A Guide To Get Your Driver’s License in Dubai

Getting a driving license in Dubai will save your plenty of money used on traveling by metro or cabs. But getting a driving license in a vibrant city like Dubai is not as easy as it may seem. This blog will help you in identifying all the processes, tips and procedures involved to get a driving license in Dubai. All of your confusion and unanswered questions will be answered regarding the process, tests, and procedures involved to get a driving license in Dubai.

Eligibility Criteria:

Any person who is 18 years or above is eligible for applying for a driving license in Dubai. You can get a probationary license if you are 18 to 21 years of age. An application for the driving license has to be submitted to the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) in Arabic. Based upon this application, a temporary license is issued to you which needs to be created with you at the time of training. 

Documents Required:

The locals can apply for a driver’s license in Dubai through their valid Emirates ID but the foreign expats need to submit certain documents to get their driver’s license. If you are a foreigner living in Dubai, you need to have the following documents:

• Eye test results
• Emirates ID (original and copy)
• Passport size photos (8)
• Passport with visa page (copy)

Procedure:

If you suit the eligibility criteria for getting a driver’s license in Dubai, you need to follow the following guide to know how to proceed. The process may seem rigorous to some but it is quite simple. Here is the step by step guide to get your driver’s license in Dubai. 

1. First of all, you need to get your eyes tested either through an optician or within the driving school. 
2. Now you need to register at a driving school approved by the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) of Dubai where you need to submit all your documents mentioned above. 
3. You can now obtain your probationary driving license or learner’s permit to begin training. 
4. Finish all the theory classes either online or in the driving school. 
5. Pass the theory test to go ahead to the practical training. 
6. Now you need to complete your practical classes to move ahead to your internal assessment. 
7. After finishing your internal assessment, you will require to complete city road and highway classes. 
8. Then clear the internal parking test to proceed for the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) test.
9. Pass the RTA test to obtain your license. 

If you somehow fail the test in the first attempt you will have to take an additional 7 classes before appearing for the road test again. 

DETAILS OF ALL THE TESTS YOU NEED TO GO THROUGH TO OBTAIN A DRIVING LICENSE IN DUBAI

There is no easy way out when considering to get a driver’s license in Dubai. You have to pass a number of tests in order to get a driving license in Dubai. First of all, you need to clear a theory exam, followed by several internal tests including the yard parking exam. You can attempt the RTA (Road and Traffic Authority) road test after getting success in the theory exam. 

Read the following guide to know what to expect from these exams to prepare yourself accordingly to save your time, money, and any additional hassle. 

• Theory Test:

The theory test will be conducted at any authorized driving school registered by RTA. You should have the following documents on the day of your test:

• The theory test fee
• Relevant Emirates ID
• Passport-sized photographs (2)
• Driving File

The test comprises of 35 questions divided into three distinct segments. These questions and segments are designed to test your knowledge about signals and signs, driving/road hazards, and safe driving guidelines. 

• The first segment of the test entails 17 questions where you are given various traffic situations. You need to answer correctly at least 11 questions to pass this segment. 
• The second segment entails 18 questions that focus on the specifics of driving license. You need to get at least 12 correct answers to be eligible for the final road test. 
• The third segment features the Risk Recognition Test which shows a series of videos showing different environmental conditions. This segment checks your responses to different environmental conditions and how you tackle these situations and their impending risks. 

This test takes place on the touch screen of a computer either in English or Arabic. The candidates who are not aware of both languages can give this exam orally. 

Tips:

• Take mock tests online before the final test to assess your standing. 
• Read and understand the RTA handbook thoroughly before the exam.
• Memorize all the traffic and road signs.
• Practice on the RTA mobile app as much as possible. 

• Parking Tests:

A parking test is a fully automated test offering detailed instructions about parking that can easily be taken at your driving institute within the smart yard. The five steps in the parking test include:

• Hill/Slope Parking
• Parallel Parking
• Emergency Brakes
• Garage Parking
• Angle Parking

Failing the parking tests for five consecutive times will get you to take the internal assessment test again. 

• The Road Test and Assessment:

This is the most challenging and crucial part of getting your driving license in Dubai. In this step, you need to prove your worth to the examiner within 10 to 12 minutes. Unlike a theory test, you will be actually driving here. On the test day, you will have to carry the following documents with you:

• The road test fee
• Relevant Emirates ID
• Passport size photographs (Two)
• Driving File

Wait patiently for your turn till your name is called out. Follow your RTA instructor to your designated car along with other candidates. Drive confidently on your turn as you will be judged over your driving skills. The test results will be provided to you right after the test. Upon passing, you will get an approval letter which will have to be submitted at the Pass Counter with your Dubai Driver’s License Fee and ID Documentation. Then collect your driving file and submit it at the Control Counter. You will have to submit your license fee before proceeding to the photo area. After the photo is taken, you will have to wait for a while to get your hard-earned driver’s license. After getting your driver’s license, you become eligible for the International Driving License (IDL) Dubai. 

However, if you fail this test you will have to take 7 additional tests before you can secure a new date for your road test. 

Tips:

• Do as your examiner say and park the car on the side.
• Dress formally to look busy and professional.
• Always exit with a “Right” indicator and enter the roundabout only when the left side of the road is clear. 
• Avoid covering your eyes with sunglasses as the examiner checks your eye movements while driving. 
• Avoid using hard brakes no matter what. 
• Adjust your seat and mirror and fasten your seatbelts. 
• Wait for approximately 3 seconds at the STOP line on the T-junction before entering. 
• Check your handbrake and get it right before starting. 
• Change lines only after looking at both sides and rearview mirrors. Make sure to check the blind spot before giving an indicator. 
• Maintain your speed according to the speed limit and drive confidently. 
• Maintain a safe distance with other cars. 

Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) Registered Schools in Dubai:

• AL AHLI DRIVING SCHOOL

Contact: +971-4-341-1500

Location: Al Quoz

• GALADARI DRIVING SCHOOL

Contact: +971-4-267-6166

Location: Al Qusais

• BEHLASA DRIVING CENTER:

Contact: +971-4-324-3535

Location: Al Wasl

• EMIRATES DRIVING INSTITUTE:

Contact: +971-4-263-1100

Location: Al Qusais

• DUBAI DRIVING CENTER:

Contact: +971-4-345-5855

Location: Al Mina