Getting a Special Driving Permit in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Maryam Pervez -

If you're a resident in Dubai seeking a commercial driving permit, this comprehensive guide provides all the information you need.

While Dubai boasts an efficient public transportation system, many residents prefer the convenience of driving their own cars. This allows for a better understanding and navigation of the city. In Dubai, all car owners must hold a valid driving license. Additionally, residents wishing to drive safari vehicles, trams, or other specialized vehicles, as well as those employed as drivers, require a special driving permit.

How to Obtain a Commercial Driving Permit

If you're a Dubai resident with a valid driving license and wish to acquire a commercial driving permit, here's what you need to know:

Requirements

For all special driving permits, your Emirates ID number is required. If applying for a safari driving permit, you must also provide an electronic criminal record certificate from Dubai Police.

Eligibility

Safari Driving Permit:

  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Employed by a tourism company that organizes safari trips.
  • Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your company.
  • Present a valid certificate from the 'Tourist Guide Training Program'.
  • Hold a UAE driving license that is at least two years old.
  • Medically fit as evidenced by a valid medical test result from an accredited hospital.

Tram Driving Permit:

  • Must be at least 25 years old.
  • Employed by a company that owns or operates trams.
  • Present a certificate showing completion of the tram driving training program under the Competency Management System.
  • Hold a UAE driving license that is at least five years old.
  • Medically fit as evidenced by a valid medical test result.

Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature:

  • Employed by a company requiring you to drive within its premises.
  • Pass the traffic signs test and practical test by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
  • Hold a valid permit for training and inspection related to special nature works.
  • Present valid eye test results certifying perfect eyesight.
  • This permit is only valid within the company's premises.

Occupational Driving Permit:

  • Applicable for heavy vehicle and bus drivers, and personal drivers of light vehicles employed by Dubai residents or citizens.
  • Must be medically fit, as evidenced by valid medical test results from an accredited hospital.

Application Process

You can apply for a special driving permit through the RTA website by following these steps:

  1. Log in with your RTA account or UAE Pass account.
  2. Follow the prompts on the homepage.
  3. Fill in the required information.
  4. Once logged in, navigate to the Dashboard and click ‘Licensing’.
  5. Enter information such as plate number, plate code, and plate category.
  6. Submit the form and pay the required fees.

Alternatively, you can apply through one of the three accredited driving institutes:

  • Belhasa Driving Institute: Located behind Al Wasl Club, open Sunday 7am-3pm, and Monday to Saturday 8am-10pm.
  • Emirates Transport Driving Institute: Located on 13th Street, behind Al Bustan Center and Al Nahda metro station, Al Qusais 1. Open Sunday to Thursday 8:15am-11pm, and Saturday 8am-5pm.
  • Galadari Motor Driving Centre: Located near Amman Street, Al Qusais Industrial Area 4. Open Sunday to Friday 8am-10pm.

Service Fees

Safari Driving Permit:

  • Dh200 for learning permit fees.
  • Dh200 for practical test fees.
  • Dh300 for driving permit fees.
  • Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

Occupational Driving Permit:

  • Dh200 for occupational permit fees.
  • Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

Tram Driving Permit:

  • Dh500 for learning permit fees.
  • Dh500 for driving permit fees.
  • Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature:

  • Dh200 for learning driving permit fees.
  • Dh200 for knowledge test fees.
  • Dh200 for practical test fees.
  • Dh300 for driving permit fees.
  • Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

Medical test fees range between Dh200 and Dh700, depending on the hospital.

Validity

Special Learning Permits:

  • Tram learning permit: Valid for six months.
  • Other types of permits: Valid for three months.

Special Driving Permits:

  • Driving permit for vehicles of special nature: Valid for two years.
  • Other permits (safari driving permit, tram driving permit, and occupational driving permit): Valid for one year.

By understanding these requirements, fees, and processes, you can navigate the application for a special driving permit in Dubai with ease.

News Source: Khaleej Times