Driving in Dubai is a little different from most countries. People in Dubai drive on the right-hand side and indicators are almost non-existent! Lane changing is common and Sheikh Zayed Road is either fast, or, the fastest! However, if you’re still up for the challenge, here we take a look at How to Learn to Drive in Dubai.
Driving a car in Dubai gives you the freedom to visit its glories, helps you to perform better in your professional life and extend your access to the whole UAE.
There’s no doubt, Dubai has one of the most advanced public transportation networks in the world, but being able to drive opens your possibilities and increases your options.
Tip: Once you’re done here, you can head over to our guide on How to Rent a Car in Dubai
Where to Learn to Drive in Dubai?
Some countries’ licences are exempt from requiring a separate UAE driving licence. If you’re lucky enough to be a part of the countries that the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has exempt from, then a seperate Dubai driving licence will not be required.
Simply translate your home country license in order to drive. However, if your country is not on the list, check out the below Dubai driving schools.
You can check out the RTA Website Link to take a look at the Countries Exempt from a Dubai driving licence.
1. Emirates Driving Institute
Emirates Driving Institute is the largest and oldest driving school in Dubai. It has 53 branches and small counters that put it ahead of other driving institutions you can spot in the town. It offers car, motorcycle and advanced driving courses to learn to drive in Dubai.
Contact number: +971 4 263 1100
Location
Behind Al Bustan centre & the Al Nahda metro station, 13th Street, Al Qusais, Al Qusais 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2. Belhasa Driving School
Belhasa Driving School became popular among all particularly the expats because it comes with a lot of VIP courses to learn to drive alongside normal courses. It has nearly 18 branches across the city and you can locate the nearest one to you by visiting its website or inquiring at its helpline.
Contact Number: 800 2354272
Location
Behind Al Khail Mall, Al Quoz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. Galadari Driving School
Galadari Driving School is the third largest driving school network in Dubai with 14 branches and it is the most affordable driving school. They offer both regular and VIP courses to learn to drive in Dubai.
Contact Number: 600595956 (Main Office)
Location
27th Street, Al Quoz, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Dubai Driving Centre
Dubai Driving Centre was established with the aim of promoting safe driving with professional training. This world-class learning institute offers a complete range of courses to understand driving alongside some awards from RTA. It has 13 branches with its head office positioned in Jumeirah.
Contact Number: +971 4 3455855
Location
Jumeirah Road, Near Hilton Garden Inn, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5. Al Ahli Driving Center
Al Ahli Driving Center has been working on its goal of providing international-level driver’s training. This driving centre has already diversified its services beyond just driving courses. Their mock driving test facility is one of the best in Dubai. Currently, it has a network of 10 branches with continued expansion.
Contact Number: 800-252454
Location
Al Quoz, Industrial 4 Street No. 19A Road No. 318, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
How Much Does It Cost to Learn to Drive in Dubai?
The cost of a driving license in Dubai varies for each candidate depending on the driving institute you choose and how many attempts you take to pass the final test.
If you are able to pass the final RTA test on the first attempt, then a driving licence in Dubai will cost you anything between AED 4,500 to AED 5,500. This cost covers the charges of various permits required to get the final driving licence done.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Driving License in Dubai?
The time duration to secure a driving licence in Dubai depends on your exposure to driving, know-how about traffic signals and your availability to handle the traffic conditions. If you are driving for the very first time then the average time period will be between 3 months to 6 months.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Driving License in Dubai?
The renewal fee of a Dubai driving license depends upon the age of the license holder.
If the candidate is younger than 21 years old, then they have to pay license renewal fee of 100AED plus 20 AED knowledge and innovation fee. If the candidate is older than 21, then they have to pay a license renewal fee of 300AED plus an eye test cost plus 20 AED knowledge and innovation fee.
What Documents are Required by Driving Schools in Dubai?
The below documents are a minimum requirement from all driving schools in Dubai. It is also important to check with your chosen driving institute before entering into any agreement.
- Copy of passport
- Dubai Residence Visa
- Original Emirates ID
- Five passport-size photographs
- Passport with Visa Page
- Eye test report from a registered optical centre.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the sponsor
How Long a Driving Licence Is Valid in the UAE as well as in Dubai?
Driving licences are renewable for 10 years for UAE and GCCC citizens. It comes with a validity of 5 years for residents. Renewal of driving licences is available online in most of the emirates. Before opting for the renewal of your driving licence, you must settle all your traffic fines.
Is Receiving/Renewal of a UAE Driving License Possible Without Holding a Valid Visa?
No. You can only apply for or renew your driving licence if you own a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
Is My UAE Driving License Still Valid After My Visa Is Cancelled?
You do not lose your driving skills with your visa cancellation. Your license will be still valid and accepted after visa cancellation. But you will need to present a valid UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID if you wish for renewal.
Is the Driving Test Hard in Dubai ?
Dubai driving test is surely one of the toughest driving tests in the world. In fact, most of the candidates pass the driving test after trying and failing so many times. Many candidates even suspect that there could be a possibility of conspiracy. So, Dubai Driving Test is a hard one.
Can I Drive in Other Countries With a UAE Driving Licence?
The UAE driving licence is an international permit that is accepted by 50 countries across the world. You can drive in any (or all) of these countries with your UAE driving licence. Here is the list of those countries.
| Belgium | Egypt |
| France | South Africa |
| Denmark | Sweden |
| Netherlands | Germany |
| Austria | Comoros |
| China | Slovakia |
| Switzerland | Spain |
| Italy | USA |
| Canada | Turkey |
| New Zealand | Lithuania |
| Finland | Jordan |
| Saudi Arabia | Bahrain |
| Singapore | Poland |
| Portugal | Serbia |
| Norway | Latvia |
| Morocco | Ireland |
| Lebanon | Hungary |
| Mauritania | Greece |
| Kuwait | Iraq |
| Somalia | Yemen |
| Palestine | UK |
| Tunisia | Syria |
| Oman | Algeria |
| Luxembourg | Sudan |
| Djibouti | Qatar |
P.S: Keep in mind that the list can be changed in case of the introduction of a new law. So, don’t forget to check for the updated list before visiting the country.
Conclusion
Driving in Dubai can be a little cumbersome. But the proper driving assistance from the city’s reputed driving schools can help you a lot to secure a driving licence there. We hope, this post will guide you in the right direction to reach your driving goals in the ‘City of Gold”.
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