Process for getting Driving License

Getting a driving license in the UAE involves several steps, and the process may vary slightly depending on the emirate (like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.). Here’s a detailed guide covering the general process:

  1. Eligibility and Documents Required to apply, you must:
    • Be at least 17 years old.
    • Provide the following documents:
    • Emirates ID (original and copy).
    • Passport copy with residence visa page.
    • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer (in some cases).
  2. Eye Test
    • You must pass an eye test at an approved optician or driving school. The results are electronically submitted to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or the relevant traffic department.
  3. Opening a Driving File
    • Visit a registered driving school to open a driving file. Popular driving schools include:
    • Dubai: Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Motor Driving Centre, Belhasa Driving Centre.
    • Abu Dhabi: Emirates Driving Company.
    • Sharjah: Sharjah Driving Institute.
  4. Theory Classes and Test
    • Attend theory classes (online or in-person) covering:
    • UAE traffic laws.
    • Road signs.
    • Safe driving practices.
    • After completing classes, you’ll take the theory test:
    • The test consists of multiple-choice questions (around 35 questions).
    • Available in several languages, and you can request a translator if needed.
  5. Practical Training
    • Depending on your driving experience:
    • No driving experience: About 40–50 lessons.
    • Some experience: Fewer lessons if you pass an internal assessment.
    • Training covers:
    • Parking (parallel, angle, garage, hill start).
    • General road driving.
    • Highway and night driving (for some categories).
  6. Internal Assessments
    • Before taking the final road test, you’ll undergo:
    • Parking Test: Tests various parking maneuvers.
    • Assessment Test: Evaluates your readiness for the final road test.
  7. Road Test
    • Schedule the final road test with the traffic department.
    • On test day:
    • Arrive early with your Emirates ID and driving file.
    • Drive on public roads under the examiner’s observation.
  8. Results and License Issuance
    • If you pass:
    • Pay the license issuance fee.
    • Receive your driving license on the same day.
    • If you fail:
    • Take additional classes and book another road test.

Costs (Approximate)

  • Eye Test: AED 100 – 150.
  • Theory Test: AED 200 – 300.
  • Practical Training: AED 4,500 – 7,000 (depending on lessons needed).
  • Road Test: AED 300 – 400.
  • License Issuance: AED 300 – 600.

Additional Information

Retests: If you fail the road test five times, you’ll need to take more lessons before retesting.

Golden Chance: If you hold a valid driving license from certain countries, you might be eligible for direct conversion without taking lessons.

Note: The information above has been collected from various institutions. If there are any updates or changes, please email us.