UAE Driving License Rules for Expats

How to obtain UAE driving license for expats

Foreigners who plan to relocate to Dubai for a residency or a long stay in one of the most fascinating cities in the world should know that they have several paperwork to finish. These include driving licenses. However, expats who have a valid driving license might be able to exchange it with an Emirati driving license from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). In this article we would be highlighting all factors related to UAE driving license rules for expats

Who is eligible to exchange driving licenses in Dubai?

The major standard for the eligibility to exchange a valid driving license with a Dubai driving license is the country that issued the original license. The RTA, the authority responsible for all roads and driving matters, have announced the countries whose residents can exchange their driving license in Dubai. 

There are major factors that expats must meet to begin their procedures to exchange their license:

• Having a driving license that is valid and approved from their mother nation
• Must have UAE valid visa or residency 
• His or her age must be no less than 18 years old for cars and 21 for motorbikes and heavy-duty vehicles
• Must have the original license obtained from their country. 

It’s rather easier for people who reside in the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, to obtain a Dubai license, with less paper work and procedures.

Which countries are eligible?

The RTA classifies countries in two groups. Those whose driving licenses can be exchanged directly and those who cannot. The approved list features nations with driving standards and regulations similar to those of the UAE. 

According to the RTA, there are two groups of countries. The first group represents the countries whose residents can swap their driving license with a Dubai license. The other group is simply the countries that are not allowed to exchange their driving license in the United Arab Emirates.

Eligible countries in Europe:

Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, and Turkey.  

Eligible countries in America:

United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, etc. 

Eligible countries in Asia-Pacific:

Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, etc. 

Eligible countries in GCC:

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar. 

In Africa its only South Africa

The documents required to exchange license in Dubai

• A valid Emirates ID (UAE’s official identification card)
• A foreign driving license from one of the countries mentioned above which is valid and original.
• Eye medical certificate you receive from an optical center that is approved by RTA
• Two passport-sized colored photographs
• A copy of your passport and a copy of your residential visa page
• A translation of the driving license issued from another country.

What are the steps to follow to exchange your driving license in Dubai

Step 1: Eye medical check up 

Foreigners or expats wishing to exchange their driving license with a Dubai license must carry out a basic eyesight. This test is free of charge but must be done in one of the centers that the RTA approves of. 

Step 2: Application process 

Expats and foreigners have the option to either go through the application process online through the official website of RTA, or visit one of the authorities centers for customer services. 

Step 3: Submit the documents 

You should present all the required documents to the customer service center or upload them all if you are applying online. 

Step 4: Pay the fees 

The fees range from AED 300 and AED 1,000 which can be paid online or while in the center.  

Step 5: Obtaining your Dubai driving license 

Expats and foreigners might receive their Dubai driving license on the same day. However, in some cases, when more verification processes are required, this might take several days.  

Final Thoughts 

It is an easy procedure for expats and foreigners to swap their driving license they obtained from their country of nationality to the driving license of Dubai.  In case, foreigners are not under the eligible criteria, they can go for driving lessons from approved centers and then obtain their driving license in Dubai.