Understanding Driving License Category in UAE

Driving License Category Listed

To drive around freely in the UAE, you need to have an appropriate License for the vehicle you own. Catering to that, there are seven major driving license categories in UAE. Getting a License not only ensures proper driving training but also ensures the safety of others on the road. 

Let’s understand the categories in more detail —

• Motorcycle driving License
• Light motor vehicle driving License
• Heavy truck driving License
• Light bus driving License
• Heavy bus driving License
• Forklift driving License>
• Heavy forklift driving License

1. Motorcycle Driving License

This driving license category is for those who drive two and three-wheeled motorcycles. Here are the key requirements for this —

• Minimum Age Requirement - 17 years
• License Requirements - Passing a theory test and a road test, and attending a mandatory driving course

2. Light Motor Vehicle Driving License

The next category is the light motor vehicle driving License. It includes all kinds of light commercial vehicles and private cars, such as sedans, mini-trucks, and SUVs. To get this License, you need to meet the following criteria —

• Minimum Age Requirement - 18 years
• License Requirements - Clearing the theory test, completing the required number of driving hours, and passing the practical driving test

3. Heavy Truck Driving License

The third driving license category is a heavy truck driving license. This includes heavy vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes. To get this License, you need to meet the requirements mentioned below —

• Minimum Age Requirement – 20 years
• License Requirements - Specific training emphasising operating heavy vehicles, and clearing theory and road tests

4. Light Bus Driving License

This License is for light buses with a seating capacity of up to 14 passengers. If you want this License, you need to fulfil the following requirements —

• Minimum Age Requirement - 21 years
• License Requirements - Complete driving lessons, and pass the theory test and then a road test

5. Heavy Bus Driving License

This UAE driving license category is for heavy buses that have a capacity of more than 14 passengers. It includes large buses for tourism and public transport. Here is the eligibility criteria —

• Minimum Age Requirement - 21 years
• License Requirements - Take on driving lessons, clear the theory test, and follow up with a road test

6. Forklift Driving License

This License category is for forklift drivers of the industrial and warehouse sectors. To obtain this License, the driver must master the skills required for operating forklift machines. 

• Minimum Age Requirement - 21 years
• License Requirements - Complete a special training course on operating forklifts and pass theoretical and practical assessments

7. Heavy Forklift Driving License

This driving license category is for drivers operating heavy forklifts in the construction industry. To get the specialised License, you need to —

• Minimum Age Requirement - 21 years
• License Requirements - Complete a special training course on operating forklifts and pass theoretical and practical assessments

To Summarise

You can find 7 categories of UAE driving licenses for different types of vehicles. These include Licenses for motorcycles, light motor vehicles, heavy trucks, light buses, heavy buses, forklifts, and heavy forklifts. Each category has specific age requirements and tests to ensure drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge.  For example, to get a light motor vehicle license, you must be at least 18 and pass both theory and practical tests. 

Overall, the correct License helps keep roads safer for everyone.