Getting a drivers licence can seem a bit overwhelming, and not everyone knows where to go or what to do. 

It’s fairly easy for some, but more difficult for other nationalities, so we’ve worked it all out for you. 

There are different ways, depending on whether you have a licence from your home country – and which country that is. 

Here’s how you can get it. 

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1. If you already have a licence

Firstly, if you already hold a drivers licence from one of these approved countries you won’t have to undergo any training. 

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. ( Check with RTA on 8009090 for any changes to this list)

Take the following documents:

1. Passport & Visa (original and copy)
2. Emirates ID
3. No Objection Letter from your employer/sponsor
4. Eye Test Certificate 
5. A letter from your consulate if 

i)you are from Canada, to verify the authenticity of the licence

ii) you are from Greece, Canada, Cyprus, Poland, Turkey, Japan or South Korea you need a translation of your licence

As well as your existing licence, to Dubai Traffic Department Driving License Section in Al Ghusais. Fill in an application, pay the required fee, take your photo and voila you walk out the same day with your new Dubai licence. 

2. If you don’t hold any licence or you do but the country of issue of not on the above list

You will need to undergo training at one of the approved driving schools in Dubai.

You will require the same documents listed above, a lot of time, and it’s definitely not cheap.

A) Theory training and test

All students must attend eight compulsory lectures which cover topics such as road safety, traffic signs and rules of the road.

Upon completion of these classes, students must apply for and pass the theory test.

B) Practical training

Once the theory test has been passed students can move on to practical training.

The number of practical classes needed will depend on your driving history. If you already hold a licence there will be a reduction in the number of hours dependent on how long the licence has been held for. 

C) Practical Test

Once the practical lessons have been completed you may move onto the practical test. 

First you will need to complete an RTA parking test.

Following this will be an assessment test.

D) Nearly there…

The end is in sight!

Before you can apply for your final road test you must complete highway training and men must complete night training.

Then, once these are completed you can do your (hopefully) final test, the road test. 

E) You’ve done it! (maybe)

Upon passing the road test you will be issued with your licence the very same day so ensure you have your passport and Emirates ID with you.

Unfortunately if you fail you will have to return to attend more training classes before being able to repeat the final test again.

Good luck!