How to Convert a Driving License in Dubai

Planning to drive in Dubai? Convert a driving license in Dubai—including converting GCC driving license in Dubai—with ease using our step-by-step guide. Cover RTA requirements, documents, costs, and eligible countries. Once licensed, Buy Car Insurance Dubai to stay compliant. Hit the road confidently!

Why Convert a Driving License in Dubai

Despite the abundance of public transport systems in the UAE, most people prefer to drive personal vehicles to get around the cities for various reasons. Whether to control your schedule or for the pleasure of driving in the magnificent streets of Dubai, you need to get your driving license before you can get on the road. Let’s go over the main reasons why you should convert your driving license in Dubai.

Legal Compliance

Driving in Dubai requires a valid UAE license for all residents. Without converting your foreign license, you could face legal penalties and fines.

Ease of Driving

A UAE license makes it simpler to navigate Dubai’s roads, rent vehicles, and access driving services without additional paperwork.

Access to Services

Holding a valid Dubai driving license ensures seamless access to services like car rentals, insurance plans, and road assistance.

Who Can Convert a Driving License in the Dubai?

Foreign individuals with a Visa and a driving license from their home country can apply for converting their license into a UAE license. If you don’t have a valid driving license from the listed countries, you will need to pass the RTA road test. Also, make sure to perform a Traffic Fines Check before applying. Check out our guide on How to Pass RTA Road Test.

 List of Countries Eligible for Driving License Conversion

GCC Countries

• Saudi Arabia
• Amman
• Bahrain
• Kuwait

Licenses from these countries do not require translation. Moreover, all license types can be converted.

European Countries

Licenses from some European countries require translation and some don’t. Also, for some countries only licenses for light vehicles and motorcycles can be converted. More specific information can be found on the RTA website.

North American and East Asian Countries

Licenses from some of these countries require translation and some don’t. Also, for some countries only licenses for light vehicles and motorcycles can be converted. More specific information can be found on the RTA website.

 Documents Required for Converting A Driving License in Dubai

For individuals with a residence visa issued in Dubai:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Electronic eye test
• Original Driving Licence issued in the exception country

For customers with a residence visa issued in another emirate (like when an Abu Dhabi-based company has a branch in Dubai and the individual works there)

• Valid Emirates ID
• Electronic eye test
• Trade license copy of both branches (Dubai and other Emirate branches)
• Original Driving Licence issued in the exception country
• Letter from the company certifying that the individual works in the Dubai branch
• Knowledge Test result (for exchanging Singapore driving license)

Diplomats

• Diplomatic passport and a copy
• Original driving licence
• Electronic eye test
• Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission
• Diplomatic card for embassies, consulates, and international organizations instead of the Emirates ID

Required Documents for Applying for Adding a New Category to Driving License

• Original Driving Licence issued in the exception country
• Valid Emirates ID
• Electronic eye test
• Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomats
• Legalized translation of the license

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert A Driving License in Dubai

Using the RTA Website

1. Log in to the RTA website using your Emirates ID, passport, or UAE Pass.
2. Enter the required information and upload the required documents
3. Enter the details of the existing licence
4. Choose the licence category and attach a copy of the driving licence
5. Apply and receive a reference number to follow up
6. Pass the eye test at one of the RTA certified Eye Test Centers by
7. Take your original driving license to the Customer Happiness Centre to be verified or nullified based on nationality
8. The driving license will be printed and submitted to the individual.
9. If you have an iPhone you can receive the electronic license from the Apple Wallet through the RTA Dubai App.

Through Visiting Customer Happiness Centers

1. Find the nearest Happiness Center and submit the required documents at the service center
2. Pay the required fees at the center.
3. You will receive an electronic copy of the receipt to the email registered in the system, and a text message to the registered phone number with a link to download a copy of the transaction receipt.
4. The driving license will be printed and submitted to you.

When converting your driving license in Dubai, it’s important to remember that part of the process includes the Dubai driving licence eye test. Passing this test is essential to ensure you’re fit to drive and to complete your conversion smoothly.

What If You’re Not Eligible for Direct Conversion?

If you’re unable to convert a driving license in Dubai or a converting GCC driving license in Dubai due to eligibility criteria, you’ll need to apply as a new driver. This involves:

• Enrolling in an RTA-approved driving school
• Completing mandatory training sessions (theory and practical)
• Passing the theory test and road test

The process mirrors that of first-time applicants, including fees and timelines. While it requires more time and effort, successful completion grants you a valid UAE license. For details on approved schools and steps, visit the RTA portal.

Converting GCC Driving License in Dubai

If you hold a valid GCC driving license, converting it to a Dubai permit is a quick and hassle-free process. Reserved for UAE residents, converting GCC driving license in Dubai allows you to skip the driving test and obtain your UAE license efficiently. Here’s what you need:

Requirements for Converting GCC Driving License in Dubai

• Valid GCC license (not expired)
• Same vehicle category (e.g., light vehicle)
• Emirates ID
• Electronic eye test (from RTA-approved centers)

Process:
No driving test is required for GCC license holders. Submit your documents to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), pay the fees, and your UAE license is typically issued within 1–2 working days. For detailed steps, visit the RTA website or your nearest service center.

Convert a Driving License in Dubai: Automatic to Manual Conversion

Driving manual cars requires more finesse compared to automatic vehicles, therefore you need a special manual license to operate them. To make sure you’re authorized to drive manual transmission cars in Dubai, you need to know How to Check Driving Licence Status in UAE.

Eligibility and Requirements

You can freely drive an automatic car with a UAE manual driving license; however, with an automatic license, you cannot legally drive a manual car. If you are planning on changing your automatic car to a manual one, you will need to convert a driving license in Dubai.

The process is a simple one and requires the following documents:

• Emirate ID, UAE PASS, or a passport
• Valid automatic driving license

Convert a Driving License Through the RTA website

• Visit the RTA Website: Go now to the “Apply for A New Driving License” section using this link

• Click on the “Apply Now” button

• “Driving License”: Enter your license number and the date of issue to this field

• Hit “Next” and Receive verification code

• Choose the appropriate option for an automatic driving license to manual in UAE

• Select a driving institute and arrange for a test

• Wait for confirmation from the institute

• Pass the Test and receive your manual driving license

Training and Testing Procedures

If you fail to pass the test you will be assigned to educational classes where you will learn how to drive a manual car. More than general driving skills, the test focuses more on driving a manual car. Here are a few of the areas in which you will be tried:

• Gear Switching: How smoothly you change gears back and forth

• Slope test: driving up and downhill which can be tricky with a manual car

• Clutch operation and acceleration control

Cost Of Converting A Foreign Driving License In The UAE

Here is a list of costs for applying to convert driving license in Dubai:

• 200 AED for opening a file
• 600 AED for issuing a licence
• 50 AED for the handbook manual
• The electronic eye test at the Eye Test Centres: 140 AED minimum and 180 AED maximum
• +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

Discover Dubai Car Insurance Plans on Lookinsure

If you plan on converting your driving license in Dubai and driving there, it’s important to know that car insurance is a legal requirement. Additionally, be aware of Black Points in Dubai that can affect your driving record. Fortunately, Lookinsure specializes in offering personalized insurance plans for foreign drivers, providing all the necessary information to help you secure the best coverage, including details on how to Buy Car Insurance Dubai and a list of the top providers in the country.

Convert a Driving License in Dubai: Final Steps & GCC Conversion

To convert a driving license in Dubai, ensure eligibility, submit required documents (Emirates ID, eye test, original license), and follow RTA guidelines. For converting GCC driving license in Dubai, the process is faster—no driving test needed, with approval in 1–2 days. Ineligible applicants must enroll in RTA training and pass tests. Always prioritize legal compliance, and once licensed, explore Buy Car Insurance Dubai options for full road readiness. Drive confidently!

Frequently Answered Questions