If you’re planning to drive in Dubai, you’ll need to convert a driving license. This process enables holders of eligible foreign licenses to obtain a valid UAE license without the need for extensive training. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps, requirements, and costs of converting a driving license in Dubai.
Converting driving license in Dubai is a straightforward process for eligible applicants. It involves verifying your credentials, submitting the necessary documents, and meeting the requirements set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). With this Lookinsure mag guide, let’s dive into the details of how you can achieve this.
Frequently Answered Questions
1. How long does the driving license conversion process take in the UAE?
While the online part of the process takes less than 10 minutes, the test may be scheduled up to 1-2 weeks after you submit the document.
2. How to convert driving license to international in UAE?
Gather the Required Documents: Original driver’s license, passport with residence visa, Emirates ID, passport-size photos, eye test results, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if needed.
Apply: Visit ATCUAE, RTA offices, Emirates Post, Dnata, or use the MOI UAE app.
Submit: Provide the documents.
Pay: Pay the fees.
Receive: Get your IDP, valid for one year.
Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for country-specific requirements.
3. Where can I apply for a driving license conversion in Dubai?
You can apply at the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) offices, Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE), Emirates Post, Dnata office in Sheikh Zayed Road, or through the MOI UAE app.
4. Do I need to take a driving test to convert my license in Dubai?
It depends on your country of origin. Citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements with the UAE can exchange their licenses without a test. Others may need to take both theory and road tests.
5. Which countries’ driving licenses can be exchanged in Dubai?
In Dubai, driving licenses from several countries, including those in North America, Europe, and certain parts of Asia and Oceania, can be exchanged without additional tests. For specific countries and detailed requirements. The full list is available in this article.
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 Their Driving License in the UAE?
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
| Lithuania | Portugal | Hungary | Bulgaria | Latvia |
| Serbia | Iceland | Estonia | Cyprus | Malta |
| Albania | Romania | Germany | Italy | Switzerland |
| Poland | Finland | Spain | Holland | Greece |
| Sweden | Belgium | Ireland | Ukraine | Denmark |
| Austria | France | UK | Norway | Republic of Montenegro |
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
| United States of America | Japan |
| Canada | South Korea |
| Hong Kong | People’s Republic of China |
| Australia | New Zealand |
| Singapore | South Africa |
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 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 Driving License in Dubai
Using the RTA Website
- Log in to the RTA website using your Emirates ID, passport, or UAE Pass.
- Enter the required information and upload the required documents
- Enter the details of the existing licence
- Choose the licence category and attach a copy of the driving licence
- Apply and receive a reference number to follow up
- Pass the eye test at one of the RTA certified Eye Test Centers by
- Take your original driving license to the Customer Happiness Centre to be verified or nullified based on nationality
- The driving license will be printed and submitted to the individual.
- 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
- Find the nearest Happiness Center and submit the required documents at the service center
- Pay the required fees at the center.
- 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.
- The driving license will be printed and submitted to you.
Dubai Driving License 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 your driving license.
The process is a simple one and requires the following documents:
- Emirate ID, UAE PASS, or a passport
- Valid automatic driving license
Here is how to do it on 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 Types of Car Insurance and a list of the top providers in the country.
Conclusion
If you are not a citizen, converting your driving license is a prerequisite for driving in the UAE. The driving license of a lot of countries can be directly converted to a valid UAE license with a simple procedure that is available both online and in person. In this article, you can find all you need to know about converting driving license in Dubai, from the required documents and costs to a comprehensive step-by-step guide.
