More and more expats want to drive themselves in Dubai. This is understandable, as public transport is not yet very well developed and taxis or Uber are too expensive for many in the long run. But how do you get a driving licence in the UAE, and how much does it cost?
The answers to these questions and more on the subject of driving licences in the UAE can be found in this article.
Do you even need a local driving licence?
This may surprise many, but you need a local driving licence, even if a driving licence from numerous EU countries such as Germany and Austria is internationally valid. However, this only applies to residents, i.e. all those who possess an Emirates ID along with a VISA.
Tourists can easily rent cars with their home country's driving licence.
Driving licence exchange
Anyone who already has a driving licence can easily have it exchanged at a driving licence office. The only thing that is checked again is vision, using a vision test, similar to what you would have at an optician's. This only takes 5 minutes and costs around 800 AED.
The best thing to do is Google the nearest RTA office responsible for driving licences. Here is an example of a responsible authority office near the airport: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rK8em7Ko76hGbM9R7.
Renewal
The driving licence needs to be renewed every two years. This only costs around 300 AED and is done at an RTA licensing office. A brief eye test is also required upon renewal.
Driving school
However, if you do not have a driving licence, you must obtain one in Dubai from a driving school. There are numerous providers here, but it is not advisable to choose the cheapest one. Reports of minor scams are common, where you initially pay less, but ultimately have to take the test more often and therefore pay more in the end.
An well-regarded school with multiple locations is the Excellence Driving School in Dubai. They offer various packages with costs ranging from around 4,000–8,000 AED, depending on the number of learning hours booked or required.
Costs
As previously described, the costs for the driving licence in Dubai can be broken down as follows:
- 800 AED rewritten
- 300 AED Renew
- 4,000-8,000 AED for school & tests
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving Licences in Dubai and the UAE.
How long is the driving licence valid for?
The driving licence in Dubai is generally valid for 2 years. After that, it must be renewed. The process only takes a few minutes and costs a small fee.
Do I have to hand in my driving licence from AT / DE?
No. Even though the rumour is circulating, you do not have to hand in your existing driving licence from your home country.
Is the driving licence internationally recognised?
Yes, the driving licence is recognised worldwide.
Summary
Anyone wanting to drive a car in Dubai needs a local driving licence. If you already have a valid international licence from another country, you can exchange it for a fee (AED 800) and a quick eye test. Renewals are every 2 years and cost around AED 300. For those who still need to obtain their licence, it is advisable to contact a well-rated local school and should typically expect costs of AED 4,000-8,000.
