UAE driving licence guide: How to get your licence, costs, age limit and step-by-step process

Dubai: A UAE driving licence is more than just a document that allows you to get behind the wheel. For many residents, it can open up better job opportunities, make daily commuting easier and provide greater flexibility for work and family life. Whether you are someone who has never driven before or you already hold a foreign licence, applying for a driving licence can involve several key steps, from getting your eye test to checking whether or not you need to register for driving classes. Here's a detailed guide on all you need to know before you begin the process of applying for a driving licence. What is the minimum age limit? The legal driving age in the UAE is 18 years for cars and light vehicles. However, if you are a young person eager to start driving as soon as you turn 18, you can start taking driving classes as early as 17 years and six months. You would, however, need to wait till you turn 18 to get your driving licence, even if you clear your test before your birthday. Dubai Al Ahli Driving Centre - 800 252454 Belhasa Driving Centre - 800 235 4272 Bin Yaber Driving Centre - 04 215 6000 Drive Dubai (Dubai International Driving Centre) - 04 885 5118 Dubai Driving Centre - 04 323 6000 Eco Drive Driving Institute - 600 595 959 Emirates Driving Institute - 04 231 1916 Emirates Transport Driving Institute - 800 6006 Excellence Driving Centre - 800 6006 First Driving Centre - 800 178 378 Galadari Motor Driving Centre - 600 595 956 Abu Dhabi Emirates Driving Company (EDC) - 800 23523 Sharjah Sharjah Driving Institute - 06 538 2020 Belhasa Driving Centre - 800 235 4272 Al Midfa Driving School - 06 566 3131 Venus Motor Driving School - 06 539 9884 Al Bedoor Driving School - 06 534 2228 Prime Motor Driving School - 06 534 6646 Al Deyar Driving School - 06 542 2526 Sharjah Motor Driving School - 06 533 3535 Control Motor Driving School - 06 535 8858 Al Shamsi Driving School - 06 543 3373 Ajman Al Ietemad Driving Centre - 06 748 8770 Ajman Driving Academy - 06 740 4448 Ras Al Khaimah RAK Driving Academy – 07 235 6661 Al Naeem Driving School – 07 228 8333 Fujairah Fujairah Driving Institute - 09 222 2240 Umm Al Quwain UAQ Driving Institute - 06 766 6670 Step 1: Get an eye test The first step would be to get an eye test done. In Dubai, you can get this done at any optical shop licensed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). An easy way to identify a shop is to check for a sticker on the display window, which normally shows that the optical shop is licensed by the RTA. Or you can simply visit the shop to ask if they can do an eye test for a driving licence. Eye test fee varies depending on the shop’s service fees, but would normally cost between AED140 to AED180, according to the RTA. Step 2: Open a traffic file This can easily be done at any of the driving schools you visit. Normally, all you need to provide is your Emirates ID, as your records and even the eye test you have done get linked automatically in the system. However, if you are living in a different emirate and want to take classes at a school in Dubai, you may be asked to provide additional documents like a tenancy contract. Also, in some cases, a 'No Objection Certificate’ from your visa sponsor may be required. Cost: AED 220 Step 3: Register for classes If you have a valid driving licence from one of the countries that is part of the driving licence exchange agreement with the UAE , you can convert your existing driving licence to a UAE driving licence, without the need to take any classes or tests. In Dubai, you can also take a test directly as part of the RTA’s Golden Chance initiative , if you have a licence issued by one of these countries: India Pakistan Philippines Bangladesh Sri Lanka Egypt Malaysia Brazil Russia Uganda Zimbabwe Kenya This allows applicants to take a test without taking any classes beforehand. However, if you do not pass the test, you will need to register for classes. How many classes do I need to register for? According to RTA’s website, you are required to complete a minimum number of training sessions to be eligible to take a driving test: If the licence was issued more than five years ago, only 20 training sessions are required. If the licence has been issued less than five years ago and more than two years ago , only 30 training sessions are required. If the licence was issued less than two years ago, 40 training sessions are required. The total cost for the classes will depend on your driving school’s per session fees, and how many classes you register for. But if your budget allows for a one-time payment, many centres offer a discounted cost for a pre-determined number of training classes. Step 4: Take the parking, theory and driving tests The tests an applicant needs to take are: Theory test Parking test Road test Theory tests focus on a driver’s understanding of road signs, rules while driving on highways or busy junctions and how to act when there are road hazards. Many driving institutes offer free o