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DubaiCars

by Barbara Yakimchuk

How To Get a Driving Licence In The UAE? A Step-by-Step Guide

2 Jul 2025

Photo: Hammad Nadeem

Living in Dubai? Then chances are you are already driving — or at least planning to start soon. And honestly, who can blame you? The city is so much more accessible when you have your own car parked downstairs.
But I won’t waste time trying to convince you why you should drive. Let’s get straight to the point: How do you get a driving licenсe in the UAE? How long does it take? And how much should you budget for it?
All the answers — right below.

Who can apply for a UAE driving licenсe?

The requirements are pretty straightforward, but still worth going through. Why? Because, in my experience, a lot of friends decide to start driving lessons right after quitting their jobs, thinking it will be a “productive break” during their two-month holiday. Spoiler: you can’t do that — because without a job, you likely don't have a valid Emirates ID.
So, what exactly do you need to apply for a UAE driving licenсe?
  • Age
The minimum age to apply is now 17 (a recent change from 18) — in this case, you will also need written consent from a parent or guardian. Once you turn 18, you are good to go.
  • Residency (or Emirati nationality)
You must have a valid UAE residency visa or be a UAE national. And yes, if your visa is still being processed — even if it is just a few days away — you will need to wait.
  • Medical approval
This sounds more intense than it is — it is just a basic eye test, usually done right at the driving school when you register.

How long does the process take — and what are the stages?

The process of getting a driving licenсe in Dubai isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on a few things: the time of year you apply, how flexible your schedule is, and how easily you pass each step.
Google says you can get a licence in 4 to 6 weeks — and technically, that is true. But let’s be honest: in real life, it usually takes longer. Speaking from experience, that timeline is a bit too optimistic.
I would consider 2 months a really good outcome — and 3 to 6 months a more realistic timeframe to be prepared for. For context: my husband — an experienced driver, who had to take 10 hours instead of 20 (will explain why at the end of the article!) — got it done in 3 months. I took 6.
So here is how it really works, step by step:
  • Step 1: Registration and eye test
This first stage is quick and straightforward. All the paperwork and the eye test are usually completed in a single visit.
  • Step 2: Theory classes and theory test
Most UAE driving schools now offer online theory classes, which makes things a lot easier. You will need to complete 8 modules, each consisting of a short video or reading section followed by a test.
Each module takes about an hour to complete, so technically you could finish them all in just a few days. (In my case, it dragged on for three weeks — for no particular reason.)
Once you have completed all 8 modules, you can book your theory test. If you pass — you are ready to move on to the next step.
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Photo: Kate Trysh

  • Step 3: Practical lessons
This is usually the longest stage of the process — and unfortunately, it is not entirely in your hands. The timing of your classes depends not only on your availability but also on your instructor’s schedule. For women, there is a bit more flexibility — you can choose either a female or male instructor. For men, training is typically only allowed with male instructors.
You will need to complete 20 hours of practical training. These 20 hours include both on-road driving and parking practice.
  • Step 4: Internal driving test and internal parking test
After completing your initial lessons, you will take the internal driving test — a short 20-minute drive with an instructor to assess your basic driving skills on different types of roads. If you don’t pass, you will need to take extra classes before trying again.
Once you pass the internal driving test, you will move on to parking training. And then — same deal with the internal parking test: if you pass, great. If not, you will need to retake it.
Step 5: Final parking test and final road test
The final tests (in Dubai, they are called RTA tests) come in two parts, usually scheduled on separate days:
— Final parking test — This includes all the required yard maneuvers: parallel parking, garage parking, hill start, and more. (I failed this test three times — which added an extra month to the whole process.)
— Final road test — Once you pass parking, you will be eligible to book the final road test, where you will drive on public roads under the supervision of an examiner.
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Photo: Getty Images

How much does it cost to get a driving licenсe?

The total cost of getting a driving licenсe in Dubai is generally divided into two parts — although some driving schools offer bundled promotional packages that combine both.
1. Driving school fees
The average cost at a driving school ranges from 2,500 AED to 5,000 AED. One practical driving lesson typically costs between 120 AED and 150 AED. In addition to practical lessons, schools also charge for theory classes and file opening.
2. Government fees
In Dubai, these fees are paid to the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). In Abu Dhabi, they go to the Abu Dhabi Police — Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department.
The RTA fee in Dubai is approximately 1,350 AED, which covers eye test, all official test fees and final licenсe issuance, which you obtain after passing all required exams.
Here is a quick look at the current prices (automatic transmission) at some of the most popular Dubai driving school:
Regular training (daytime, weekdays): 4,301 AED (includes RTA fees) Shift training (flexible timing, including weekends and evenings): 5,246 AED (includes RTA fees)
Regular training: 2,200 AED + 4,870 AED in additional fees (includes RTA fees, eye test, etc.) Shift training: 2,800 AED + 4,870 AED in additional fees (includes RTA fees, eye test, etc.)
Regular training: 4,760 AED + 1,500 AED in additional fees and test costs. Shift training: 5,360 AED + 1,500 AED in additional fees and test costs.

Can I convert my driving licenсe?

The quick answer is yes — but it all depends on the country where your licenсe was issued. Broadly speaking, all foreign driving licenсes can be divided into two categories: convertible and non-convertible.
  • If your driving licenсe is from one of the 43 convertible countries, you can exchange it without taking any additional tests. In this case, you will only need: A valid driving licence (translated into English), a valid Emirates ID and an RTA-approved eye test.
  • If your licence is not eligible for direct conversion, you may still qualify for the so-called "Golden Chance". This is a one-time opportunity that allows you to obtain a UAE driving licence by taking the theory and road tests without enrolling in regular driving lessons. If you fail either test, yo will need to go through the full training process.
Also, if you have had your foreign driving licence for over two years and it is still valid, you might not need to start from scratch. Just bring your original licence to the driving school — most probably, your required training hours could drop to 15 or even 10, instead of the full 20.
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Photo: Levi Meir Clancy