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Introduction
Relocating to Dubai means handling plenty of paperwork, and getting your driving license sorted is usually near the top of the list. If you already hold a valid driving license from your home country, you might be able to skip the lengthy process of applying from scratch. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allow eligible expats to exchange their foreign license for a Dubai license without undergoing driving lessons or tests.
Getting your Dubai license sorted early means you can drive legally and focus on setting your new life. This blog explains how the exchange process works, from checking whether you qualify to collecting documents, paying fees, and avoiding mistakes.
The eligibility for swapping the foreign license for a Dubai one mainly depends on which country issued the driving license. The RTA maintains a list of approved countries whose licenses can be exchanged directly without additional driving tests. To qualify for direct exchange, you must meet these requirements:
GCC nationals usually have more flexibility and can swap their licenses with less paperwork. Exemptions for the application process will apply to diplomats and some government employees, but all other rules will remain in place.
However, if your country does not meet these requirements, you need to complete one of the two types of RTA (Road Traffic Authority) approved driver training (partial or full) to obtain a permit.
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.
Countries that are eligible for direct exchange include:
| Europe | Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Turkey, etc. |
| America | United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, etc. |
| Asia-Pacific | Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, etc. |
| GCC members | Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar. |
| Africa | South Africa |
*South Korean citizens can only exchange licenses after becoming residents, not for tourist driving. It is highly recommended to verify the specific list, as it can change.
Having your paperwork prepared before attempting to exchange your license will save you a lot of time. It will also eliminate the need for multiple trips to an RTA centre. You must provide the following:
All of these documents must be recent and easy to read; expired licenses and missing translations are the two most common reasons that applications are denied.
Follow these steps to complete your exchange for a driving license in Dubai:
Step 1: Eye test
You must pass a basic eyesight test before exchanging your International Driving License for a driving license in Dubai, (Free of Charge) at an RTA-approved Optical Centre. It will only take you about 10-15 minutes to take the test and you will receive a certificate stating that you have passed the eyesight test, which is what you will need for your application.
Step 2: Application through the RTA
You have the choice of using the RTA online application form or visiting an RTA customer service centre. If you use online option, you will have the convenience of being able to apply at any time and will have immediate access to resolve any queries.
Step 3: Documents submission
Upload or present all required documents. Double-check that nothing is missing to avoid delays.
Step 4: Fees submission
The fees associated with your application will vary based on the type of license and the processing option you choose. The application fees for standard applications will generally be between AED 300 and AED 1,000 (this fee does not include the knowledge and innovation portion of the fees due; the actual processing portion of the fees and the actual fees associated with issuing the license).
Step 5: Receiving your Dubai driving license
You may receive your driving license on the same day as you apply in the event that everything is in order; however, please keep in mind that in some situations, additional verification will be required. It may cause delays and result in your permit delivered to you after several business days.
The total cost to exchange your foreign license depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle category and any optional services you choose. A typical breakdown includes:
| Fee Type | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 200-300 |
| Knowledge and innovation fee | 20 |
| Eye test | 50-100 |
| License issuance | 300-600 |
| Translation (if needed) | 100-150 |
Processing times are generally quick. Many applicants receive their Dubai driving license on the same day, particularly when applying in person at an RTA centre. Online applications may take between one and three working days, depending on verification requirements.
Both online and in-person applications have their own benefits. Online application through the RTA website or Dubai Drive app is convenient and saves time if you have all the documents scanned and ready. You can do it all from the comfort of your home.
In-person application at the RTA customer service centres is helpful if you have any doubts or problems with your documents. They will be able to assist you in the process and sort out any problems you may have, which can be a good option if you are not familiar with the online application process.
You must provide a valid foreign driving licence when submitting your application (expired licenses will not be accepted). Let’s look at some of the issues that could delay or deny your exchange application:
Spending a few extra minutes checking everything prior to submission of your exchange application will save you several hours of frustration later.
If your nation is not listed on the approved list, you will need to appear for driving tests when you obtain a driver’s license from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Usually for someone starting from scratch, it is required to sign up for an RTA-certified driving school; complete an average of 20 hours of training; and pass both a written test and a driving test before receiving a UAE driver’s license.
Certain countries may qualify for partial exemptions allowing you to skip some of the tests. You should contact the RTA or your chosen driving school to find out what applies to you specifically. Although this process may take longer and cost you more than the direct process, it is the only way to ensure that you are qualified to drive in Dubai and to ensure that you are familiar with the local road system.
The process of replacing a foreign driving license with a Dubai driving license is easy for eligible expats, as it saves time and money compared to applying from scratch. To get your Dubai driving license in a matter of days, all you have to do is check the eligibility of your country on the RTA website early on and follow the RTA procedure carefully.
If you are not eligible for a direct exchange, you can explore options with approved driving schools to get on the road legally and confidently.
