It is more convenient to own your own vehicle while living in Dubai. Over the last few years public transport has come on leaps and bounds. However, even though Dubai Metro connects us to the major hubs in the city, and buses and taxis are relatively inexpensive, bus frequency is not as high as most commuters would like and it is often difficult to get a taxi during peak hours and during Ramadan.
Converting to a Dubai driver's license
If you already have a driver's license from any one of the approved countries, you can directly convert your license to a UAE driver's license without having to undergo a road test. The approved list of countries can be found at www.rta.ae. All applicants will need to undergo an eye test.
The following documents are required for conversion of the driver's license:
- Emirates ID copy.
- Copy of passport and copy of your residency visa along with original passport.
- Eye Test certificate for the required category.
- Copy of your driving license along with original license (plus translation of license if form one of the countries named above).
- Letter from sponsor.
- Two passport size photos.
Applicants must ensure that the driving license from their original country is valid and that the sponsor is a Dubai-based company. Transfer services are available at the Traffic Department driving license section in Al Qusais, which is open from 7.30am until 2.30pm. Fill in the application form, get the relevant documents signed and make the payments after which all approved paperwork will need to be submitted to the Data Entry Counter. You will be called for your photo and after a short wait, will receive your new UAE and Dubai driver's license.
To check if you're eligible for transfer of driver's license to Dubai license, click here >>
Applying for a new driver's license
If you have never driven before or do not have a license from one of the approved countries, you will need to undergo training from one of the five authorised driving schools in Dubai before you can get your driving permit. The authorised list of Dubai driving schools is as follows:
- Al Ahli Driving School - 04-3411500
- Belhasa Driving School - 04-3243535
- Dubai Driving Center - 04-3455855
- Emirates Driving Institute - 04-2631100
- Galadari Driving School - 04-2676166
To apply for lessons applicants will need to present their passport with the residence visa stamp, photographs and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
These are the steps required to obtain a driving license:
- All applicants are required to undergo an eye test at an optician or at the driving school, which will handle all the paper work with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA).
- The RTA will issue a temporary driving license which must remain in the training car during driving sessions.
- Applicants will be required to pass all internal tests such as the garage and parking test before they can take the theory test or the road test.
- The theory test is a set of 35 questions that test the applicant's knowledge of road signs, safe driving guidelines and hazards and the test is available in several languages including English, Arabic and Urdu. There is also an oral exam facility for candidates who are not computer literate.
- Once you pass your theory test, you will receive the date on which you are to take your road test. On the day of your road test arrive early and bring all the required paper work. You will be required to wait until your name is called out; when you hear your name you will be required to proceed with three other candidates to the test car along with an RTA official. Each applicant will be asked to demonstrate their driving skills and each test typically lasts just for 5 to 10 minutes. The RTA inspectors are not only looking for your understanding of driving safety on the road but will also be looking at your confidence and ability to maneuver the car safely in traffic. You will know immediately if you have passed or failed the test
- If you fail, you will be required to take a minimum of 7 additional lessons before you can apply for a new road test date.
- If you pass, you will be issued an approval paper by the RTA inspector and will need to proceed to the Pass Counter to complete the necessary formalities required to collect your driver's license.
Dos and don'ts on the road
Driving in Dubai can be a daunting experience even for a seasoned driver. The following dos and don'ts should help you to adjust:
- Maintain a safe distance when driving. Unfortunately, tail gating is common on the roads and is a leading cause of accidents here. The RTA has indicated that it is soon to be made a criminal offence in Dubai.
- Be aware of drivers who do not use their headlights, this is unfortunately not unusual.
- If you see flashing headlights in your rear view mirror, it is usually someone racing up behind you to pressure you into giving way. Many impatient drivers do this and it is advisable to get out of their way as quickly and as safely as you can
- Tinting car windows is popular here and you will see many cars with varying degrees of window tints. These can hamper visibility, particularly at night so allow for this if you plan on applying a tint to your car windows.
- In Dubai, the left lane is the fast lane and is primarily meant for overtaking. However, many people will continue to drive in the fast lane and it is common practice for cars to undertake on the inside lane. Be aware of this.
- Many drivers do not use their indicators when changing lanes, so it is important to expect the unexpected.
- When driving on a major road, plan which exit you need to take as many drivers swerve at the last minute to void missing their exits and this is often a cause of accidents.
Buying a car in Dubai
New
The UAE has a Sole Agency Law meaning that there is usually only one dealer for each car manufacturer. Once you purchase your new vehicle you will be bound to the car dealer from where you purchased the vehicle for all your servicing requirements and if you decide to go elsewhere to save money, this will void your warranty.
Used
Second hand cars can be bought from used car dealers, individuals who may advertise on popular websites such as Dubizzle or Souq.com, car auctions (Al Awir has a weekly car auction run by Golden Bell Auctions) and classified adverts in newspapers, magazines or on expat forums.
Renting a car in Dubai
Many car rental companies offer long term leases, which offer flexibility if the duration of your stay in Dubai is uncertain. You can rent a car once you arrive, provided you have an international driver’s license or are from a country with a transferable license.
For more information on vehicle registrating, testing and anything related to Dubai roads, visit www.rta.ae.