Driving License in Dubai: How to Get or Convert It in 2025

‍

Getting a driving license in Dubai is an essential step for any resident or expatriate wishing to move freely around the emirate. Whether you want to convert your foreign license or take the exam for the first time, this comprehensive guide will accompany you through all the necessary procedures in 2025.

Who Can Get a Driving License in Dubai?

Residents and Expatriates: Eligibility Conditions

To be eligible for obtaining a driving license in Dubai, you must be a legal resident of the United Arab Emirates. This means having a valid residence visa (Emirates ID) as well as a legal sponsor (employer, spouse, or family).

Need help with your Dubai residency setup? Our expert services can guide you through the entire process, from visa applications to administrative procedures.

Tourists cannot obtain a Dubai driving license, but they can drive with their international license for a limited period of 30 days maximum.

Minimum Age, Health Status, and Nationality

The essential conditions for obtaining a license are as follows:

• Minimum age: 18 years for private cars, 21 years for heavy vehicles
• Mandatory medical examination: vision test, hearing and physical abilities
• Medical certificate issued by a center approved by the RTA (Roads & Transport Authority)
• No nationality restrictions: all legal residents can apply

‍

Converting Your Foreign Driving License in Dubai

Countries Eligible for Direct Conversion

‍

💡 Tip: Always check information on the official RTA website as agreements may evolve

Required Documents for Conversion

To convert your foreign license, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Original driving license with certified Arabic translation
• Copy of Emirates ID and passport
• No-lien certificate from country of origin (translated and legalized)
• Medical certificate issued by an RTA-approved center
• Recent passport-size photos
• Completed RTA application form
• Conversion fees (approximately 200-400 AED depending on vehicle type)

‍

Getting a Driving License for the First Time in Dubai

Approved Driving Schools

If your country is not eligible for conversion or if you have never driven, you will need to go through an approved driving school. The main recognized schools are:

• Emirates Driving Institute (EDI): Dubai's largest driving school, with several centers and courses available in French.
• Galadari Driving School: Reputable school with excellent pass rates and multilingual instructors.
• Belhasa Driving Centre: Modern center with driving simulators and accelerated training.
• Al Ahli Driving Centre: Affordable school with customized packages according to your level.

Training Steps

The learning process takes place in several mandatory stages:

1. Registration and medical examination: Validation of your fitness to drive by an approved doctor.
2. Theoretical training: 8 hours of mandatory courses on Emirati traffic rules and local specificities.
3. Theory exam: Multiple choice test of 35 questions with a minimum of 24 correct answers to pass.
4. Practical training: Between 20 and 40 hours depending on your initial level (minimum 20 hours mandatory).
5. Final practical exam: Driving test with an RTA inspector on urban course.

Cost and Duration of the Process in 2025

Rates According to Driving Schools

‍

💡 Tip: Prices generally include: theoretical training, theory exam, minimum 20h driving, practical exam and RTA fees. Additional lessons are charged in case of failure or need for additional training.

Average Timeframes by Candidate Profile

‍

📅 Optimal planning: Allow 2-3 months to get your license if you're a beginner, and start your procedures as soon as you arrive in Dubai to avoid waiting times during busy periods (September-December).

Practical Tips to Pass Your Dubai License

Tips for the Practical Exam

Passing the practical exam requires specific preparation for Dubai driving conditions:

• Master parallel parking: Mandatory exercise often eliminatory, practice regularly.
• Strictly respect speed limits: Speed cameras are omnipresent, always maintain the authorized speed.
• Signal all your direction changes: Systematically use turn signals, even for obvious maneuvers.
• Check your blind spots: Inspectors verify that you physically turn your head before each lane change.
• Stay calm with other drivers: Dubai has sometimes aggressive driving, keep your composure during the exam.

Useful Mobile Apps and Platforms

• RTA Dubai (official app): Exam booking, file tracking, fine payment
• Careem/Uber: For your transportation during the learning period
• Salik: Electronic toll management once you get your license
• Dubai Police: Accident reporting and fine verification

FAQ: Driving License in Dubai

Can you drive with a French license in Dubai?

Yes, temporarily. French license holders can drive in Dubai for a maximum of 30 days with an international driving license. Beyond that, conversion to an Emirati license becomes mandatory for residents.

What to do in case of exam failure?

In case of failure, you must wait a minimum of 48 hours before retaking the theory exam, and 7 days for the practical exam. Refresher courses are often recommended. The number of attempts is not limited, but each new exam is chargeable (about 200 AED).

Is the Emirati license valid in other countries?

The UAE driving license is recognized in most Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain). For other destinations, an international driving license remains necessary.

Conclusion

Getting your driving license in Dubai is an essential investment for your quality of life in the emirate. Whether you opt for converting your foreign license or complete learning, good preparation and choosing the right driving school will guarantee your success.

For any questions about settling in Dubai and administrative procedures, don't hesitate to visit our homepage. If you need assistance with visa procedures before getting your driving license, check out our detailed Dubai visa guide.