Get your driving license in Dubai

Getting a driver’s license in the UAE is a crucial step for foreign residents wishing to travel by car. Whether you are a new driver or have previous driving experience, the process of getting a driver’s license in Dubai is relatively simple and easy to follow. In this article, we will explore the essential steps to take to get your Dubai driver’s license.

Before starting to look into the UAE driving license, it is important to note that it is necessary to wait for the receipt of your EmiratesID.

Some countries have signed agreements with the UAE and their national can simply “exchange” their home country driving license with the UAE one. Here is the list of these countries: RTA.
Generally, your original driver’s license will be returned to you along with the UAE license.

If your country of origin does not allow you to obtain a local license, you will have to retake your driving test. You will have to take courses and pass tests to obtain the local driver’s license.

If you have never had a driver’s license in your life: as in the previous case, you will have to register at a driving school and take theoretical and practical courses.

Finding a Driving School

If you are looking for a driving school in Dubai, there are several options to choose from. First, you can search online for driving schools in the area. The search results will give you a list of available driving schools in Dubai, as well as information about their training programs, fees and hours.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family or co-workers who have already obtained their driving licenses in Dubai. Finally, you can contact the driving schools directly to get more information about their programs, instructors’ qualifications etc. You can also check online reviews to get an idea of the quality of instruction and the success rate of applicants.
By taking the time to research and evaluate the different driving school options in Dubai, you can find the school that best suits your needs and budget.

Our recommendations

There are several driving schools in Dubai, but two of the most popular are Emirates Driving Institute and Belhasa Driving Center.

Emirates Driving Institute
3 agences principales et 55 centres répartis sur les Émirats
Tél. : 04-263 1100
Email: info@edi.ae

Belhasa Driving Center
4 agences principales sur Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, Al Wasl, Nad Al Hammar et de nombreux ‘kiosks’
Tél. : 800 235 4272
Email: customercare@bdc.ae

Preparing for the Theory Test: Driver Knowledge Test

Before taking the practical driving test to obtain your Dubai driver’s license, you will also have to take a theory test also known as the DKT (Driver Knowledge Test). The purpose of this test is to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge to drive safely and in accordance with the rules of the road in Dubai. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions and you must get at least 30 correct answers to pass.

In conclusion, the theory test is an important step in obtaining your Dubai driving license. By preparing in advance and having a good understanding of Dubai traffic rules, you increase your chances of passing the test and becoming a safe and responsible driver on Dubai roads.

Driving lessons to get your driver’s license

In order to obtain your driver’s license in Dubai, you will need to complete a certain number of hours of supervised driving by a licensed instructor. The number of hours required depends on the type of license you wish to obtain and your level of driving experience.

The length of the driving course varies depending on your level of experience:
20 hours: for beginners with no driving experience
15 hours: Driving experience between 2 and 5 years (original driver’s license valid or expired within the last 10 years)
10 hours: Driving experience of more than 5 years (original valid driver’s license or expired within the last 5 years).

The Dubai Driver’s License Exam

Once you have completed your driving lessons, you can take your driving test. The driving test is designed to assess your ability to drive safely and follow local driving rules.

There will also be several intermediate tests leading up to the final driver’s license:
– The Yard Test Assessment: for candidates who have passed the Theory Test and the Institute Assessment Test;
– The Road Test: for candidates who have passed the theory test and the yard test or for clients who wish to convert their automatic driving license to a manual driving license. This is the practical driving test on the road with a qualified examiner. During the test, you will be evaluated on your ability to drive safely, obey traffic signs, perform parking maneuvers and use good traffic sense.

Documents and pricing

The documents to be provided to file a driver’s license application are as follows:

EmiratesID;
Passport;
Residence visa;
Passport size photos;
NOC from your sponsor;
Results of your eye exam.

The cost of getting a license in Dubai

The cost of getting a driver’s license in Dubai can vary depending on several factors such as the type of license, the length and number of driving lessons required, and the driving school you choose. In general, the fee to obtain a driver’s license in Dubai can cost between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000 for foreigners. The minimum duration of the process is approximately 40 days,

This fee covers the mandatory driving lessons, the registration fee for the practical and theory test, the test fee, and the fee to obtain the UAE driving license.

It is important to note that these costs are only an estimate and may vary depending on the driving school.

In conclusion, getting a driver’s license in Dubai may seem daunting at first, but with the proper information and guidance, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. It is important to prepare properly by studying the local driving rules, taking quality driving courses and practicing regularly before the test. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of passing the test and become a responsible and competent driver in Dubai. Remember that road safety is a top priority, and as drivers, we all have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road to protect our own lives and those of others on the road.

Our residency visa package includes a free accompaniment by a member of our team to the Traffic Department to exchange your driver’s license (if applicable).

For more information, please contact us at support@merritt.group.