Have you recently relocated to Dubai and are you considering transferring your driver’s licence? You should be aware of the modification to the Dubai driver’s licence. Prior to now, individuals who received their licences from nations that the Road Transport Authority (RTA) has not approved had to take lessons and pass a driving test in order to convert them.
Now, you can convert your licence without taking lessons thanks to the “golden chance” programme. You will only need to pass a theory and road test in order to convert your licence. The golden chance programme allows drivers with licences from nations including India, Pakistan, and the Philippines that the RTA has not approved to drive after passing the test.
Anyone who wants to convert their licence from a recognised nation can do so easily at the RTA. The UK, France, Hong Kong, South Africa, Denmark, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and others are among these nations. Here you may view all the nations that accept direct driving licence exchange.
It’s vital to remember that in order to drive in Dubai, you will need to revoke your foreign driver’s licence if you received it from one of the following nations: Greece or Lithuania.
Drivers license in Dubai: If you don’t own a transferable license
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Both citizens and residents of the UAE need to be legally and medically fit to start the driver’s license process. There are minimum age requirements for each vehicle class too, which includes:
17 years old for motorcycles
18 years old for cars and light vehicles
20 years old for heavy vehicles (e.g. trucks) and tractors
21 years old for buses
Step 2: Open a traffic file
Once you’ve passed the legal, medical and age requirements, it’s time to prepare your documents. If you are planning to learn how to drive, you’ll need to open a traffic file. The documents you’ll need for this include:
Copy of passport and residence visa page
Original Emirates ID card and a copy of it
Two photographs
Eye test report
No objection letter from your sponsor (if required by the traffic department you choose)
Step 3: Learn how to drive
Of course, you must make sure that your driving abilities are excellent before you venture into Dubai’s roadways.
To get started, enrol in one of the best driving schools in the area, such as Al Ahli Driving Centre, Belhasa Driving Centre, Galadari Motor Driving Centre, Emirates Driving Institute, or Dubai Driving Centre.
You will learn everything you need to know about driving safety, rules, and other topics from these schools. To prepare for the theoretical test and the practical test, you must enrol in theory lessons and driving instruction.
Step 4: Book a driver’s license test
It’s time to schedule your test and get ready for the big day once you have finished all of your required driving licence classes and have passed an eye exam.
You must provide your eye test results, your Emirates ID, and your booking fee in order to make a reservation. On the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) website, go here to submit an online application.
Additionally, you can submit an application directly through your driving school, the RTA Smart App or website, the Dubai Drive Smart app, and the Customer Happiness Centre in Deira.
Step 5: Take the tests
Before receiving your licence, you must pass three tests. The first test is the RTA theory test, which covers your theoretical understanding of traffic problems, road rules, and questions unique to a driver’s licence.
The parking exam is the next task, and it is conducted in the attractive yard of your driving school. It will put your slope/hill parking, emergency braking, 60-degree angle, 90-degree garage, and parallel parking skills to the test.
The final step is a road test evaluation, when your driving abilities will be evaluated after you have mastered parking. You will receive your two-year driver’s licence after passing the test.
