Dubai is known for its extravagant lifestyle and innovative infrastructure, making it a popular destination for tourists and expats. With a growing population and expanding roads, it is no wonder that getting a driver’s license in Dubai has become a necessity for many people. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps required to obtain a driver’s license in Dubai.
Eligibility Criteria
To obtain a driver’s license in Dubai, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Holding a valid residency visa
- Having a valid passport
Types of Licenses
There are two types of driver’s licenses in Dubai:
- A manual transmission license, which allows you to drive a car with a manual transmission
- An automatic transmission license, which allows you to drive a car with an automatic transmission
Required Documents
Before starting the process of obtaining a driver’s license, you will need to gather the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A residency visa
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor
- Eye test results from an approved center
The Application Process
The first step in the application process is to visit an approved driving school in Dubai. You can choose between a manual or automatic transmission course, depending on the type of license you wish to obtain.
After completing the course, you will need to take a theoretical and practical test. The theoretical test covers your knowledge of road signs, traffic laws, and driving etiquette. The practical test assesses your driving skills and ability to operate a vehicle safely.
If you pass both tests, you will then be issued a temporary driver’s license, which is valid for three months. You will use this temporary license to practice driving before taking your final driving test.
How much does it cost to learn driving in Dubai?
The Dubai driving license cost may vary between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000 if you pass the final road test on the first attempt. The driving license cost in Dubai also depends on your chosen driving institute.
How long is the driving course in Dubai?
20 hours: for beginners with no driving experience. 15 hours: Driving experience between 2 to 5 years (holding original valid or expired driving license)
Top Driving Schools in the UAE
- Dubai Driving Center
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Sharjah Driving School
- Abu Dhabi Driving School
- Al Ahli Driving School
1. Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)
This is by far the best driving center in Dubai that you can trust immediately. They are very popular in the entire region and have more than 25 years of experience in the business—they know what they’re doing!
| COURSE TYPE | BEGINNER | 15 HOURS (CUSTOMERS WITH A 2 TO 5 YEARS OLD LICENCE) | 10 HOURS (CUSTOMERS WITH OVER 5 YEARS OLD LICENCE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Price – Automatic Gear | AED 4905 | AED 4285 | AED 3765 |
| Fixed Price – Automatic Gear | AED 9800 | AED 9350 | AED 9080 |
| Regular Price – Manual Gear | AED 4745 | AED 4165 | AED 3685 |
| Fixed Price – Manual Gear | AED 11,600 | AED 11,150 | AED 10,700 |
The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has indeed awarded EDI many awards throughout the years, including best driving school and best service provider.
| Location | 13th Street behind Al Bustan Centre, Al Qusais 1, Dubai Beside Hassani Food Industries, Industrial Area 3, Al Quoz, Dubai. |
| Courses | LMV or Light Motor Vehicle course Gold Excellence Affordable Platinum Youth Driving course for Golden Visa Advanced defensive driving Desert driving Skill refresher IRU Academy (International Road Transport Unit) |
| Facilities | Call centre App International driving licence Large training yards All types of vehicles Solo training yard Simulator training Train for theory RTA test Lecture hall and e-learning Road safety hall Ladies only training |
| Requirements | Emirates ID Eye test (RTA-approved entity) No objection letter from your sponsor or company |
| Opening Hours | 8:15 am to 10 pm Fridays: 7:15 am to 11:30 am; 2 pm to 4 pm |
| Contact Details | +971 (0)4 263 1100 |
2. Belhasa Driving School
This is another one of the most established driving institutes in Dubai. It first started out in Dubai back in 2001. Belhasa became a popular name over the years in the concept of futuristic-style driving.
| COURSE TYPE | REGULAR | NIGHT | FRIDAY | SHIFT | SILVER | GOLD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Hours | AED 5078.25 | AED 5478.25 | AED 5878.25 | AED 6678.25 | AED 8678.25 | AED 10678.25 |
| 15 Hours | AED 4583.25 | AED 4883.25 | AED 5183.25 | AED 5783.25 | AED 7283.25 | AED 8783.25 |
| 10 Hours | AED 3983.25 | AED 4183.25 | AED 4383.25 | AED 4783.25 | AED 5783.25 | AED 6783.25 |
Meanwhile, training on luxury cars in Business Class Package costs AED 11170 for 10 hours and AED 17,500 for 10 hours in case of First Class Course.
They have every type of training you can think of with professional private driving instructors in Dubai. They make sure everybody is trained really well with having one instructor dedicated for just one student at all times.
| Location | Industrial Area 4, Al Quoz, Dubai Oud Metha Road, Jaddaf, Next to Latifa Hospital, Al Wasl, Dubai Mina Jebel Ali, Jebel Ali Freezone, Dubai Al Awir Road, Opposite Al Ghandi Auto, Nad Al Hamar Road, Dubai. |
| Courses | Heavy and light vehicle bus Heavy forklift Heavy truck Light forklift Light Motor Vehicle Motorcycle VVIP courses |
| Facilities | E-learning Online registration Online payment Theory lectures |
| Requirements | Emirates ID 2 photos (passport size) Passport copy Dubai residency visa Eye test copy No objection letter from your sponsor or company Age restriction: Not less than 17 years and 6 months |
| Opening Hours | Registration is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm. |
| Contact Details | 800 235 4272 |
3. Galadari Motor Driving Centre
If you’re looking for the cheapest driving institute in Dubai, Galadari fits your criteria perfectly. Operating since the year 2004, they are also an RTA-certified service and you will deal with only professionals.
| HOURS | LEVEL | REGULAR TRAINING | SHIFT TRAINING | FRIDAY CLASSES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Hours | Beginner | AED 2000 | AED 2800 | AED 3000 |
| 15 Hours | Customers with a 2 to 5 years old licence | AED 1500 | AED 2100 | AED 2250 |
| 10 Hours | Customers with over 5 years old licence | AED 1000 | AED 1400 | AED 1500 |
| 4 Hours | Additional Hours | AED 400 | AED 560 | AED 600 |
This is a basic fee structure for the general light vehicle course. However, additional charges will apply for different tests and charges such as RTA road test, theory test, eye test, evaluation test, driving licence issuance and other. A 5% VAT will also be applicable to the above-mentioned fees at the time of payment.
| Location | Main office: Al Qusais Industrial Area 4, Dubai Driving centre: Near Al Quoz Mall, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai. |
| Courses | Car Motorcycle Heavy truck Light bus Heavy bus Forklift Shovel Defensive driving |
| Facilities | Waiting lounge Kids playroom Cafe and kiosk Mosque People of determination facilities Online registration Eye test and photography Theory lectures Theory training Practical training Assessment test |
| Requirements | Emirates ID 2 photos (passport size) Passport copy Eye test copy No objection letter from your sponsor or company |
| Opening Hours | Saturdays to Thursdays: 8 am to 10 pm Fridays: 3 pm to 9 pm |
| Contact Details | 600 595956 info@gmdc.ae |
4. Dubai Driving Centre
Dubai Driving Centre is an RTA-approved driving school in Dubai that you can also consider on your journey to gain a licence. They came into play in 2003 and became a strong contender in the field in no time.
They gained the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award for the year 2019 thanks to their impeccable service so you can trust them blindly. They have different courses for all types of vehicles; you can trust them to give you the best driving training you can get.
| Location | Head office: Jumeirah Road, near Hilton Garden Inn, Dubai Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Near Al Khail Gate, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai. |
| Courses | Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Motorcycles Heavy vehicle truck Heavy vehicle bus Light and heavy forklift Light bus Defensive driving |
| Facilities | Online registration E-learning |
| Prices | 18 hours: Starting AED 3,835 23 hours: Starting AED 3,220 28 hours: Starting AED 2,620 |
| Requirements | Emirates ID 2 photos (passport size) Passport copy Dubai residency visa Eye test copy No objection letter from your sponsor or company Age restriction: Not less than 18 years old |
| Opening Hours | Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays: 7:30 am to 10 pm Fridays: 7:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 10 pm Sundays: 7:30 am to 1:30 pm and 3 pm to 5:30 pm |
| Contact Details | +971 (0)4 345 5855 enquiries@dcds123.ae |
5. Al Ahli Driving Centre
Last but not least is Al Ahli Driving Centre which started operating in 2006. They are also very well known in Dubai and offer courses on many types of vehicles for affordable prices.
The courses are specifically designed by professionals to suit all skill levels, so no matter your experience you will find one that fits. Al Ahli Driving Centre offers some of the best driving classes in Dubai so you can choose them with no worries.
| Location | The main branch is located at Street 19A, Industrial Area 4, Al Quoz, Dubai. |
| Courses | Platinum Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Motorcycle Light bus Heavy bus Heavy truck Light and heavy forklift |
| Facilities | E-learning Mock test Call centre Free Wi-Fi Pickup and drop off Eye test |
| Prices | 10 hours: Starting AED 1155 15 hours: Starting AED 1732.5 20 hours: Starting AED 2,310 |
| Requirements | Emirates ID Eye test copy No objection letter from your sponsor or company Original licence from home country if available |
| Opening Hours | Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays: 8 am to 11 pm Fridays: 8 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 11 pm Sundays: 7 am to 5 pm |
| Contact Details | 800 252454 |
The Final Driving Test
The final driving test is conducted by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It consists of a theoretical and practical assessment of your driving abilities. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
After passing the final driving test, you will be issued a permanent driver’s license, which is valid for ten years.
Renewal of License
Your driver’s license in Dubai must be renewed every ten years. The renewal process is straightforward and can be completed at any RTA licensing center.
Getting a driver’s license in Dubai is a necessary step for many residents and tourists. By following this comprehensive guide, you will be able to obtain a license with ease and confidence. Whether you opt for a manual or automatic transmission license, you will be able to navigate the roads of Dubai safely and legally.
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