Obtaining a driving license in the United Arab Emirates is a crucial step for foreign residents who wish to travel by car. Whether you are a new driver or already have driving experience, the process of obtaining a driving license in Dubai is relatively simple and easy to follow. In this article, we will explore the essential steps to follow to obtain your driving license in Dubai.
The first point: the case of a French driving license
The first point to check is whether the UAE has signed a driving license exchange agreement with your country. You can check this on the RTA website: here. For French driving licenses, there are 2 cases:
- If you hold an old-generation French driving license (the pink three-part document) and wish to exchange it for a local driving license, you must now provide a restricted information statement (RIR) to prove the validity and scope of your driving entitlement. You can download your RIR here.
- If you hold a new-generation French driving license (CB format), you do not need to take any prior steps.
Before exchanging your driving license, it is important to note that you must wait until you receive your EmiratesID. Generally, your original driving license will be returned to you at the same time as your UAE license. If your country of origin does not allow you to obtain a local license, you will have to retake your driving license. You will therefore need to take lessons and pass the tests to obtain a local driving license. If you have never taken a driving test in your life, as in the previous case, you will need to register at a driving school and take theoretical and practical lessons.
Finding a driving school
If you are looking for a driving school in Dubai, there are several options to choose from. First, you can search online to find driving schools in the area. The search results will give you a list of driving schools available in Dubai, along with information about their training programs, fees, and schedules. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have already obtained their driving license in Dubai. Finally, you can contact driving schools directly to obtain more information about their programs, their instructors' qualifications, and so on. You can also read online reviews to get an idea of the quality of teaching and the candidates' success rate. By taking the time to research and evaluate the different driving school options in Dubai, you will be able to find the school that best suits your needs and budget.
Our recommendations
There are several driving schools in Dubai, but two of the most popular are Emirates Driving Institute and Belhasa Driving Center. Emirates Driving Institute 3 main branches and 55 centers across the UAE Tel.: 04-263 1100 Email: info@edi.ae Belhasa Driving Center 4 main branches in Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, Al Wasl, Nad Al Hammar, and numerous ‘kiosks’ Tel.: 800 235 4272 Email: customercare@bdc.ae
Preparing for the theory test: Driver Knowledge Test
Before taking the practical driving test to obtain your driving license in Dubai, you will also have to take a theory test, also known as the "DKT" (Driver Knowledge Test). This test is designed to ensure that you have the knowledge necessary to drive safely and in compliance with Dubai's traffic rules. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must get at least 30 correct answers to pass. In conclusion, the theory test is an important step toward obtaining your driving license in Dubai. By preparing in advance and having a good understanding of Dubai's traffic rules, you increase your chances of passing the test and becoming a safe and responsible driver on Dubai's roads.
Driving lessons to obtain your driving license
To obtain your driving license in Dubai, you will need to complete a certain number of hours of driving supervised by an approved instructor. The number of hours required depends on the type of license you wish to obtain and your level of driving experience. The duration of the driving lessons varies according to your level of experience: 20 hours: for beginners with no driving experience 15 hours: Driving experience of between 2 and 5 years (valid original driving license or one expired less than 10 years ago) 10 hours: Driving experience of more than 5 years (holder of a valid original driving license or one expired less than 5 years ago).
The driving test for a driving license in Dubai
Once you have completed your driving lessons, you can take your driving test. The driving test is designed to assess your ability to drive safely and comply with local driving rules. There will also be several intermediate tests leading to the final driving license: – The Yard Test Assessment (parking test): for candidates who have passed the theory test and the institute assessment test; – The Road Test: for candidates who have passed the theory test and the Yard Test, or for customers who wish to convert their automatic driving license to a manual driving license. This is the practical road driving test with a qualified examiner. During the test, you will be assessed on your ability to drive safely, obey traffic signs, perform parking maneuvers, and demonstrate good traffic judgment.
Documents to provide
The documents required to submit a driving license application are as follows:
- EmiratesID;
- Passport;
- Residence visa;
- Passport-size photos;
- NOC from your sponsor;
- Eye test results.
The cost of obtaining a license in Dubai
The cost of obtaining a driving license in Dubai can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of license, the duration and number of driving lessons required, and the driving school you choose. In general, the fees for obtaining a driving license in Dubai can range from 4,000 to 6,000 AED for foreigners. The minimum duration of the process is approximately 40 days. These fees cover the mandatory driving lessons, registration fees for the practical and theory tests, test fees, and the fees for obtaining the Emirati driving license. It is important to note that these costs are only an estimate and may vary depending on the driving schools. In conclusion, obtaining a driving license in Dubai may seem intimidating at first, but with the right information and advice, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. It is important to prepare adequately by studying the local driving rules, taking quality driving lessons, and practicing regularly before the test. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of passing the test and becoming a responsible and competent driver in Dubai. Remember that road safety is an absolute priority, and as drivers, we all have a responsibility to respect the rules of the road to protect our own lives and those of others on the road. Our residence visa package includes free assistance from a member of our team at the Traffic Department to exchange your driving license, where applicable. For more information, please contact us at: support@merritt.group.
