Can I get a Dubai driving licence if I live in another emirate?

Dubai: If you work in Dubai but have a residence visa issued from another emirate, you can apply for a driver’s licence issued from Dubai.

If you prefer taking your driving lessons in Dubai, you can open a traffic file at a driving institute in the emirate. However you need to make sure you have certain documents with you to make sure you are eligible.

Here are the details.

What are the requirements?

If your residency is issued in another emirate

In this case, you must provide additional proof that you are based in Dubai. The required documents include:

• Proof of employment, residence, investment, or study in Dubai.

• A transfer certificate issued by the emirate from which you are transferring your driving profile.

• An electronic eye test.

• A medical fitness test if your profession is “driver” — this must be completed at one of the RTA-accredited hospitals.

• A valid Emirates ID.

NOC to Transfer a Driving Profile from Another Emirate to Dubai

If your residency is issued in Dubai, you must also submit:

• A transfer certificate from the licensing authority in the emirate from which you are transferring the driving profile.

• An electronic eye test.

• A medical fitness test if your profession is “driver” — conducted at an RTA-accredited hospital.

• A valid Emirates ID.

Additionally, you must also make sure you do not have an active traffic file in another emirate.

What happens if I move to another emirate and my residency visa changes?

According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in such a scenario, since your traffic file was opened in Dubai, the licence will be issued from Dubai after you pass the RTA Road Test.

How do I apply for a driving licence in Dubai?

You can either fill in the application for a driver’s licence through the RTA website – rta.ae or visit a licensed driving institute in Dubai.

Even if you have applied for the driver’s licence online, you would still have to visit a driving institute to open your traffic file, pay the fees, take an eye test and get your digital learning permit.

The process for obtaining a driver’s licence happens in stages. Once you open the file, you will have to take mandatory theory lectures, and pass the RTA ‘Knowledge Test’ or theory exam.

When you pass the theory stage, you can start the practical training lessons. You will then take the RTA ‘Yard Test’.

When you pass the ‘Yard Test’, you will then have to take a series of on-road assessments at your driving school and undergo the final exam - the Road Test.

When you pass the test, you will get your driving licence issued. If you don’t, you have to go through the training process again to be able to re-take the road test.

How much does it cost to get a driving licence in Dubai?

If it is your first time getting a driver’s licence, the overall package, including opening a traffic file, learning permit fees and theory and practical lessons can cost you around Dh3,280 for the lowest basic package, according to RTA. However this total cost can vary across different driving schools in Dubai.

While the cost for driving lessons may vary, some fees are standardised. Here is the list of fees you need to budget for:
• Dh200 to open a traffic file
• Dh100 for learning permit fees
• Dh50 for the handbook manual

Cost to issue a driver’s licence in Dubai:

If you have passed your Road Test, here are the fees for issuing your licence:
• Dh100 for individuals younger than 21 years old.
• Dh300 for individuals 21 years old and above.
• Dh20 Knowledge and Innovation fees.

This article was published in 2023 and has been updated since.