Dubai is a city with a lot more to offer than just its impressive skyline and luxurious attractions. Picture yourself freely exploring hidden treasures, navigating through lively marketplaces, or venturing out of the city for an exciting desert escapade – all from the comfort of your own car. However, to unlock this freedom, you need to obtain a Dubai driving license.
This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to embark on your journey to getting a driving license. We will cover everything you need to know, from the eligibility requirements and the initial application process to preparing for and passing the theoretical and practical tests.
Whether you are an experienced driver transitioning from an international license or a novice eager to start driving, this guide is your go-to resource for success.
So, fasten your seatbelt and prepare to take charge of your Dubai adventure! Here's your complete guide to getting a driver's license in Dubai.
Eligibility
To start off, you need to know if you're eligible to even start driving. In Dubai, your eligibility may vary depending on which type of vehicle you would like to drive. If you want to start with a simple light vehicle, you need to be 17 years and 6 months old. For vehicles on the heavier side like tractors, you need to be at least 20 years old. Finally, if you want to drive a bus, you need to be 21 years old.
The Process, Summarized
After ensuring your eligibility, you're ready to take your first steps into the driving world. Though the process may seem overwhelming and scary, you've only got a few more steps to the top!
- Firstly, you need to register at an RTA-approved driving institution.
- Take (and pass) an eye test.
- Complete the theory test, as well as the parking and road test.
- Finish the final test from the RTA
- Finally, get your license!
Required Documents
Before you register for a driving institution, you need to get all your documents in order. The documents that are needed are:
- Emirates ID (original or copy)
- Passport and VISA copy
- Two passport-sized pictures (45mm by 35mm)
- Eye test report
- NOC (No Objection Letter) from your sponsor
RTA-Approved Driving Institutions
Dubai's driving schools play a crucial role in preparing individuals to navigate the city's various roads, including highways and desert tracks. These schools cater to learners of all levels and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to pass their driving tests and, most importantly, to become safe and confident drivers.
Galadari Driving School
The Galadari Motor Driving Center (GMDC) was founded in 2004 and has since experienced remarkable growth, solidifying its position as a leading player in the motor driving-training industry. As a certified driving institute by the RTA, GMDC is dedicated to providing comprehensive training to a diverse student body, boasting a team of over 500 qualified instructors. The institute offers both theoretical and practical training services, conducts final assessments, and issues driving licenses with the primary objective of nurturing confidence in students and equipping them with essential driving skills.
GMDC takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities, highly skilled instructors, and a well-maintained fleet of vehicles. The school's commitment to flexibility, convenience, and inclusivity, reflected in its flexible scheduling, convenient pickup and drop-off services, and a team of excellent instructors catering to diverse nationalities, has earned it a stellar reputation and widespread popularity. Above all, GMDC is dedicated to ensuring that all drivers possess the competence and confidence to navigate roads while prioritizing safety at all times.
Location: Multiple branches including Motor City, Al Quoz, and Al Qusais
Timings: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Contact: 600595956
Price: Starting from 2,000 AED
Emirates Driving Institute
Emirates Driving Institute, a proud member of the Belhasa Group, stands as the premier and most accomplished driving institute in Dubai and the entire Middle East region. This esteemed institute provides comprehensive training for Driver License Acquisition, utilizing a fleet of over 500 vehicles spanning across various categories.
Since its establishment, EDI has successfully guided more than 500,000 students in obtaining their driver's licenses. With a team of over 500 highly qualified instructors, students have the opportunity to learn in their preferred language, ensuring effective communication and understanding. Moreover, the institute offers advanced post-license courses such as Defensive Driving, Desert Driving, and Driver Skill Refresher, which are specifically designed for UAE residents. Notably, EDI takes pride in pioneering the Disabled Driver Training Programme in Dubai, which is conducted using specially adapted hand-controlled vehicles, making driving education accessible to all.
Location: Al Qusais
Timings:
- 8:15 am to 11:00 pm on Saturday to Thursday
- 8:00 am to 12:00 pm | 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Friday
Contact: 04 263 1100
Price: From 4,406 AED
Al Ahli Driving Center
Established in 2006, Al Ahli Driving Center is a prominent institution in Dubai that provides comprehensive driver education courses for a wide range of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, forklifts, and motorcycles. The center prides itself on accommodating individuals of all skill levels and offers courses in multiple languages to ensure inclusivity. With dedicated instructors and vehicles equipped with hand controls, the center caters to individuals with diverse needs and determination. Al Ahli Driving School stands out as a top choice for those seeking a high-quality driving education experience in Dubai.
Location: Multiple branches including International City, Jebel Ali, and Al Quoz
Timings:
- 8:00 am to 11:00 pm on Saturday to Thursday
- 8:00 am to 12:00 pm | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Friday
Contact: 800 252454
Price: From 3,000 AED
Dubai Driving Center
Dubai Driving Center, founded in 2003, is a prestigious driving school in Dubai that has been approved by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The center is renowned for providing top-notch International Driver Training, catering to individuals seeking to obtain their driving licenses in Dubai. The school prides itself on its exceptional team of managers, all of whom hold expert qualifications, including the International Diploma in Advanced Driving Instruction. This ensures that students receive the highest standard of training and guidance.
In addition to its in-person training, DDC also offers comprehensive online services, along with special discounts and concessional packages for students. This makes it a highly reliable and attractive option for individuals looking to acquire their driving licenses in Dubai. With its unwavering dedication to quality instruction and customer satisfaction, Dubai Driving Center stands out as a leading choice for driving education in the region.
Location: Multiple branches including Jumeirah, Barsha, and Dubai Investment Park
Timings:
- 7:30 am to 10:00 pm on Saturday to Thursday
- 7:30 am to 12:30 pm | 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday
Contact: 04 345 5855
Price: From 2,900 AED
The Tests
After finding your preferred driving school, it's time for the real deal: the tests. Though it may seem overwhelming, its actually quite simple. With all these amazing driving institutions in the city, you’ll be passing your tests and driving in no time!
Theory Test
The Theory Test is designed to test your driving knowledge and hazard perception skills. Consisting of 100 questions, the test is to ensure you know the basics before you get on the road. Not only that, but the questions can range between a bunch of different topics, from car signals to Dubai’s driving rules and guidelines.
Though it can be a bit confusing at first trying to learn all of the content, once you study enough, you can do the test in your sleep! The Theory Test is considered to be one of the easiest among all the other driving tests, so you have nothing to worry about as long as you study.
Parking Test
Now, you’ll have to pass the challenging tests, most notably the Parking Test. For many, it’s hard to pass this test on the first try. However, with enough practice and studying, you could get it on your first test.
The Parking Test consists of many different parts:
- Parallel Parking Test
- Hill Parking Test
- Garage Parking Test
- Angle Parking Test
Some may consider the Parallel Parking Test to be one of the hardest, meaning you’ll have to practice extra hard to get this on your first go. However, with enough practice and patience, you can master the technique and pass the test with flying colors.
The Hill Parking Test may also pose a challenge for some, as it requires precise control of the vehicle on an incline. It is important to practice this maneuver in various conditions to ensure success on test day.
The Garage Parking Test requires you to navigate your vehicle into a tight space, testing your spatial awareness and precision. With practice, you can improve your skills and confidently pass this portion of the driving test.
Finally, you have the Angle Parking Test, which is considered to be one of the most important parts of your parking test. In this test, you need to be able to park your car at a 60-degree angle, ensuring that you are within the designated parking space and at a safe distance from other vehicles. Mastering this skill will help you pass your test and make you a more confident and skilled driver in various parking scenarios.
Road Test
After passing all of the previous driving tests, you need to move on to the Road Test; now it's serious. The Road Test is the final step in obtaining your driver's license, where you will demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle safely in various traffic situations. All of that studying on the previous tests will come in handy here! During the Road Test, you will be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic laws, make safe lane changes, and properly use signals.
Of course, going on an actual road is much different than the safe and controlled paths at the schools, which means you may get a bit overwhelmed. Just remember to stay calm, focus on the task at hand, and trust in your preparation. Take deep breaths and remember that the examiner is there to ensure your safety as well.
Costs
Of course, learning to drive isn't for free. You'll have to pay for your preferred driving school and classes, as well as other microtransactions. Here's a complete breakdown of the costs to get a driver's license in Dubai.
- To open a file with the RTA, you'll need to put down around 200 AED
- You need to get an RTA-approved eye test, which would be around 100 AED (may vary)
- To get your learning permit, you need to pay at least 100 AED (for light vehicles), but it could vary based on your chosen driving institution
- Though each driving institute has its own fee structure, it's likely that you'll have to pay at least 2,000 AED
- For textbooks for the Theory test, you would need to pay around 100 AED or more
- All tests are around 220 AED (3 tests), though it may vary between the driving school, and it also depends on how many times you must retake
- You will also need to pay around 120 AED for your license issuance
- Finally, to register your brand-new vehicle with the RTA, you must pay 400 AED
So, in total, you would have to probably pay from around 4,500 to 7,000 AED. This total cost does not include any additional fees that may arise during the process, such as extra driving lessons or retaking tests. It's important to budget accordingly and be prepared for potential unexpected expenses.
And now you're done and ready to cruise the streets of Dubai; enjoy the freedom and responsibility that comes with being a licensed driver in Dubai!
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