Driver's License in the UAE: Rules for Obtaining and Replacing a License

In the UAE, one of the most dynamically developing countries in the Middle East, obtaining and renewing a driving license is regulated by strict rules. We will explain how to be a resident who has recently moved to the country and has a driving license obtained in their home country.

Content:

• Validity of a Foreign Citizen's Driving License in the UAE
• Main Requirements for Obtaining a License in the UAE
• How to Get a Driving License in the UAE for the First Time
• Importing Your Own Car

Validity of a Foreign Citizen's Driving License in the UAE

In the UAE, there are certain rules concerning the use of foreign citizens' driving licenses. If you are in the country for less than one month, you can use an existing international driving permit. After 30 days, you must exchange your license for a local one. This procedure is available for citizens from 32 countries: the USA, Australia, UK, Austria, Turkey, Bahrain, South Africa, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, and Saudi Arabia. To replace the license, you will need to provide:

• Driving license
• Legal translation of the document
• Electronic vision test report
• Identity card — Emirates ID

If you are not a citizen of these countries, you will need to undergo training again and pass exams to prove your knowledge.

Main Requirements for Obtaining a License in the UAE

Obtaining a driving license for foreign citizens may have some differences depending on the specific emirate. Here are the main requirements for future students:

1. To obtain a local driving license, you need to have a valid residence visa. This means that you must have permission to reside in the country, whether it be a work visa, an investor visa, or another type of permit. A 2-year visa is available for investors who have invested from $205,000 in real estate in Dubai.
2. Age restrictions may vary depending on the emirate. Usually, any citizen or resident from the age of 18 can get a license for passenger cars, and from the age of 21 for driving trucks and buses.
3. You may be required to undergo a medical check, including vision tests and a general medical examination, to ensure your physical ability to drive a car.

How to Get a Driving License in the UAE for the First Time

The level of education in driving schools in the UAE is high and meets international standards. The country strictly enforces road rules. Violations can lead to a high fine and even imprisonment.

The learning process usually includes several stages standard for most countries:

1. Registration. After choosing a driving school, you need to provide documents: passport, Emirates ID, 2 photographs, and a medical certificate of vision check.
2. Payment of the registration fee of $60.
3. Theoretical training. Lessons study the rules, road signs, road safety, and the technical structure of the car. Usually, driving schools provide textbooks on traffic rules to prepare for the theoretical exam.
4. Practical training. A qualified instructor conducts classes on a specially equipped training ground and road.
5. The exam is conducted in four stages. First, the theoretical base is checked; the student answers 35 questions with answer options. Then comes the parking skills check. An assessment test is conducted for admission to the final exam and takes about 10 minutes. The last stage is the driving exam; it will take approximately 10–30 minutes. If you have successfully passed all levels, you can proceed to issue a driving license. This is a quick procedure: just present the collected documents and confirmation of passing the exam. In case of failure, you will have to take seven additional lessons at the driving school and try again.

Importing Your Own Car

If you have decided to bring your own car to the UAE, you need to familiarize yourself with the car import procedure. Here are some important aspects to consider:

1. You will need to have all the necessary documents for importing a car, such as originals and copies of the registration certificate, technical passport, insurance policy, and other documents confirming ownership of the car. Moreover, you need to register with the local transport authorities and get UAE license plates for your car.
2. Customs duties and taxes. The cost of these fees depends on the cost of the car: a 5% duty and 1% insurance of the vehicle's price.
3. Obtain a VCC certificate from the Department of Road Traffic.

Replacing and obtaining a driver's license is an integral part of the life of foreign citizens living or visiting the UAE. With the increasing number of residents and tourists in the country, issues related to driving licenses are becoming increasingly relevant. The general procedures are described in the article, but they may vary slightly, depending on the specific emirate. It is important to remember that traffic violations in the country entail serious fines and punishments, including imprisonment.