Getting a Dubai Driving License

Researched from official sources ยท March 14, 2026

Getting a Dubai Driving License

Estimated time

1-8 weeks (depending on country of origin)

Cost

ุฏ.ุฅ200-6500

Before you start

What You Need

Tap to check off items as you gather them

Additional Items

  • Passport-size photographs (white background, 2 copies)
  • Translated driving license (if not in English or Arabic โ€” from a legal translation office)

Step-by-Step

  1. 1

    Check If You Qualify for Direct Conversion

    1. RTA Dubai maintains a list (approximately 36 countries) eligible for conversion without a test; verify the current list on the RTA website before applying
    2. Direct conversion typically includes: EU countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, and others
    3. Driving school required: all other countries

    ๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Even if not on the list, bring your foreign license to the driving school โ€” some reduce required classes for experienced drivers.

  2. 2

    Get Your Eye Test

    1. Visit any RTA-approved optician โ€” no appointment, 10 minutes
    2. Certificate valid for one year
    3. Bring glasses/contacts if you wear them
  3. 3

    Gather Your Documents

    1. Emirates ID (original + copy)
    2. Passport with visa page (original + copy)
    3. Eye test certificate
    4. NOC from employer
    5. Foreign driving license (original + copy)

    โš ๏ธ Watch out: NOC must be on company letterhead with sponsor's signature and stamp. Some centers reject NOCs older than 30 days.

  4. 4

    Apply at an RTA Service Center or Driving School

    1. Direct conversion: Visit RTA center, submit documents, license issued in 3-5 days
    2. Driving school: Register at Emirates Driving Institute, Belhasa, Dubai Driving Center, or Galadari

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Say:

    ุฃุฑูŠุฏ ุชุญูˆูŠู„ ุฑุฎุตุฉ ุงู„ู‚ูŠุงุฏุฉ ุงู„ุฃุฌู†ุจูŠุฉ

    ureed tahweel rukhsat al-qiyada al-ajnabiyya

    "I want to convert my foreign driving license."

    ๐Ÿ“‹ Use when: Visiting an RTA center for license conversion

  5. 5

    Complete Driving School (If Required)

    Expat New Arrival
    If your country is not on RTA Dubai's direct-conversion list
    1. Theory classes (8 lectures) on traffic rules and UAE regulations
    2. Theory test: 35 questions, 80% pass mark
    3. Practical training: 20-40 hours on tracks then public roads
    4. Internal assessment, then RTA road test (15-20 minutes)

    โš ๏ธ Watch out: RTA road test is strict. Common failures: not checking mirrors, hesitation at roundabouts, poor lane discipline. Practice roundabouts and highway merging.

  6. 6

    Receive Your UAE Driving License

    1. Conversion: ready in 3-5 business days
    2. Driving school: issued same day after passing road test
    3. Initial validity (per u.ae): 1 year if you are under 21, 2 years if you are 21 or older
    4. On renewal: 5 years for expatriate residents above 21, 1 year for residents below 21, and 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens

    ๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Download Dubai Drive app by RTA for digital license management.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Say:

    ุฃุฑูŠุฏ ุงุณุชู„ุงู… ุฑุฎุตุฉ ุงู„ู‚ูŠุงุฏุฉ

    ureed istilam rukhsat al-qiyada

    "I want to collect my driving license."

    ๐Ÿ“‹ Use when: Picking up your license from the RTA center

Costs

Fee Amount Payment Notes
License conversion (eligible countries) ุฏ.ุฅ200-350 Card or cash at RTA service center Application fee + license issuance. No driving test required
Eye test ุฏ.ุฅ50-100 Card or cash at optician Walk-in at any RTA-approved optical shop
Driving school package (if required) ุฏ.ุฅ3500-6000 Card, cash, or installments 40 classes (20 theory + 20 practical) for new learners. Fewer classes if converting with test. Prices vary by school and package
RTA theory test (knowledge test) ุฏ.ุฅ200 Card or cash Computer-based, available in English and Arabic
RTA road test ุฏ.ุฅ300 Card or cash Includes test booking and car rental fee. Retake fee same amount
License issuance ุฏ.ุฅ120 Card or cash Final fee after passing all tests
License conversion (eligible countries) ุฏ.ุฅ200-350
Payment:
Card or cash at RTA service center
Notes:
Application fee + license issuance. No driving test required
Eye test ุฏ.ุฅ50-100
Payment:
Card or cash at optician
Notes:
Walk-in at any RTA-approved optical shop
Driving school package (if required) ุฏ.ุฅ3500-6000
Payment:
Card, cash, or installments
Notes:
40 classes (20 theory + 20 practical) for new learners. Fewer classes if converting with test. Prices vary by school and package
RTA theory test (knowledge test) ุฏ.ุฅ200
Payment:
Card or cash
Notes:
Computer-based, available in English and Arabic
RTA road test ุฏ.ุฅ300
Payment:
Card or cash
Notes:
Includes test booking and car rental fee. Retake fee same amount
License issuance ุฏ.ุฅ120
Payment:
Card or cash
Notes:
Final fee after passing all tests
Total: Total: ุฏ.ุฅ200-350 (conversion) or ุฏ.ุฅ4500-6500 (with driving school)

FAQ

General

Which countries can convert their license without a test?

RTA Dubai publishes a list of approximately 36 countries whose licences can be converted directly without a test โ€” typically including all EU countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Republic of Korea, South Africa, and others. RTA updates this list periodically and does not publish a centrally-maintained count, so verify on the RTA website before applying. Even if your country isn't on the list, having a valid licence from your home country may reduce the number of required driving classes โ€” confirm with your driving school. Other emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.) maintain their own conversion lists, which may differ from Dubai's.

How long does it take to get a license from scratch?

If you need driving school: expect 4-8 weeks minimum. You'll complete 40 classes (20 theory, 20 practical), then pass a theory test and a road test. Many people need 2-3 attempts at the road test. If you're converting from an eligible country: 1-2 weeks for the paperwork. The process is much faster with no tests required.

Can I drive with my foreign license temporarily?

Tourists can drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 6 months. Residents can use their foreign license for 3-6 months from the date of their visa issuance (varies by emirate). After that, you must have a UAE driving license. Driving without a valid license is a serious offense โ€” AED 5,000 fine and vehicle impound.

I failed the road test. What happens next?

You can retake the road test after a mandatory waiting period (usually 7 days). Each retake costs AED 300. Your driving school may recommend additional practice classes (AED 100-150 per class) before the retake. There's no limit on attempts, but costs add up quickly. The most common reasons for failure: not checking mirrors frequently enough, hesitation at roundabouts, and incorrect lane discipline.

After This Process

  • โ†’ Rent a car โ€” many agencies require a UAE license
  • โ†’ Buy a car โ€” register with your license and Emirates ID
  • โ†’ Car insurance โ€” required before registration
  • โ†’ Salik โ€” register for automatic toll system at salik.ae

Sources

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4 sources cited last accessed 2026-05-06

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  1. T1
    UAE Government Portal (u.ae) 2026-05-06

    New driving licences are valid 1 year (under 21) or 2 years (21 and older). Renewed licences are valid 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens, 5 years for expatriate residents above 21, and 1 year for expatriate residents below 21. Required documents: a copy of passport; a copy and the Emirates ID card; 2 photographs; eye test report; a 'No objection' letter from the sponsor (if required by the related traffic department). Minimum age: 18 for cars and light vehicles. Some expatriate residents can exchange their existing valid driving licence issued by their home country under the Markhoos initiative. Local issuing authorities listed are RTA (Dubai) and TAMM (Abu Dhabi).

    u.ae
  2. T1
    Ministry of Interior (MOI), United Arab Emirates 2026-05-06

    Federal exchange-of-foreign-issued-driver-licence service. Eligibility: at least 18 years old; hold a residence visa issued by the emirate, or have a place of residence, employment, or study within the emirate; possess a valid foreign driving licence from a country approved for licence exchange; pass eye test. Required documents: Emirates ID; Legal translation of the foreign original driving licence; Copy of the original driving licence. Federal service fee: AED 600. Dubai local knowledge / innovation fee: AED 20.

    moi.gov.ae
  3. T1
    Ministry of Interior (MOI), United Arab Emirates 2026-05-06

    Issue a vehicle driving licence (light vehicle) โ€” federal MOI service. Required documents: Emirates ID; Personal Photo. Eligibility: applicant's age must be 18 years for the light vehicle category; passing the eye test; passing the required training and tests. Federal fee: AED 100 for a driving licence valid one year, or AED 300 for a driving licence valid more than one year. Dubai local knowledge and innovation fee: AED 20.

    moi.gov.ae
  4. T1
    UAE Government Portal (u.ae) 2026-05-06

    UAE citizens and residents who intend to drive in a foreign country are required to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP); the permit remains valid for one year. Use the Markhoos service to find the list of countries where you can drive with your UAE-issued driving licence; refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to check which countries exchange a valid UAE driving licence.

    u.ae
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