It isn’t easy to obtain a driving license in the UAE. The process is quite lengthy. However, this shows the seriousness of the RTA Department about the quality of drivers in the UAE.
The process is as follows:
1. Register at authorised Driving Schools
Foremost, you need to enrol yourself into a driving licence course in one of the authorised driving schools by opening your RTA file. Students can opt to register either for automatic or manual gear transmission for their car driving licence.
But please note that automatic licence holders are not allowed to drive a manual gear vehicle.
Documents required:
- Passport (original and copy) with residence stamp
- No-Objection Certificate from employer
- Eight passport-sized photos
Eye test
An eye test is compulsory from an optician or you can get it done at your driving school. The receipt of the test must be submitted at your driving school.
2. Theory Test
- After registration, you need to attend the training course. It has theory lectures and it is mandatory to take all the lectures for 8 hours before starting practical training classes.
- You can get this training at any of the five authorized driving schools.
- You must carry a relevant ID, your driving file, two photos, and the sum of AED 200 as the test fee.
- A total of 35 questions on road signals, hazards and guidelines on safe-driving will be asked. You can make a selection of the language of your choice.
An option for candidates who cannot read the touch-screen or are not computer literate can take the examination orally.
- The first segment consists of 17 questions which are focused on general traffic situations.
The candidate has to get more than 11 questions correct to pass.
- The second segment consists of 18 questions related to the type of driving licence. The candidate has to get more than 12questions correct to pass.
- The third segment is called Risks Recognition Test. As per this test, a few videos are shown to the candidate depicting different environmental conditions and their reactions are noted based on how he/she can cope with them.
3. Pre-Evaluation Test
- This test is for those students who have signed up for 20 and 30 classes to evaluate their driving experience.
4. Practical Training
This stage arises only after passing the theory test and pre-evaluation test.
- Students who do not possess any driving licence from any country, they have to register for 40 classes.
- Students who possess a country’s driving licence which is 2-5 years old, they have to take 30 classes.
- Students possessing a country’s driving licence which is more than 5 years old, they have to take 20 classes.
5. RTA parking test and assessment test
- A student reached this stage after completing all the practical training classes. Then you can book a date for this test after being advised by the counsellor.
6. Highway Training
- This takes place after the student has cleared the assessment test and is performed before taking the road test.
7. Road Test
On this day, the student has to carry their passport, driving file and two photos to the RTA Licence Section on the assigned date.
After reaching there, fill up an application form and submit the fees of AED 200 for the road test. You along with three other candidates and the RTA inspector are taken to the designated car. Then, you will be given just a few minutes to demonstrate your driving skills.
- If you fail, you will have to register with your driving school for at least seven more classes and get a new road test date.
- If you pass, then you must collect the approval paper from your inspector and go to the Pass Counter. Submit a suitable ID and a sum of AED 100.
Collect your test file and submit to the Control Counter. After the entire process is over, pay the required fee.
Within a few minutes, you will receive your DL and be eligible to drive in Dubai and the UAE.
