With the number of Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates increasing every year, a large number of Indians will be buying their first cars in UAE and Dubai. To drive a car anywhere though, you need a driver's license that is valid as per the rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Similarly, in the UAE, you are subject to the provisions of local laws regarding driving a car.
Let’s discuss two common questions that come to the minds of NRIs in the UAE – Is your Indian driving license valid in the UAE? How can I get a driving license in the UAE?
Is Your Indian Driving License Valid in the UAE?
While a number of countries across the world will allow you to drive for a certain period of time with your Indian driving license, the laws of the UAE do not allow this. In Dubai and the rest of UAE, you will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive any kind of car.
Once you have a valid International Driving Permit, also referred to as an International Driving License, you may drive your car in any country that recognises the International Driving Permit, including the UAE. You don’t need to appear for any additional driving tests in the UAE and may claim insurance in the unfortunate event your car meets with an accident while driving abroad.
Your International Driving Permit is valid in the UAE for a period of 1 year from the date of issue or the existing validity of your Indian driving license, whichever comes first.
In case you are caught driving in the UAE without a valid International Driving License, you may be liable for penalties.
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Eligibility Criteria for an International Driving Permit (License) and the Process of Application
You may apply for an International Driving License by fulfilling the following criteria:
You must be holding a valid permanent Indian driving license.
You must compulsorily be holding a valid Indian passport and a visa for a foreign country.
The address mentioned on your driving license must match the one on your passport.
You may apply for your International Driving Permit online at the official Parivahan service portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, or at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) from where your domestic Indian driving license has been issued.
The fee for an International Driving Permit is Rs 1000 for issuance and Rs 2000 for every subsequent renewal.
A crucial point to note is that an International Driving Permit is not issued for NRIs. While you may avail an International Driving License when you initially shift to the UAE, you will not legally be able to renew it once you attain the status of an NRI, when you stay abroad for 183 days or more in a year. At this stage, you will need to apply for a driving license in the UAE to continue driving there.
Also Read: Emirates ID Card
How Can I Get a UAE Driving License?
The legal age to apply for a driving license in the UAE is 18. Between the ages of 18 and 21 years, you qualify for a probationary license. An application for a driving license is required to be submitted to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This application must be in Arabic, which will be handled by the authorised driving school in the UAE you apply through. You will be issued a temporary driving license, which you must compulsorily carry while you are in your training period.
In order to apply for a driving license in the UAE, as an Indian, you will need to submit the following documents:
A copy of your Passport
A copy of your original Emirates ID card
2 copies of your latest passport-sized photograph
The results of your eye test
In case you are asked for it, you may need to submit a no-objection letter from your sponsor.
Process of Application for a Driving License in the UAE
Registration at driving school: The application process with the registration at the authorised driving school. For registering there, you need to submit the relevant documents. Make sure that you get your eyesight tested either with an optician or the driving school.
Theory training: After these processes you will be issued a learner’s permit which is a temporary licence, and your training will begin. You can complete your theory training either at the driving school or online. When you feel you are ready for taking the theory exam, register to appear for it. This test is done through a computer and can be taken in English, Arabic or Urdu. You can appear for exams orally if you are not familiar with any of the languages. You have to score 30 out of 40 marks to pass the examination.
Practicing driving: Once you pass the RTA theory examination, you can start your classes in highway and city road driving. The first here is that you need to appear for a fully automated parking test. This is usually conducted in the smart yard of the driving school where you have enrolled. There are five steps in this examination. You will be tested on your ability to park on slopes or hills, apply the emergency brakes, park at an angle of 60 degrees, perpendicular parking and parallel parking. If you do not pass this test within 5 consecutive attempts, you will have to take the internal assessment again.
Final assessment: The RTA road test assessment will be the final and most challenging step to get your UAE licence. This test is carried out by an RTA examiner who will determine whether your driving skills are sufficient to allow you to obtain a driving license. You will know the results of your test immediately and if unfortunately, you fail the test, you are required to complete 7 additional classes before you are allowed to reappear for your RTA examination.
Getting your driving license: When you pass the RTA road test assessment, you submit the approval paper given by the examiner along with your ID documents and fees for driving license at the Pass Counter. You will get your driving soon after you submit your licence fees and get your photograph taken in the photo area.
Fees for a Driving License in UAE
The fees for a driver's license in Dubai vary depending on the driving school you choose and whether you pass the tests on the first attempt. The fees range between AED 4,500 and AED 7,000. Additional classes, in case you fail, are chargeable at the discretion of your driving institute.
Best Driving Institutes in the United Arab Emirates
You need to choose a driving institute based on their reputation, the quality of their instruction and reviews by their students. Keeping these factors in mind, the top 5 driving institutes in the UAE are listed below:
| Name of Driving Institute | Locations Present | USP of Driving Institute |
| Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah & Al Ain | This is one of the most reputed and oldest driving schools in this region. They offer a number of training options and a number of courses such as LMV Car Driving, Platinum Driving Course, Gold Excellence, Youth Driving Course, Affordable Driving Course and Golden Visa Driving Course. | |
| Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Al Ain | This is one of the largest driving institutes in the region. They also train people to drive heavy vehicles and automatic cars. | |
| Dubai | The environment is comfortable, and their instructors are vastly experienced. | |
| Dubai & Abu Dhabi | This driving institute provides intensive courses and specialises in efficient training quickly. | |
| Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah | Al Ahli has highly experienced multilingual instructors. They also offer complimentary pick-up and drop services from home and office, WiFi at all locations, online learning tools with mock tests and also eye-test registration. |
License Renewal Process
Online:
You renew your license online via the RTA website or the RTA Dubai app. You login with your Emirates ID or UAE Pass, upload the required documents, and pay the fees. You will receive the digital version of your license and get the physical one delivered to your address shortly.
Offline:
You can get it renewed by visiting a service centre. You will have to get your eyes checked, make the application by submitting the required documents, application and penalty fees. You will get a temporary license till your original licence is issued.
Abroad
If you are abroad, you can renew your license online through the RTA website or app. You'll need to complete an eye test at an approved optician abroad. You can also call Abu Dhabi Government Services at 800 3333, for more information.
Checking status of your UAE driving license online:
You can check the status of your UAE driving license online, through the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) website. You can also check for black points on your license through the Dubai Police website.
You can also check the validity of your driving license in other cities in the UAE, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, and RAK.
Exchanging a foreign driving license for a UAE license
Your Indian driving license cannot be directly exchanged because India is not eligible among the countries for exchanging driving license. You will have to go through the process of making a new license.
For the rest of the countries you can check with the relevant authorities of the emirate you are living in.
Conclusion
Your Indian driving license is valid with an International Driving Permit in the UAE, but only up to 1 year. As an NRI you cannot renew your International Driving License, and you would need to eventually apply for a driving license in the UAE. The training process is very thorough. Once you complete your training and pass your assessments, you will be able to drive freely all over the UAE.
