The UAE driving license category A is one of the most important license types for residents who want to drive motorcycles legally. Understanding driving license categories in the UAE is essential because each category allows you to drive specific types of vehicles and has different legal requirements.
In this complete guide for beginners and residents, you will learn what the UAE driving license category A requirements, the eligibility criteria, age and residency requirements, how it compares with other categories such as UAE driving license category 1, and the full application process.
Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR)
- UAE Driving Licence Category A is designated for riding all types of motorcycles within the UAE.
- Legal age: 17 years and 6 months to start training, and 18 years to obtain the licence.
- Basic requirements: Emirates ID, valid residence visa (for residents), eye test, and completion of approved training and examinations.
- Before applying, always check the UAE Ministry of Interior and the UAE Government Portal for the latest updates and fees.
UAE Driving License Category A
If you intend to buy a new motorcycle, you should know that it is necessary to obtain a license to ride it on UAE roads. This license is referred to as a UAE driving license category A.
This license, itself under UAE driving license category 1, is issued for individuals who want to ride motorcycles on public roads in the UAE. This category is specifically designed for two-wheeled motor vehicles and does not cover cars or heavy vehicles.
Vehicles Covered Under Category A
With a UAE driving license category A, you are legally allowed to drive:
- Motorcycles
- Motorbikes with or without a sidecar
- Two-wheeled motor vehicles used for personal transportation
UAE Driving License Category A Requirements
Due to rules of driving in the UAE, to apply for this license, applicants must meet the official UAE driving license category A requirements, which include:
- Minimum legal age as defined by UAE traffic laws (The minimum age is 17 years)
- Valid UAE residency (Emirates ID required)
- Enrollment in an approved driving institute
- Eye test from an approved optician
- Medical fitness test approval
The UAE driving license category A requirements are strictly enforced to ensure road safety.
Age and Residency Requirements
- The minimum age for applying for a UAE driving license category 1 is usually 17 years for motorcycles, subject to local traffic authority rules.
- Applicants must hold a valid UAE residence visa.
- Tourists and visit visa holders are not eligible for this category.
Other UAE Driving License Categories
UAE driving license category A is not only the type of license , The UAE government defines several driving license categories based on vehicle types, there are other UAE driving license categories which we will review in the following table:
UAE Driving License Categories List (Simplified Table)
| Category | License Type | Vehicles Covered | Minimum Age |
| Category 1 | Motorcycle Driving License | Motorcycles and motorbikes | 17 years |
| Category 2 | Light Motor Driving License | Light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, including sedans, SUVs, and mini-trucks | Usually 18 years |
| Category 3 | Heavy Vehicles License | Heavy vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes | 20 years |
| Category 4 | Bus Driving License | Buses carrying more than 24 passengers | 21 years |
| Category 5 | Light Trailer License | Trailers under 750 kg for non-commercial use | Varies (with Category 2) |
| Category 6 | Heavy Trailer License | Trailers weighing more than 750 kg | Varies (with heavy vehicle license) |
| Category 7 | Forklift License | Forklifts used in commercial and industrial areas | 20 years |
| Category 8 | Heavy Forklift License | Heavy-duty forklifts | 21 years |
This table provides a clear overview of all UAE driving license categories from UAE driving license category A Requirements (UAE driving license category 1) to Category 8, helping applicants choose the correct license based on vehicle type, age, and experience requirements.
UAE Driving License Category B
alongside UAE driving license category A, the category B license is one of the most common types in the country.
Vehicles Covered by Category B
Category code B covers:
- Light manual vehicle
- Light automatic vehicle
- Private cars
UAE Driving License Category B Requirements
- Minimum age 18 years old
- Residency proof
- Eye test for driving license and basic training and testing
- Enrollment in a licensed driving school
Unlike motorcycle licensing and UAE driving license category A Requirements, these courses often include more hours of training and different practical driving tests.
UAE Driving License Category 1 & 2
Many people wonder what the difference is between UAE driving license category 1 & 2, so here is a quick review:
Differences between Category 1 & 2
| Category | License Type | Description | Vehicles Covered | Minimum Age |
| Category 1 | Motorcycle Driving License | Issued for individuals who want to legally ride motorcycles in the UAE. | Motorcycles and motorbikes | 17 years |
| Category 2 | Light Motor Driving License | Allows driving light vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. | Sedans, SUVs, and mini-trucks | 18 years (commonly applied) |
Differences between Category A, 1, and 2
- UAE driving license category A: Motorcycles only
- UAE driving license category 1: Light vehicles and specific private-use vehicles
- UAE driving license category 2: Light motor driving license (Sedans, small trucks, SUVs)
The key difference lies in vehicle type, weight limits, and required training hours.
How to Apply for a UAE Driving License?
Getting a driving license in the UAE may seem complicated at first, but in reality, the process is well-organized and straightforward. To make it easier to understand how to get UAE driving license category A or any other type, here is a clear step-by-step overview of how residents can obtain a UAE driving license:
Step 1: Open a traffic file at an approved driving institute or authorized traffic authority.
Step 2: Complete an eye test at an RTA-approved optical center or through a registered driving school.
Step 3: Register with a licensed driving school and attend the required theory and practical training sessions, based on the rules of your emirate.
Step 4: Pass the mandatory theory test that covers traffic laws, road signs, and safety guidelines.
Step 5: Obtain a learner’s permit, which allows you to take the official road test.
Step 6: Successfully pass the road test and receive your driving license from the relevant traffic authority.
After UAE driving license category A Requirements applies to you, Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and legally compliant path to getting your UAE driving license, and you have to get car insurance or vehicle insurance so that you do not incur fines and legal penalties
Mandatory Classes & Tests for a UAE Car Driving License
- 8 hours of mandatory theory classes before practical training
- Open a traffic file (RTA file) to register
- Pass the theory test (35 multiple-choice questions)
- Theory test includes:
- General traffic rules
- License-category questions
- Risk recognition (video-based)
- Required practical lessons:
- No previous license: 40 lessons
- Foreign license (2–5 years): 30 lessons
- Foreign license (5+ years): 20 lessons
- Pass the parking test (5 parking tasks)
- Pass the final road test
- If failed: 7 extra lessons before retaking
- After passing, the UAE driving license is issued quickly
Required Documents for UAE Driving License
To get UAE driving license category A, UAE driving license category 1 or other types, here are required documents:
- Emirates ID
- passport copy
- visa page
- eye test result
- photographs.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor, if required by the relevant traffic authority.
Additional documents can apply to professional or commercial vehicles.
Conditions and Requirements for Obtaining a UAE Driving License
Below are the conditions and requirements for obtaining a UAE driving license, whether it is a UAE driving license category A, category 1 or any other categories mentioned earlier:
- Minimum age of 17 years for the motorcycle category.
- Minimum age of 18 years for the light vehicle category.
- Minimum age of 20 years for heavy vehicles, light mechanical equipment, and heavy mechanical equipment.
- Minimum age of 21 years for light buses and heavy buses.
- Passing the eye test.
- Successfully completing the required training and official tests.
Cost of a UAE Driving License
When applying for a UAE driving license category A or any other driving license in the UAE, it is important to understand the issuance costs and related fees.
Fees vary depending on the license validity period, in addition to federal, local, and service fees set by the traffic authorities in each emirate. Below is an overview of the costs for issuing a UAE driving license:
Federal Fees:
- AED 100 for a driving licence valid for one year.
- AED 300 for a driving licence valid for more than one year.
Local Fees (Dubai):
- Knowledge Fee: AED 10
- Innovation Fee: AED 10
In conclusion, the UAE driving license category A is the option for individuals who wish to legally ride motorcycles within the United Arab Emirates, provided they meet the UAE driving license category A requirements like age, and successfully complete the approved training and testing process to get UAE driving license category 1.
As laws and procedures may be updated from time to time, always remember to check the latest updates through official authorities such as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the UAE Ministry of Interior before starting your application.
Frequently Answered Questions
1. What vehicles can I drive with a UAE driving license category A?
A Category A driving license allows you to ride all types of motorcycles, including light and heavy bikes.
2. How old do I need to be to apply for category A?
You must be at least 17 years and 6 months old to start training and 18 years old to obtain the actual driving license.
3. What are the main requirements for UAE driving license category A?
Reaching the legal age, holding a valid Emirates ID and residence visa (for residents), passing the eye test, completing theoretical and practical training, and passing all required tests.
4. Can I upgrade from category B to category A?
Yes, Category A can be added to your existing license after completing motorcycle training and passing the required tests.
5. How long is a UAE driving license valid?
10 years for UAE nationals
5 years for residents
1 year for residents under the age of 21
6. Can tourists apply for UAE driving license categories?
No, tourists cannot apply for a UAE driving license. A valid residence visa and Emirates ID are required to open a traffic file.
