Driving License UAE

That’s not all — your licence is a prerequisite to getting car insurance in UAE. Driving without it has grave legal implications, especially if you get involved in a road accident or skip a traffic signal. 

UAE Driving License Categories List

The UAE driving licence category list consists of 8 different types. Keep in mind that your licence type should match the category of vehicle that you drive. 

Here are the major categories of driving licences in the UAE —

• Category 1: Motorcycle Driving Licence - This category is for individuals looking to drive motorcycles and needing a licence for the same. The minimum age for this type of driving licence in the UAE is 17 years.
• Category 2: Light Motor Driving Licence - This includes a licence for light vehicles up to the weight of 3.5 tonnes, including private cars like SUVs, sedans, and mini-trucks. 
• Category 3: Heavy Travelling Vehicles - The third category of driving licence in the UAE covers all heavy vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tons. To apply for this licence, the applicant must be at least 20 years old. Note that the applicant must already hold a valid Category 2 licence and must have had it for at least one year before applying. This ensures that drivers have sufficient experience before operating heavier and more complex vehicles.
• Category 4: Buses - This category includes buses that can carry more than 24 passengers. To apply, the applicant must already have a valid Category 2 driving licence. The minimum age required is 21 years. Note that applicants must also pass all the required theoretical and practical driving tests.
• Category 5: Light Trailers - The light trailer category covers trailers under 750 kg used for non-commercial purposes. To apply, you must already hold a valid Category 2 licence. Since handling heavy vehicles, including trailers, can be challenging even for experienced drivers, strict rules are in place for issuing such licences.
• Category 6: Heavy Trailer - The heavy trailer category in the UAE includes trailers that weigh over 750 kg. To apply for this licence, you must already have a valid heavy-duty vehicle licence. You also need to show strong driving skills to pass the required tests and qualify for the licence.
• Category 7: Forklift - Forklifts are mainly used in commercial areas to move heavy items. To get a forklift driving licence, the applicant must be at least 20 years old and have a basic understanding of mechanics and transportation. They should also be able to operate and handle different types of forklifts safely.
• Category 8: Heavy Forklift - To apply for this type of driving licence in the UAE, the applicant must be at least 21 years old. Along with basic operating skills, they should also have prior experience using a regular forklift before applying for a heavy forklift licence.

Driving License Eligibility Criteria in the UAE

As specified before, any UAE citizen or resident older than 18 years can easily get a driving license. You first receive a probationary license, which is later converted into a permanent one when you turn 21. However, the eligibility criteria for getting a license can change as per the type of license you are looking to get. Given below are the exact specifications:

• Minimum 17 years old for two-wheeler and motorbike driving license.
• Minimum 18 years old for light vehicle license in the UAE.
• Minimum 20 years old for heavy vehicle license in the UAE such as tractors and trucks.
• Minimum 21 years old for driving license for buses and similar vehicles.

How to Get a Driving Licence in the UAE?

Though it may appear tiresome, getting a UAE licence is quite a smooth process. To help you get a clear idea of the process, we have detailed the step-by-step process of getting a driving licence in UAE —

• Step1- Open your traffic file at a registered driving centre
• Step2- Go to an RTA-approved eye test centre or driving school for an eye examination
• Step3- Enroll yourself in a registered driving school and attend the necessary driving classes (as per your Emirates’ requirement). 
• Step4- Pass the mandatory theoretical driving test 
• Step5- Get the learner’s permit to take a road test
• Step6- Pass the road test and get your driver’s licence from the traffic authority 

List of Driving Schools in Different Emirates of the UAE

Emirates	Driving School Name	Contact Number
Abu Dhabi	Emirates Driving Company	+971 6 0058 8880
Dubai	Emirates Driving Centre	+971 4 263 1100
	Belhasa Driving Centre	+971 4 324 3535
	Galadari Motor Driving Centre	+971 4 267 6166
	Dubai Driving Centre	+971 4 345 5855
	Al Ahli Driving Centre	+971 4 341 1500
Sharjah	Sharjah Driving Institute	+971 6 538 2020
Ras Al Khaimah	Al Taleb Motor Driving School	+971 7 222 3295 | +971 55 779 1339
	Belhasa Driving Centre	+971 7 236 1099 | 800 235 4272
	Al Kharan Motor Driving School	+971 7 222 0133
	Al Thana Ladies Motor Driving School	+971 50 690 4346
	Al Neel Motor Driving School	+971 7 222 1119
Fujairah	Fujairah National Driving Institute	+971 9 236 0037

Mandatory Classes and Tests for Getting a Car Driving Licence in UAE

Mandatory Theory Classes and Tests

Here’s what you need to know about the mandatory driving licence classes in UAE —

• All applicants must complete 8 hours of theory classes before starting practical driving lessons
• These classes and the theory test have to be taken at approved driving schools in the emirate where you’re applying for the licence
• You must first open a traffic file (RTA file in Dubai) to register with a driving school
• After attending all theory lectures, you must pass a theory test to move forward
• The test has 35 multiple-choice questions on traffic signs, safe driving practices, and road hazards — available in Arabic, English, and Urdu
• While the test is taken on a touch-screen, candidates who can’t use the device may answer verbally
  • Part 1 of the test: 17 general traffic questions (at least 11 correct to pass)
  • Part 2: 18 questions specific to the licence category (minimum 12 correct answers to pass)
  • Part 3: Risk Recognition Test with video clips showing various driving conditions; you’re tested on how you’d handle them
• Only after passing the theory test can you start practical training
• Practical class requirements depend on your existing licence
  • No previous licence: 40 classes
  • 2–5 years old foreign licence: 30 classes
  • Over 5 years old foreign licence: 20 classes
• All internal driving assessments are conducted within a driving range
• After completing training, your instructor will schedule your parking and assessment tests
• The parking test includes five tasks —
  • Slope/hill parking
  • Emergency braking
  • Angle parking
  • Garage parking
  • Parallel parking
• Failing the parking test five times means you must repeat internal practical classes
• If you pass the parking test, you can take the final road test — your last step toward getting your licence

 

Practical Road Test

To take the practical road test, visit the licensing authority office recommended by your driving school. Carry the required documents such as your passport, photographs, and driving file. When your name is called, complete the application form and pay the test fee. After that, you’ll head to the assgned car with your instructor to take the test. Show your driving skills confidently and follow all traffic rules.If you fail the test, you must complete at least 7 additional training classes before booking another road test.

If you pass, the inspector will give you an approval slip. Submit this slip, along with your ID documents and the required fee. Next, hand over your driving file at the control counter, pay the licence issuance fee, and get your photo taken. You’ll receive your UAE driver’s licence within a few minutes.

Costs for Getting a Drivering Licence in UAE While the fee to get a UAE driving licence varies as per the Emirate, it ranges between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000. These fees include the cost of driving schools, eye tests, and documentation.

 

 

Documents Required to Get a Driving Licence in UAE

Keeping documents handy makes the entire process of getting a driving licence in UAE easy. Here's the list of documents required for your reference —

• Original and a copy of the passport with the residence visa page
• Passport-size photographs
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor or employer
• Original and a copy of the Emirates ID
• Receipt of your recent eye test

How to Renew a Driving Licence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah?

Renewing your driving licence online in the UAE is quick and convenient, thanks to various digital platforms in each Emirate. Here's how you can do it based on your location —

 

Dubai - RTA Website & Dubai Drive App

You can renew your Dubai driving licence online through the RTA website or the Dubai Drive App. First, complete an eye test at an RTA-approved centre.

Steps via the RTA Website

• Step1- Visit www.rta.ae
• Step2- Go to Driver and Car Owner Services > Driving Licence Services
• Step3- Select ‘Renew Driving Licence’
• Step4- Upload the required documents
• Step5- Pay any fines and renewal fees by card
• Step6- Receive a temporary licence valid for 5–15 working days

You can —

• Collect the renewed licence from Al Barsha or Deira Happiness Centres
• Pay AED 25 to get it delivered

 

Via Dubai Drive App

• Step1- Download the Dubai Drive App
• Step2- Log in and select Driving Licence Services
• Step3- Submit details, pay fees, and choose a delivery method

 

Abu Dhabi - TAMM & Abu Dhabi Police App

Renew your licence through the TAMM portal or the Abu Dhabi Police App.

Steps via TAMM

• Step1- Visit www.tamm.abudhabi
• Step2- Go to Vehicles & Transportation > Driving Services
• Step3- Select ‘Request for Licence Renewal’
• Step4- Submit documents, pay the fees, and receive your new licence

Required Document –

• Emirates ID

Fees –

• AED 300 (for more than 1 year)
• AED 100 (1 year)
• AED 10 (Knowledge Fee)
• AED 10 (Innovation Fee)
• AED 10/month late fine (if applicable)

 

Via the Abu Dhabi Police Website or App

• Step1- Register using your Emirates ID
• Step2- Log in and complete the renewal online
• Step3- Pay fees and get your licence by courier

 

 

Sharjah - MOI Website & App

Renew your Sharjah licence online through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal or the MOI UAE App. 

Here are the steps —

• Step1- Visit www.moi.gov.ae
• Step2- Go to e-Services > Traffic and Licensing
• Step3- Select ‘Vehicle Driver’s Licence Renewal’
• Step4- Log in, upload the documents, and pay the fees
• Step5- Get a temporary licence until the renewed one is ready

Required Documents –

• Old licence
• Emirates ID
• Personal photo
• Valid eye test (valid for 3 years)

Fees –

• AED 100 (for those under the age of 21 years)
• AED 300 (21+ years)
• AED 10 (Knowledge Fee)
• AED 10 (Innovation Fee)
• AED 10/month fine (up to AED 500 max)
• AED 15 (shipping, if selected)

You can renew your licence up to 6 months before expiry, with a 30-day grace period after expiry before fines begin.

How to apply for a UAE International Driving License?

Just like you need an international driving license to drive in the UAE if you are a tourist, you will need a similar license to drive in other countries as a tourist or visitor. In addition to offering you freedom to drive overseas, an international driving license also serves as a great identification document. International driving permit in the UAE, unlike a national driving license, can be obtained using both online and offline methods. 

 

Online Application

The complete process of getting an international driving license in the UAE is far easier as compared to the process of obtaining a national driving license. All you need to do is fill out the application form available on several online platforms, upload the documents and submit the form. Given below is the complete process for the same:

Go to the official website of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE aka ATCUAE or visit the website/mobile application of the Ministry of Interior (MOI). 

Proceed to the international driving license application portal on either of these applications and get the application form. 

• Fill the form properly and attach the required documents with it. Check the format of the documents beforehand as well as the maximum allowed size. The maximum size is 2 MB and the accepted formats for documents are PDF and JPG. 
• Submit the international driving licence fee at the end and submit the application. 
• Once processed, it will take 2-3 weeks for your international driving license to be generated and a few more days for it to be delivered to your home. 

Documents required for the online application of an international driving permit in Dubai are:

• IDL or International Driving License form. It can be downloaded from the ATCUAE website and used both offline and online. 
• A copy of your passport and the original
• At least two passport-sized photographs 
• Original and a copy of your Emirates ID
• Your UAE national driving license and its copy

 

Offline Application

In contrast to most other things, the offline process to apply for an international driving license in the UAE is quite simple, simpler than even the online process. In addition to that, the number of places where you can apply for an international license offline is far greater in comparison to the online options. You can choose to go and submit your application at the branch of any of these entities in the UAE:

• Any of the RTA offices
• Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE)
• Any affiliate members of ATCUAE
• Any post offices in the Emirates
• Dnata office, located on Sheikh Zayed Road 

As far as the application process is concerned, visit any of the aforementioned offices to submit your international driving license application. The application forms are available at the branches. Get one, fill it out and attach it with all the required documents. Submit the form and the documents along with the international driving license fee in the UAE. The fee here would be AED 170 + VAT. Unlike the online UAE driving license procedure, your documents will be reviewed and analysed immediately. Once processed, you will receive your international driving permit on the spot. The whole procedure, from application submission to getting the license, will hardly take an hour or so. The documents required here are the same as in the online process.

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