UAE Driving Licence in United Arab Emirates
Driving licence rules vary by emirate - RTA in Dubai, ADP in Abu Dhabi - but the fee bands and eligible-country list are roughly the same.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
Each emirate runs its own driving licence system. RTA handles Dubai, Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) handles Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Interior covers Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, and Fujairah. A licence issued in any emirate is valid across the whole country.
Residents from around 50 'eligible countries' (most EU states, UK, US, Canada, Australia, GCC, Japan, South Korea, etc.) can convert their foreign licence with no driving test - just a basic eye test. Everyone else needs theory, parking, and road tests at an approved driving institute.
Documents required
- Original passport with valid residence visa
- Emirates ID (original and copy)
- Foreign driving licence (translated to Arabic if not in English)
- Eye test certificate from an approved optician
- Passport photo with white background
- No-objection letter from sponsor (some emirates, certain categories)
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 (light motor vehicle)
- Valid UAE residence visa
- Passed eye test
- Eligible country list for direct conversion, otherwise full training required
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign licence conversion (Dubai/RTA) | 870 AED | Includes opening file, eye test, and licence issuance. Confirm current amount on RTA. |
| Driving licence renewal (5 years) | 300 AED | AED 100 issuance + knowledge & innovation fees + eye test (~AED 100-200). |
| Full training course (manual) | 6,200-7,500 AED | Institute fees vary; includes ~40 classes, theory and road tests. |
| Road test fee | 200 AED | Per attempt; you may need 2-3 attempts. |
| Lost/replacement licence | 120 AED | Plus AED 20 knowledge/innovation fees. |
Step by step
- 1
Open a traffic file
RTA, ADP, or MOI app/website. Submit Emirates ID, passport, visa page, and photo. A traffic file number is issued instantly.
Same day · either
- 2
Eye test
Visit an approved optician (most major opticians qualify). Result is pushed electronically.
30 minutes · center
- 3
Conversion or training
If from an eligible country, submit foreign licence with Arabic translation and pay the conversion fee. Otherwise enrol at an approved driving institute and complete theory + parking + road tests.
Same day (conversion) or 2-4 months (training) · either
- 4
Pay and issue
Pay the licence issuance fee. Digital licence appears in RTA/ADP/MOI app immediately; plastic card couriered.
3-5 working days · online
Processing time: 1-2 weeks for conversion; 2-4 months for full training.
Where to do it online
- GDRFA Dubai
Not directly for licensing - use RTA Dubai
- ICP
Not directly for licensing - use the relevant emirate's police app
Tasheel and Tas-heel centres process licence applications on your behalf for AED 50-150 extra. Useful for converting non-English foreign licences (they handle the legal translation in one go).
Renewal
Driving licences are issued for 5 years (residents) or 10 years (citizens). Renewal can be done up to 6 months before expiry, and a fresh eye test is required.
Fines & penalties
- Driving with an expired licence: AED 500 fine + 4 black points + vehicle impounded 7 days
- Driving with no licence: AED 5,000 + 23 black points + 60-day impound
- Late licence renewal (no driving): no fine, but cannot drive until renewed
Common pitfalls
- Assuming your country is on the eligible list - check before booking
- Driving institute prices vary wildly - get quotes from 2-3
- Foreign licence must be currently valid for conversion (an expired one doesn't count)
- Renewing in one emirate but having outstanding fines in another - clear them first
FAQs
Yes if you're from one of the ~50 eligible countries (most of Europe, UK, US, Canada, Australia, GCC, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others). You'll need the original licence, a legal Arabic translation, eye test, and the conversion fee.
Conversion: around AED 870 total. Full training: AED 6,200-7,500 for manual or AED 7,000-8,500 for automatic at most institutes, plus test fees of AED 200 per attempt.
5 years for residents, 10 for citizens. You can renew up to 6 months before expiry through the RTA, ADP, or MOI app.
Yes. A licence issued by any emirate is valid across all seven.
AED 500 fine, 4 black points, and your vehicle is impounded for 7 days. Renew before the expiry date or stop driving.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
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