Deals to drive for

Learning how to drive in the UAE is an easy affair with the plethora of schools to choose from. There are also plenty of packages available for different kinds of drivers for refresher courses or a full 40-lesson course for complete novices.

While the number of lessons you need will be dictated entirely by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rules (applicable to all driving schools), there are still some deals to be grabbed on certain packages including prior experience, licence registration and extras.

To make your life easier, GN Focus brings you a selection of offers available to help you get the most out of your money.

Easy transfers

If you’re having to rely on public transport to get to and from your driving lessons, Emirates Driving Institute’s (EDI) new shuttle service might be a good idea. You’ll get a pickup from Abu Hail and Al Nahda metro stations to take you to the EDI headquarters at Al Qusais, and a drop-off at the metro stations after your lessons. Bus timetables are available at the headquarters as well and the service runs from Saturday to Thursday.

EDI is also offering four free lessons to students who register and pay for their lessons online. The offer is valid until May 3 for all light motor vehicle and motorcycle courses except the eight-lesson registration and refresher courses. You’ll need to confirm specific terms and conditions with EDI.

Perk up

If you’re working for a large or well-established company in the UAE, it might be worthwhile to check if you’re entitled to any perks or privileges at driving schools. “Al Ahli Driving Center offers certain big companies in Dubai discounts and special privileges,” says Faten Al Jundi, Sales and Marketing Manager, Al Ahli Driving Center.

You’ll also find a great deal on lesson packages at the school on Groupon.ae, the popular deal-a-day website. You can get 20 light motor vehicle lessons for only Dh549 instead of Dh1,100. You’ll have to be quick as the deal ends today, but once you’ve bought the voucher, it’s valid until May 28 and you can register at any one of the school’s 15 locations.

Dubai Driving Centre (DDC) is another driving school with deals on offer for certain groups of people in the UAE. “Currently, we are offering discounts to government employees and students,” says Salim Ahmad, Marketing Manager, DDC.

Government employees can pay 10 per cent less for their classes, including regular, Friday, shifting and VIP classes, while students can take advantage of a special class rate of Dh40 for regular classes and Dh55 for shifting classes. However, bear in mind when you’re choosing timings that you may have to pay a premium for weekend and evening classes no matter the school, as these are likely to be the busiest and most requested.

Pay in instalments

Booking and paying for a driving course can be expensive, and something one can’t necessarily afford in one payment. If you’re struggling to find pay for a full course in one go, check if any schools you’re considering offer a staggered payment plan and will allow to pay for the course in instalments.

One such school is Galadari Motor Driving Centre, which currently allows you to cover the cost of your driving lessons in three payments.

Besides practical classes, you’ll also need to sit through lectures on road rules, traffic signs and road markings and more and, for this, you might be interested in Belhasa Driving Center’s current offer. “We’re offering a 50 per cent discount on our lecture package,” says a spokesperson for Belhasa. “It’s usually Dh800 for eight lectures, but you can take it up at Dh400. After all, lectures are a must to obtain a licence in Dubai.”