Mundane tasks such as renewing one’s car registration or driving licence, are what takes the fun out of most expats’ Dubai experience. But renewing your car registration at the Wasl Vehicle Testing Centre in Al Jaddaf is a completely different experience.
At this particular branch be prepared to be in and out within an hour.
Step 1
Drive into the RTA-run Wasl Vehicle testing area - location map here; you’ll need to stop at one of the booths to collect your first token with your waiting number on it from one of the attendents.
If you don’t have a red triangle (pictured below) you’ll need to buy one for Dh40. I was told my car wouldn’t be passed if I didn’t get one.
You can leave your car at the booth; one of the service centre employees will drive it into the testing bay for you while you can proceed into the main registration hall and wait for your number to be displayed on the TV screens before you head to the cash counter to pay for your registration.
You will need your driving licence and old/current registration card. It will cost you Dh120; credit cards are acceptable at this counter.
Step 2
Once your number is called, you will need to head to the cashier and pay up. You will then receive your test results, car keys and your receipt.
Step 3
If you’ve already bought your insurance, you will need to carry your insurance receipt and terms and conditions.
If you haven’t, you can pop over to the insurance counter (right there next to the cashier) and buy your insurance. This can cost you anywhere from Dh700 to Dh1500 depending on various factors from the model of your car, to whether it’s third party insurance or your accident record.
You will need your old registration card, your test results and your Emirates ID or driving licence. If you don’t have cash handy there is one ADIB cash machine, but it’s wiser to have cash on you in case the machine isn’t working.
Step 4
Once all of this is done, head to the reception counter and ask for another token; wait for your number to be displayed on the TV screens and head to the corresponding counter.
Step 5
Hand in all your documents to the teller; you will need to pay Dh495. You will receive your new registration card and the date sticker (main image). You will need to stick this onto the back number plate of your car. And voila! You’re done.
Head out to the registration parking lot next to the testing bays and drive away in your newly registered car. Drive safely!
