How to get a Driving Licence in Dubai? Residents must enrol in registered institutes. They must undergo theoretical and practical training and pass the required examinations. Are you a young adult who has just turned 18 and can’t wait to start driving? Or are you a long-term resident who is thinking of getting your licence now, as it is better late than never? Residents of Dubai can obtain a driving licence through registered institutes after undergoing theoretical and practical training and passing the required tests. In Dubai, the licensing process is overseen by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

1: Are You Eligible For Driving Licence?

• Be a resident of the Emirate.
• Be at least 17 years and 6 months old. This will allow you to start your training, but the licence will not be issued until you are 18 years old.
• Be medically fit.
• Be enrolled and passed by an RTA approved driving school.
• Pass all required tests

Requirements for applicants with special needs:

• If the applicant has a mental or physical disability, the training file must be opened in accordance with the recommendations of the medical report.
• A number of training sessions must then be determined by the driving institute, in consultation with the Drivers’ Affairs Department, according to the type of disability mentioned in the medical report.

2: Register with an RTA-approved driving school

According to the RTA website, the list of approved driving institutes in Dubai is as follows

• Emirates Driving Institute
  Belhasa Driving Centre
  Al Ahli Driving Centre
  Dubai Driving Centre
  Galadari Motor Driving Centre
  Driving Dubai

3: Pass the vision Test

You must take an eye test at one of the RTA approved centres. You may be able to use vision-enhancing devices such as contact lenses and glasses, or other related devices, if approved.

Once the eye test has been completed, a report will be issued stating whether your eyesight is suitable for driving.

Collect the documents required by the driving school, pay the stated fees and, if you pass the eye test, you can open your file and choose a course to suit your needs. Some institutes offer flexible courses with unlimited training until you pass the test, fast-track courses for teenagers, training in high-end luxury cars and other courses.

4: Attend classroom sessions and take the test

Once you have passed the eye test and your file has been opened, you will need to attend theory classes. Classes cover a range of topics including risk perception, traffic laws, road signs and road safety procedures. To prepare for the theoretical test, institutes also offer the opportunity for individuals to take a mock test. The theoretical test is available in several languages. You cannot start practical training until you have passed the theory test.

5: Practical training and tests

Once you have successfully passed your theory test, learner drivers can begin practical training. According to an RTA call centre agent, 20 hours of practical training is mandatory for those applying for a new licence. Upon completion of the training, there are 2 RTA tests that students must pass, as well as an assessment test from the driving school. In addition, there may be other internal tests at the institute.

• RTA Parking Test – This is carried out in the RTA Smart Yard designated by the driving school. The student is alone in the test vehicle and is assessed by smart cameras. Students can then proceed to the internal road assessment.
• Assessment Test – This is conducted by the driving school’s examiner and is a replica of the final RTA road test. This test assesses the student’s knowledge of road signs, traffic rules, etc. After passing this test, the student can proceed to the RTA Final.
• RTA Final Road Test – This test is conducted on the road by an RTA official and is the final test. The test will look at your overall driving, risk awareness, alertness on the road, following the rules etc. If you pass this test, you will receive your licence.

6: Get The Licence

Once you have completed the theory lessons, passed the test, undergone practical training and passed the RTA tests, together with the driving school assessment and any other internal tests required by your institute, you can collect your licence.

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