Dubai: A UAE driving licence is more than just a document that allows you to get behind the wheel. For many residents, it can open up better job opportunities, make daily commuting easier and provide greater flexibility for work and family life.Whether you are someone who has never driven before or you already hold a foreign licence, applying for a driving licence can involve several key steps, from getting your eye test to checking whether or not you need to register for driving classes.Here's a detailed guide on all you need to know before you begin the process of applying for a driving licence.What is the minimum age limit?The legal driving age in the UAE is 18 years for cars and light vehicles. However, if you are a young person eager to start driving as soon as you turn 18, you can start taking driving classes as early as 17 years and six months. You would, however, need to wait till you turn 18 to get your driving licence, even if you clear your test before your birthday.DubaiAl Ahli Driving Centre - 800 252454Belhasa Driving Centre - 800 235 4272Bin Yaber Driving Centre - 04 215 6000Drive Dubai (Dubai International Driving Centre) - 04 885 5118Dubai Driving Centre - 04 323 6000Eco Drive Driving Institute - 600 595 959Emirates Driving Institute - 04 231 1916Emirates Transport Driving Institute - 800 6006Excellence Driving Centre - 800 6006First Driving Centre - 800 178 378Galadari Motor Driving Centre - 600 595 956Abu DhabiEmirates Driving Company (EDC) - 800 23523SharjahSharjah Driving Institute - 06 538 2020Belhasa Driving Centre - 800 235 4272Al Midfa Driving School - 06 566 3131Venus Motor Driving School - 06 539 9884Al Bedoor Driving School - 06 534 2228Prime Motor Driving School - 06 534 6646Al Deyar Driving School - 06 542 2526Sharjah Motor Driving School - 06 533 3535Control Motor Driving School - 06 535 8858Al Shamsi Driving School - 06 543 3373AjmanAl Ietemad Driving Centre - 06 748 8770Ajman Driving Academy - 06 740 4448Ras Al KhaimahRAK Driving Academy – 07 235 6661Al Naeem Driving School – 07 228 8333FujairahFujairah Driving Institute - 09 222 2240Umm Al QuwainUAQ Driving Institute - 06 766 6670Step 1: Get an eye testThe first step would be to get an eye test done. In Dubai, you can get this done at any optical shop licensed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). An easy way to identify a shop is to check for a sticker on the display window, which normally shows that the optical shop is licensed by the RTA. Or you can simply visit the shop to ask if they can do an eye test for a driving licence.Eye test fee varies depending on the shop’s service fees, but would normally cost between AED140 to AED180, according to the RTA.Step 2: Open a traffic fileThis can easily be done at any of the driving schools you visit. Normally, all you need to provide is your Emirates ID, as your records and even the eye test you have done get linked automatically in the system. However, if you are living in a different emirate and want to take classes at a school in Dubai, you may be asked to provide additional documents like a tenancy contract. Also, in some cases, a 'No Objection Certificate’ from your visa sponsor may be required.Cost: AED 220Step 3: Register for classesIf you have a valid driving licence from one of the countries that is part of the driving licence exchange agreement with the UAE, you can convert your existing driving licence to a UAE driving licence, without the need to take any classes or tests.In Dubai, you can also take a test directly as part of the RTA’s Golden Chance initiative, if you have a licence issued by one of these countries:IndiaPakistanPhilippinesBangladeshSri LankaEgyptMalaysiaBrazilRussiaUgandaZimbabweKenyaThis allows applicants to take a test without taking any classes beforehand. However, if you do not pass the test, you will need to register for classes.How many classes do I need to register for?According to RTA’s website, you are required to complete a minimum number of training sessions to be eligible to take a driving test:If the licence was issued more than five years ago, only 20 training sessions are required.If the licence has been issued less than five years ago and more than two years ago , only 30 training sessions are required.If the licence was issued less than two years ago, 40 training sessions are required.The total cost for the classes will depend on your driving school’s per session fees, and how many classes you register for. But if your budget allows for a one-time payment, many centres offer a discounted cost for a pre-determined number of training classes.Step 4: Take the parking, theory and driving testsThe tests an applicant needs to take are:Theory testParking testRoad testTheory tests focus on a driver’s understanding of road signs, rules while driving on highways or busy junctions and how to act when there are road hazards. Many driving institutes offer free online mock tests to help prepare you for the test as well, so enquire with your driving instructor or the driving school directly for how you can prepare for the tests.The parking test, also known as yard test, includes checking the applicant’s abilities to successfully manoeuvre the car in the following situations:Parallel parkingSide parking (60 degrees angle)Garage parkingHillSudden brakingThe last and final step is the road test. Once you have completed your assigned number of sessions, you will be given a date for the road test.After the test, you will be informed of whether you have passed or failed. In case you are not successful, you can immediately register for additional classes at the driving school.Once you pass the test, you can now complete the application process for the driving licence.Step 5: Apply for the driving licenceOnce you’ve passed the road test, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number, asking you to proceed with the licence application at an approved traffic centre.You simply need to present your Emirates ID at the centre and your digital driving licence will be issued immediately.You can also apply for a physical copy of the licence, which can be issued through any self-service machines at different RTA centres across Dubai, or you can request it to get delivered to your home or office, through one of the registered courier services.Cost:Issuance fee: AED 320 if you are above the age of 21 (issued for a period of five years) or AED 120 if you are under 21 years of age (issued for a period of one year).Delivery fee: AED 20 for standard delivery, AED 35 for same day delivery and AED50 for two-hour delivery or international delivery.You can renew your driving licence online in most emirates, as long as you have settled any traffic fines that may have been issued.
