How to Get a Driver's License in the UAE

For Those who Have Valid Licenses

If you have a license from the USA, UK, EU, or other countries on the list (more than 30 countries in total), you can exchange it for an Emirate's driver license. For this, the license needs to be translated into Arabic at a licensed translation office. These offices are common in shopping malls, business centers, or near government institutions.

The translation takes 1-2 business days and costs approximately 100-200 dirhams. After receiving the translation, documents are submitted to the RTA (Road and Transport Authority) center. The license exchange itself takes several days and costs about 600 dirhams.

For Everyone Else

If your license is not eligible for exchange, you can undergo training in the UAE. First — theory and traffic rules exam, then a minimum of 20 driving lessons and a practical exam.

Training takes 2–3 months and costs ~5000–7000 dirhams. Driving schools often have long waiting lists, so register in advance. 

What documents will you need?

To obtain a UAE driver’s license, you will need:

• Your passport with a resident visa and a copy.
• Emirates ID and a copy.
• Your current driver’s license with a notarized Arabic translation.
• Two passport-sized color photographs.
• A medical certificate from an approved medical center confirming an eye examination.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor, if required by the local road and transport authority.

The license is issued to individuals aged 18 and above.

How to Get Your License

Now let's go through the steps of how to get a driver's license in the UAE and finally get behind the wheel.

1. Choose a Driving School

It must be approved by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). At the beginning of training, you'll receive a temporary license — with it you can practice driving. Before enrolling, it's worth comparing prices at different schools and reading reviews — they can vary significantly in terms of quality of training and course cost.

Below is a list of the largest UAE driving schools approved by RTA:

• Emirates Driving Institute (EDI). This is the largest center in the Middle East with 40 branches and two training complexes. The training is based on a modern approach: first, students hone their skills on simulators, then move on to real roads. The Institute offers not only standard training but also special programs - for example, for golden visa holders or those who want to master desert driving.

• Galadari Motor Driving Center (GMDC). Stands out for its variety of programs: here you can learn to operate not only a car, but also a motorcycle.

• Dubai Driving Center. The quality of training here is confirmed not only by RTA approval, but also by the prestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Award 2019. The center's vehicle fleet includes cars for any taste - from basic training vehicles to premium models.

• Belhasa Driving Center (BDC). This center owns a fleet of more than 700 modern vehicles. The training is based on the ability to assess road risks, which is equally beneficial for both beginners and experienced drivers.

• Al Ahli Driving Center. Has 18 branches in Dubai. The main training principle at the center is safety and strict adherence to traffic rules, and its main distinguishing feature is prices that are lower than in other schools.

2. Take an Eye Exam

This can be done right at the driving school or at any optical store licensed by RTA. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and costs around 100 dirhams. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you — this information will be noted on your license.

3. Complete the Theory Course and Pass The Test

The test requires you to correctly answer 30 out of 40 questions. It is available in 8 languages. Before the exam, you'll receive a handbook with rules — note local signs and road markings. You might find that they're slightly different from what you might be used to.

4. Complete a Practical Driving Course

Practical training will take 10 to 20 hours, depending on your experience. You'll be tested on parking skills, emergency braking, and garage entry. It ends with a ten-minute drive through the city. If this is your first license in the UAE, don't worry: Dubai and Abu Dhabi have excellent roads, and drivers follow the rules.

5. Pass the final exam

The final test is a practical road exam. During the 10-minute test, you'll need to demonstrate all your skills: parking, city driving, and handling traffic lights. Not everyone passes on their first attempt, but don't worry — you can retake it after a week. After passing, you'll get your permanent license within a couple of days.

6. Receive Your Driver's License

You can pick up your license at the nearest RTA center. You'll need to show your passport and residency visa with you. Conveniently, licenses are often ready the same day you pass the final exam.

Is it Possible to Get a License Without Taking a Driving Course?

Yes, if you have driving experience. Under the Golden Chance program, you can take the exams without attending driving school.

This is very cost-effective, as driving lessons make up the largest portion of expenses. Depending on your experience, you can save up to ~5000 dirhams — the less experience you have, the more beneficial it is. Participating in the program costs approximately 2200 dirhams.

Important note: if you don't pass the exam on your first attempt, you'll have to undergo training like everyone else.

Wrapping Up

UAE residents over 18 who have a valid Emirates ID can apply for the driving license. Most enroll in local driving schools, though some opt for the Golden Chance program which allows you to skip driving lessons and save money. The license remains valid throughout your residency, making it convenient to renew online when needed.

Costs typically fall between 5,000 and 7,000 dirhams based on your driving background, but we recommend making this investment — UAE licenses are internationally recognized, plus, you'll enjoy access to the country's network of well-maintained highways and roads. Now you hold a UAE driver’s license, recognized by most countries around the world — from the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) to the USA and Canada — allowing you to enjoy the top-tier roads of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with complete freedom. And if you're planning a trip to Europe, all you need is an international driving permit based on your UAE license, which can easily be obtained from the UAE traffic police.