To drive in Dubai, you will need a local driver's license. There is a list of 30 countries for which no driving test is required. Moreover, you can transfer your license if you belong to any of these 30 countries. If your home country is listed, you must get a letter from your national embassy or consulate confirming the validity of your license, then have it translated into Arabic before submitting your application to the police department. A photocopy of your passport is mandatory, and fees will apply. You should then be able to transfer your license.
If your country is not part of the 30 countries listed, you need to take driving classes and take driving tests at a local driving school. To register in a driving school in Dubai, you need to take an eye exam and provide a “no-objection letter” from your employer. A temporary driver's license will be issued during your driving sessions. You will then need to take practical and theoretical tests. Once you pass the test, you will receive your local driver's license. Fees apply.
Converting your driver's license in Dubai
If you come from any of the following countries, you can transfer your license from your country to the UAE. Still, you must obtain a translation of your driver's license or a certificate from your consulate:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the USA.
Holders of driver's licenses from the following countries are also able to convert their driver's license for “light vehicle” only (vehicles up to 2.5 tons) on the condition that they are nationals of that country:
Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
Some countries require translations of the existing license into either Arabic or English by your embassy or a legally approved translation agent. These countries are:
Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, and Ukraine.
If you are from Canada, you will need a driver's license authentication letter issued by the Canadian consulate in the United Arab Emirates.
To convert your foreign driver's license, you are required to produce the following:
- Your original valid Emirates ID;
- your original driver's license; and, if applicable, an Arabic/English translation or a letter issued by your home country's consulate;
- an electronic eye test.
The fee for converting your driver's licence is AED 870. For Singaporean licence holders, the fee is AED 1,070.
You are advised to contact the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to check the fee amount as well as the requirements, as these may change and vary from one Emirate to another. In some emirates, your driver's licence may not be recognized.
Driving schools in Dubai
Below is a list of Dubai-registered driving schools:
- Emirates Driving Institute;
- Dubai Driving Centre;
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre;
- Belhasa Driving Centre;
- Al Ahli Driving Center.
Good to know:
Driver's licenses issued by the Gulf Cooperation Councils (GCC) are still recognized by the United Arab Emirates. However, if you are a UAE resident, you will not be able to rent a car using another GCC driver's license.
You are required to fill in the license transfer form at the nearest Traffic Department Driving License Section. Fees will apply. Thereafter, you should receive your new license for use within the United Arab Emirates.
If your country is not listed above, you will not be able to convert your license. Therefore, you will be required to take classes and pass the tests before being issued a license. The number of classes you need to take will vary depending on the validity of your current license.
Obtaining a new driving licence in Dubai
If you don't have a driver's licence yet, you may apply for one in Dubai. You have to go to a driving school and take a minimum of 40 classes (20 hours). Once you pass all the tests, including the RTA test, you will be issued a driver's license. The fees for the classes and tests are around AED 5,500.
If you have had a previous driver's license for 2 to 5 years, you can register for a minimum of 15 hours of driving classes, and if you've had one for more than 5 years, you can register for a minimum of 10 hours.
To apply for a license, you will need your Emirates ID, your passport, your visa and resident permit, passport-size photographs, a no-objection letter from your sponsor, and you will need to take an eye test and show the results.
Traffic laws in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates government has fixed heavy penalties against certain offences on the road, especially regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. There is a system of black points used by the Dubai Police and the RTA, which eventually leads to the confiscation or suspension of your driving license if you have repeated offenses. You might have to pay fines, and you can even be jailed if you test positive after a breathalyzer test. Note that the use of mobile phones, getting dressed in your vehicle, and applying makeup while driving is also prohibited. You should also always wear your seatbelt when driving.
Important:
Offensive gestures, such as rude hand signs or swearing at other drivers, can result in fines, jail time, or, in some cases, deportation. Do not give in to road rage.
If you are involved in an accident, you should move your vehicle to the side if it is obstructing traffic. Do not leave the scene of the accident. Call the police and wait for them to arrive to resolve the issue.
Good to know:
- To be eligible for a driver's license in Dubai, you must be at least 18 years old. Some car rental companies may refuse to rent you a car if you are younger than 21 years old.
- Due to the high temperatures in the region, it is highly recommended to get a car with an air conditioning system.
- There is zero tolerance in Dubai for speeding or drunk driving.
Useful numbers:
Police: 999
Ambulance: 998
Fire brigade: 997
Useful link:
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