How Tos

Applying for a UAE driving licence

Once you have a UAE residence visa and if you want to drive a car (private or leased) in the UAE, you must apply for a UAE driving licence. International and foreign driving licences are valid for use only up to the date on which the residence visa is issued. Many countries are given the option of a straightforward UAE conversion. (See Transferring a foreign driving licence). However, if you are not eligible for a direct exchange you will have to re-sit a theory and practical driving test.

Prerequisites

  • UAE resident
  • Aged 18 or older
  • Has driving licence from home country

What to bring

  • Passport with residence visa (copy and original)
  • No objection certificate (NOC) from employer or sponsor
  • Existing driving licence 
  • Eight passport-sized photographs
  • Eye test certificate, available at any DLD-approved optician in Abu Dhabi for Dhs.50-100

Procedure

@DLD-approved driving school
  • The driving school will handle all the necessary paperwork with the Drivers Licensing Department (DLD) on your behalf
  • You will be given a temporary driving licence
  • Your school will apply for your theory and road test on your behalf
  • If you fail the road test, you will be required to take eight driving lessons and re-sit the practical

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