Once you are settled in Dubai with a good job and an apartment to live in, the next hurdle to overcome is transport. Most people prefer having their own private vehicles rather than travelling by public transport. Hence having a driver’s license is mandatory. Driving licences can be obtained by adult UAE citizens/residents aftera proper training from an authorized driving school in Dubai. If you are 18-21 year of age, you can apply for a probationary licence.
If you have never driven before or have a driving licence that is not on the approved list of 36 countries then you must undergo training.
Documents required:
- Passport (original and copy) with residence stamp
- No-Objection Certificate from employer
- 8 photos
Authorised driving schools:
- Dubai Driving Center – 04-3455855 (13 branches)
- Al Ahli Driving School – 04-3411500 (10 branches)
- Galadari Driving School – 04-2676166 (14 branches)
- Belhasa Driving School – 04-3243535 (18 branches)
- Emirates Driving Institute – 04-2631100 (53 branches/mall counters)
Steps to acquire license:
- First and foremost get an eye test done either at an optician or at your driving school.
- Paper work will be handled by the driving school with RTA who may even have a counter at the school.
- Get your temporary driving licence, which you must carry in your training car.
- After passing all internal tests like garage and parking, your deriving school will apply for your theory test which will be followed by your road test.
TESTS :
Theory test
Firstly, The Theory test will be conducted at the five authorized driving schools. It is mandatory to carry driving file, two photos and relevant ID. Also bring along the theory test RTA fee of Dh200. Altogether 35 questions on road signals, accidents and guidelines on safe-driving will be asked in English, Urdu or Arabic.
Those who are not familiar reading the touch-screen or are not computer literate can take the examination orally. The first section with 17 questions primarily focuses on general traffic situations, and the candidate will need to answer a minimum of 11 correct to pass. The second section will have about 18 questions related to the specific driving license the candidate requires and a minimum of 12 correct answers are mandatory to be eligible for the road test.
Road Test
On the D-day, do not forget to bring your passport, driving file and 2 photos to the RTA Licence Section as advised by your driving school. Fill up application form and submit fees which will be around Dh200 for road test. When you will be asked for, go along with the other three candidates and the RTA inspector to the designated car. You will be provided with just a few minutes to demonstrate your driving skills.
In case you fail, you will have to register with your driving school for at least 7 more classes and get a new road-test date. But if you pass, collect the approved paper from your respective inspector and go to the Pass Counter. Submit along with suitable ID and Dh100. Collect your test file and submit to Control Counter. After processing, pay required fee and proceed to photo area. When your name is called out, have your photo taken.Remember that Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving. Police in plain clothes travel about in unmarked vehicles and can legally stop you at any time to check. Dubai eGovernment recommends that you buckle up your seatbelt and drive safely at all times
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