Getting a Driving License in Dubai

Getting a Driving License in Dubai

June 11, 2025

Getting a driving license in Dubai is essential to drive a vehicle on the roads. Nonetheless, residents and expatriates obtain driving licenses to enjoy unparalleled convenience and comfort. There is a certain procedure that a driver has to fulfill to acquire a driving license. There are specific specifications associated with it as well. You can learn the procedures with RTA and driving schools. If you need any consultation regards to this subject, then you can contact our lawyers in Dubai too. Ask The Law, has top Emirati lawyers in Dubai.

Requirements

There is a proper eligibility criterion for drivers in Dubai. For the commencement of the application procedure, it is integral to ensure you meet the requirements established by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

It is a regulatory body in Dubai that sets the specifications for drivers in Dubai. Firstly, it is the age requirement that a driver must fulfill. The age for cars and light vehicles is set at 18 years. On the other hand, for heavy vehicles and transport the age limit is 20 years. The age limit to drive a bus in Dubai is 21 years. However, motorcycles and special needs vehicles are established at 17 years old. Our lawyers can guide you as well if you need a face-to-face meeting.

Medical Fitness Test: Eye Test

There is a specification for passing a medical fitness test. Roads conduct it and Transport Authority RTA-approved centers. The applicant needs to pass an eye examination before beginning to drive. For the residents and expatriates in Dubai, there is a need for a UAE residency visa card. It is compulsory to have a valid and lawful residence card.

Documents Required

Certain documents are required when applying for a driver’s license. From the license in Dubai, the following documents are mandatory. It includes the original Emirates ID along with a copy of Emirates ID, passport with UAE residence Visa card, passport-sized pictures, eye examination from RTA-approved centers, and no objection certificate (NOC).

No objection certification is obtained from your sponsor if any. However, certain professionals enjoy exemption from the NOC specification. It is recommended to get a well-versed lawyer on Board to confirm the specific obligations. Contact our lawyers for the details about documents.

Application Process for driving license in Dubai

There are some steps involved in the application process for seeking a driving license in Dubai. The process begins with an opening of a traffic fine. The applicant must visit the Roads and Transport Authority RTA-approved driving institute to initiate the application procedure.

Traffic File

A traffic file is opened up with RTA. It is an approved driving institute situated in Dubai that initiatives the application for driving.  Once the traffic file is opened, the next step forward is to undergo the eye test. Eye examination must be conducted from the RTA-approved optical centers.

Theory Classes

The applicant has to attend the theory classes. Therefore, it is important to be enrolled in theoretical classes. These classes offer useful information regarding UAE traffic rules, road signs, safe driving practices, and much more. Online classes are also offered.

The theoretical test is also conducted after completing the classes. RTA organizes the Theoretical test. They give schedules and conduct the RTA theory examinations. Furthermore, practical training is also needed. It commences with a practical driving lesson that includes the internal assessment and yard training.

Parking Test

RTA that tests the parking skills of a driver in Dubai in different and challenging scenarios organizes a parking test. Therefore, parallel parking and garage parking skills are tested. The assessment test is conducted that complete internal assessments. It helps in evaluating the readiness of an applicant for the final road test.

Road Test

RTA Road Test is scheduled and passes the final road test. It is conducted by the RTA examiner who subsequently issues the results. Once all the tests mentioned above are successfully finished, the license is issued to the driver.

Golden Chance Program in Dubai

Individuals who hold legitimate and valid driving licenses from different countries may receive the Golden Chance Program. This is a new initiative that permits the eligible applicants to bypass the compulsory training and RTA tests. This facility is available for various nations including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany. It is mandatory to verify the eligibility and fully understand certain requirements. Here the lawyer can offer great clarity, concision, and compliance regarding the program.

Cost of obtaining a driving license in Dubai

The total cost of seeking a license in Dubai may range from AED 5000 to AED 8000 or more. We are not giving you any certain figure or idea. The reason is that fee varies from school to school and the number of attempts of candidate matters. This depends on certain crucial factors including the registration, file opening, theory test, RTA test fee, and practical training.

The procedure for seeking a driving license in Dubai is pretty simple. However, there are strict regulations and tests that an applicant must go through. A competent lawyer can also assist with license conversion, dispute resolution, and assist in legal compliance.  Besides, they also help in guiding regarding the legal responsibility in the series of driving incidents that may happen during the training period.

The validity of a driving license is normally for 2 years. However, the renewal can be for 10 years for UAE and GCC nationals. For the residents, the renewal stands at 5 years.  There are requirements of renewal that must be met including the RTA eye test and settlements for outstanding fines.

Ending Note:

The strict regulations for acquiring licensing in Dubai are established to ensure road safety for everyone. Besides, it also assists in maintaining the traffic law and order situation in the city.  It also tests the competence of the drivers in Dubai making them confident for a safe drive. We must praise the amazing systems implemented by DUBAI Government for the betterment of its residents living in the Emirate.