Foreigners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have the right to obtain a UAE driving license, provided they meet a set of specific conditions and procedures. The UAE driving license is essential for legal and safe mobility within the country. In this article, we will review the conditions and requirements that foreigners must fulfill to obtain a driving license in the UAE.
1. Requirements for Issuing a Driving License for Foreigners
- Legal Residency: The applicant must be a legal resident of the UAE. Visitors without a valid residency visa cannot obtain a UAE driving license.
- Minimum Age: The UAE law requires the applicant to reach the legal age for obtaining a driving license:
- 18 years for a car driving license.
- 21 years for a general driving license (such as for buses or trucks).
- Eye Test: Applicants must undergo an eye test at one of the centers approved by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or the relevant authority in the emirate they reside in. This test is necessary to ensure the applicant’s safety and ability to drive safely.
2. Ways to Obtain a Driving License
Foreigners can obtain a UAE driving license through two main methods:
A. Converting a Foreign Driving License
If a foreigner holds a driving license issued by one of the countries recognized in the UAE, they can convert it to a UAE driving license without having to take a driving test. Eligible countries for conversion include some European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and others.
Required Documents for Conversion:
- Original passport with a residency visa.
- Original driving license from the issuing country.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Eye test report.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor, if required.
B. Registering at a Driving School
If a foreigner does not have a valid driving license from an eligible country or if their country is not on the recognized list, they will need to register at a driving school and pass the required tests.
Necessary Steps:
- Register at a Driving School: The applicant enrolls in an accredited school, such as the Emirates Driving Institute or Dubai Driving School.
- Attend Theoretical and Practical Classes: The applicant must complete a specified number of theoretical and practical lessons according to the accredited training program.
- Pass the Knowledge Test: After completing the theoretical lessons, the applicant must take the knowledge test administered by the RTA.
- Pass the Practical Driving Test: After finishing the practical lessons, the applicant must take the practical driving test in front of a specialized committee from the RTA.
3. Costs Associated with Obtaining the License
The costs of obtaining a driving license vary based on the method of acquisition (conversion or training) and the emirate where the application is submitted. These costs include:
- Eye test fees.
- Registration fees at the driving school.
- Testing fees (theoretical and practical).
- License issuance fees.
4. Validity and Renewal of the License
The UAE driving license issued to foreigners is valid for five years and can be easily renewed upon expiration, provided the holder is still a legal resident of the country.
5. Using the UAE License Internationally
After obtaining the UAE driving license, holders can use it in some other countries, especially if those countries offer services to convert the UAE license into a local license.
Conclusion
Foreigners can obtain a UAE driving license if they meet the required conditions. Whether through converting a foreign driving license or registering at a driving school and passing the necessary tests, it is advisable for foreigners to familiarize themselves with the specific laws and requirements to ensure a smooth and legal acquisition of the driving license, allowing them to move freely and safely within the UAE.