolment in the driving school.
Step 4. Pass a medical examination, including an eye test.
Step 5. Take a theoretical course and pass a driving test.
Step 6. Take a practical course and pass a driving test.
Step 7 Obtain a driving licence
Documents required
- Emirates ID card;
- Resident’s passport and visa;
- a photograph of the established sample;
- the result of a medical examination.
Preparatory Steps
Candidates need to pass several tests to get a valid driving licence in Dubai.
Theory
The theory test is conducted at one of the authorised driving schools (usually the one you are registered with). The test consists of 40 questions to assess your knowledge of road/driving hazards, signals and signs, and safe driving practices. The test is considered to be passed if the candidate answers at least 30 questions correctly.
The theory test is conducted on a touch screen computer in English, Urdu or Arabic.
Practice
After successfully passing the theoretical exam, you will start your practical lessons. Practical lessons last from 10 to 20 hours, which is 20-40 lessons. The duration depends on your driving experience.
After that you need to pass a practical exam, which consists of several stages:
- The parking skills exam involves testing your ability to park in a variety of situations, including entering a garage and emergency braking your car.
- The final driving test is conducted in real road conditions and lasts about 10 minutes.
Cost of obtaining a driving licence in Dubai
On average, the cost of obtaining a licence in Dubai ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. The total amount depends on how many times the candidate retakes the exam.
Use of foreign driving licences in the UAE
Driving licences issued in a number of 32 countries are valid in Dubai. Former CIS countries, including Russia, are not included in this list. A full list is provided in the appendix and on the website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). For nationals of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, a national driving licence is also sufficient. All others must have a valid international driving licence.
Driving on a tourist visa
Tourists entering the UAE for a short stay can rent a car if they have an international driving licence.
However, if a foreigner resides for a long period of time in the UAE on a tourist visa and does not have a local driving licence, the traffic police can impose a high fine.
Exchange of driving licence for residents
Foreign residents of the UAE who are citizens of a certain number of exception countries can exchange their driving licence for a local licence. Russia and CIS countries are not included in this list.
List of countries whose citizens can exchange their driving licence
Citizens of the following countries can exchange their international licence for a local one without taking an examination:
Citizens of a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) country:
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Qatar
Citizens of European Union countries:
- Lithuania
- Portugal
- Germany
- Hungary
- Sweden
- Austria
- France and others
Граждане стран Северной Америки
- USA
- Canada
Citizens of exception countries must provide the following documents in order to exchange their driving licence:
- An original driver’s licence obtained in one of the above-mentioned countries.
- Medical certificate.
- Emirates ID card.
- Provide translation and legalisation of driving licence (if required).
Renewal and replacement of driving licences
You can renew your UAE driving licence online in most emirates on the RTA website. To renew, you must fill in the appropriate form on the website and pay any existing fines.
Peculiarities of road traffic in the UAE
Traffic regulations in Dubai
- Dubai is a right-hand drive city.
- All occupants of a moving vehicle are required to wear seat belts.
- Children under 12 years of age may not ride in the front row unless they are in an approved rear-facing car seat with the airbag deactivated. Children under the age of 12 travelling in the back must be in an appropriate safety seat or additional seats with seat belts fitted.
- Drunk driving is strictly prohibited in Dubai. The blood alcohol content limit for driving is 0% and this law is strictly enforced. If you break it, you risk almost certainly receiving a prison sentence.
- Do not use your phone or other devices while driving.
- Always keep a safe distance when driving in Dubai.
- The leftmost lane on Dubai’s roads and motorways is the fast lane. If you do not intend to stick to the upper speed limit, stick to the slower right lanes.
- Watch out for emergency vehicles with flashers stopped on the road or verges. Reduce speed and overtake with caution and always be prepared to stop if you encounter emergency vehicles or staff on the road.
- Always give way to emergency vehicles and never open the boot, race or overtake emergency vehicles with flashers.
The Black Label System
Dubai also has a Black Mark system. In addition to a fine, an offender can receive a bad mark. A driver who receives 24 or more such marks in a year will lose their driving licence for up to three months.