Driver’s license in the UAE is one of the essential documents you need if you are an expat. The license can be used in different ways. It can be a document that serves as your identity card. As its major purpose, it is a document that you need when you drive around the country. Without a driver’s license, you can’t drive a car in the country. This is a nationwide rule that applies to both expats and locals. So, if your work includes traveling or driving, you need to secure your license first.
Getting your license as an expat in the UAE has a process. You need to undergo the said process just like any other expats. This is mandatory for workers in the country whose job includes driving a vehicle. Whether it’s a motorcycle, a car, or a truck, you need to get your driver’s license as early as possible before you start your work. If you don’t know anything about the process, everything is set out here for your reference. Continue reading the rest of the article so that you can be aware.
How to Get a Driver’s License in UAE?
Did you know that your Driver’s License is evidence that you have the right skills as a driver? You can incorporate these skills into your resume when you apply for work in the UAE. What’s great about having this listed in your list of skills is that when the company finds out that you can drive legally, it may offer you higher compensation or a higher position. The money you will spend on getting a driver’s license will surely pay off if this happens. Note that the money you have to allocate for the license starts at 5,000 AED. If you will pass the application and examination for the first time, you won’t have to pay the amount again.
What are the documents required?
The documents required are the following:
• An application form that needs to be submitted to the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
• Original and photocopy of your passport bearing residence stamp
• 8 passport-sized photos
• No-objection certificate (NOC) from your sponsor or employer
You have to secure these documents or else, you won’t be able to submit your application to RTA.
What are the qualifications to get the driver’s license?
Apart from the documents you have to secure, there are also qualifications that you need to know. Here are they:
• Anyone who is 18 years or above can get a driver’s license.
• 18-21 years old applicants can get a probationary license.
• The applicant should pass the eye test which can be done through the driving school or optical clinics.
• The application for submitted to RTA should be typed in Arabic.
• The applicant should pass the parking and garage test, theory exam, and road test.
The summary of the qualifications above is mandatory. If you don’t meet one of them, you will not be able to apply or get your driver’s license. Note that during your application, your driving school will give you a temporary license that you can use throughout your training. You should always bring this with you.
What is the step by step process to get my driver’s license?
After securing all the documents you have, the next steps are the following:
Step 1: Take the eye test through your optician or driving school. Only those who will pass this test will be allowed to take the next steps.
Step 2: Gather the application form and all the documents you secured and entrust them to your driving school. Your school will do the application for you.
Step 3: Ask the driving school for your temporary license if your training is about to start.
Step 4: Pass the parking and garage tests.
Step 5: Take the theory and road test administered by RTA. Your driving school will book these tests for you.
Do you have to attend many classes during your training?
The answer is yes. The number of classes you need to attend to will depend on your driving experience. The authorities and your driving school can easily assess your experience based on the documents you submitted during the application. In the UAE, there are 20, 30, and 40 classes. Most of these classes include lessons about how to drive on the road. Based on the information we got from the Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), the following are the classes applicable to you.
• 20 classes if you are a student who has an existing driver’s license from your home country. The license should be existing for 5 years or longer. You will still need to undergo a pre-evaluation test to verify your experience in driving.
• 30 classes if you are a student who has an existing driver’s license from your home country that has been existing for 2 to 5 years. You will still need to undergo a pre-evaluation test to verify your experience in driving.
• 40 classes if you don’t have a driver’s license.
What is included in the Theory Test?
The theory test is to be taken after you pass the parking and garage exam. It is given by the authorized driving schools in the UAE and for you to take it, you need to settle a fee of 200 AED and present your ID and driving files.
The theory test will consist of 35 questions with random topics about signals, driving guidelines, and hazards. The test will be done through a computer touch-screen. The first part of the test will have 17 questions about general traffic situations and conditions. To pass the first part, you need 11 correct answers. Meanwhile, the second part of the test will have 18 questions about specific driving guidelines. You need 12 correct answers to pass this part. You will be qualified to take the Road Test only if you pass the Theory Test.
What is the Road Test all about?
After you pass the Theory Test, the next step is to take the Road Test, which is basically a practical exam. Your driving school will assign the date of assessment. During that date, you will bring your driving files, your passport, and 2 passport-sized photos and present them to the RTA License section. You need to fill out an application form as well and pay 200 AED.
There will be other applicants who will take the road test with you. The inspector will lead you to the car you are going to use so you can show them your driving skills. After passing the road test, RTA will give your instructions on how you can claim your driver’s license card.
In the case of failure, you need to contact your driving school again and take a minimum of 7 classes. Your road test can be taken again after that.
What happens if I retake the road test exams?
If you fail your road test, you will have to pay for the fee every time you take the exam. You will spend more on this exam if you won’t study your lessons well. It’s expensive to retake the exam and we recommend you to prepare for this practical set. And, imagine the extra classes you have to pay to undergo additional training. If you are here in the UAE to work, you won’t afford to lose that much just for a driver’s license. It’s really suggested that you prepare well for the exam.
What type of car can I drive with my driver’s license?
Manual and automatic training is given if you will request it. You can choose a manual or automatic gear when you are applying for a driver’s license. However, note that when you apply for an automatic one, you won’t be able to drive a manual gear car.
Can I convert my existing driver’s license?
Yes, there it is possible for you to convert your existing driver’s license to a UAE license if you pass the eye test and submitted the required documents to the Driving License Section of the Dubai Traffic Department. The following documents are what you need:
• The original and photocopy of your passport
• The copy of your residency
• Your current driver’s license
• Passport-sized pictures
• No-objection certificate from your employer
• Your eye test certificate
However, not everyone can convert their existing driver’s license. Only expats coming from any GCC country, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Turkey, Bahrain, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, Spain, Denmark, South Africa, Finland, Saudi Arabia, France, Romania, Germany, Qatar, Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, Italy, Oman, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Netherlands, and Kuwait are allowed to convert their driver’s license. If your home country is mentioned, you need to prepare a fee of 360 AED to start the process along with your secured documents.
If you are not from those countries, you still have to undergo the standard procedure of getting the driver’s license in the UAE.
What are the authorized driving schools in the UAE?
When you are enrolling in a driving school, you need to look for an authorized one. The UAE has given a list of authorized driving schools where you can enroll. Here are they:
• Galadari Driving School – 04-2676166
• Emirates Driving Institute – 04-2631100
• Dubai Driving Center – 04-2631100
• Belhasa Driving School – 04-3243535
• Al Ahli Driving School – 04-3243535
Those are the schools and their phone numbers that you can contact. You can always inquire about their services if you are curious. You can compare those schools so you can choose which of them can give you a better and more comprehensive driving training.
Reminders before you take the driving tests
It’s important to remember a couple of things before you take the driving tests in the UAE. The first thing to remember is drinking and driving. This is not allowed in the UAE. Remember that the country doesn’t tolerate such an act. If you will be caught drinking and driving, you will receive punishments such as imprisonment and fines.
Using a smartphone and driving is prohibited as well. You are not allowed to use your phone while you are on the road. If the authorities caught you violating this law, you will be paying 200 AED fine and 4 black points will be imposed on your driver’s license.
Finally, you should aim to drive not just for yourself but for your passengers and pedestrians as well. Learning to drive does not just cover your safety. You have to be a responsible driver on the road. You will encounter cars and pedestrians as you drive. The safety of the people on the road should be your top priority. Driving safely should always be observed.
If you are an expat wanting to get your driver’s license in the UAE, just follow the instructions above and you will be able to get it without a hassle. But, you have to make sure as well that you are qualified before enrolling in the program. Share this with your family and friends in the country so they would know how to apply for a license!