Obtaining a driving license in Ras Al Khaimah is the first step to legally driving there and in all other Emirates. In the UAE, a driving license is the official permit for legal driving, and driving without one has many consequences. Penalties such as AED 1000 or more, vehicle impoundment, and court await people who perform this illegal act in Ras Al Khaimah.
Even though the penalties for driving without a license in Ras Al Khaimah are very serious, obtaining a driving permit is not that difficult. Therefore, going through the process will not be so bothering. In this article from Lookinsure mag, we are going to guide you through every step of the process.
Frequently Answered Questions
1. How long does it take to get a driving license in the UAE?
The standard time it usually takes in order to get your driving license in the UAE is around 3-4 months.
2. Is car insurance mandatory in the UAE?
Yes. Car insurance is mandatory in the UAE and driving an uninsured car has penalties.
3. Which country’s driving license can be exchanged in the UAE?
Countries that are eligible for driving license exchange are as follows:
GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman.
Other countries: European Union countries, the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland
Who is Eligible for a Driving Licence in Ras Al Khaimah?
To obtain a driving license in RAK, you must meet a few eligibility criteria. Other than residency status and health requirements including basic health checks and vision tests, there’s an age criterion that you should pay attention to. Age is also among the factors that affect car insurance premiums. Meaning, there’s a solid reason behind this rule. Let’s take a look:
- 17 years or more to obtain a motorbike license
- 18 years or more to obtain a light vehicle license
- 21 years or more to obtain a heavy vehicle license
Required Documents for Ras Al Khaimah Driving License
Just like all other legal procedures, getting your RAK driving license requires certain documents. Gathering these documents is necessary to go through with your process. Skipping a single one of them leads to complications. Therefore, make sure to pay attention to each one of the documents stated below:
Emirates ID
A copy of your valid Emirates ID is mandatory for UAE residents.
Passport of copy
Copies of your valid passport are required.
Residency visa copy
A copy of your valid residency visa is required.
Passport-sized photographs
2-4 passport-sized photographs with a white background are required.
Eye test results
Ras Al Khaimah’s driving license eye test in Dubai and other Emirates is necessary to obtain a driving license.
The Cost Of A Driving License In Ras Al Khaimah
To get your driving license in the UAE, there are payments you have to make. Before starting the process, it is best to be aware of the driving license Ras Al Khaimah cost. Keep in mind that these costs are approximate. Let’s take a look:
Driving School Courses
In order to get your license, you should enroll in certain courses which we’ll talk about later in this article. These costs differ from school to school. However, they are usually somewhere in the range of AED 3000 to AED 5000 including all the internal tests and lessons.
RTA Road Test Fees
The actual road test usually costs around AED 300 – AED 500.
Medical Tests
Your medical tests will cost around AED 150 – 300. This includes your vision test as well.
License Issuance
There is an additional fee for the issuance of your license. This fee is around AED 200 to AED 300.
Selecting the Right Driving School in Ras Al Khaimah
As you may know by now, enrolling in an official driving course is necessary. Selecting the right school affects your journey. These driving schools provide lessons through which you can learn all aspects of driving, teaching you how to pass RTA Road Test and obtain your license. There are certain factors you better pay attention to when choosing your driving school. These factors are as follows:
Expertise of instructors
The expertise of a school’s instructors matters so much when. These instructors affect the quality of your pieces of training.
The Cost of Courses
The cost of the driving courses you enroll in actually matters. You should pay attention to see if the costs align with the services a school provides.
Packages They Offer
Most driving schools offer their own types of packages. Make sure they contain your necessary training as well as mock tests for further skills earned. These small details go hand in hand and teach you how driving in the UAE is, including all traffic laws and norms.
Top Driving Schools in RAK
Driving School | Address | Contact Number | Working Hours | Special Notes |
Mufeed Motor Driving School | Al Uraibi Street, Ras Al Khaimah | +971 52 944 4002 | Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:30, Sat: 08:00-17:30 | Specializes in training for various vehicle types; part of Saif Belhasa Holding |
Al Oraibi Gents Driving School | Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah | +971 50 169 4206 | Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:30, Sat: 08:00-17:30 | Highly recommended by students; experienced instructors |
Al Kharan Motor Driving School | Old Etisalat Road, Ras Al Khaimah | +971 50 947 4941 | Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:30, Sat: 08:00-17:30 | Offers comprehensive training programs; experienced staff |
Fahim Motor Driving School | Old Etisalat Road, Ras Al Khaimah | +971 52 944 4002 | Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:30, Sat: 08:00-17:30 | Known for excellent customer service and flexible scheduling options |
Al Neel Motor Driving School | Near Old Etisalat Building, Ras Al Khaimah | +971 50 690 2642 | Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:30, Sat: 08:00-17:30 | Offers night classes and flexible scheduling; highly experienced instructors |
How to Open a Traffic File in Ras Al Khaimah?
Opening a traffic file in RAK is one of the most essential steps in the process of obtaining a driving license. The necessary documents for opening a traffic file are mentioned earlier in the article. After gathering all of your necessary documents, you should open a traffic file which you can do through one of the methods mentioned below:
Open A Traffic File Through The Ras Al Khaimah Traffic Department
One of the most common ways to open a traffic file is by visiting the RAK traffic department. Let’s see how:
- Go to the RAK traffic departments
- Take all your necessary documents and submit them
- Pay the necessary fees
- Receive your traffic file number
Open A Traffic File Through Your Driving School In Ras Al Khaimah
Another method to get your traffic file number in person is through the driving school you have selected. The RAK driving schools usually guide you through the steps.
Open A Traffic File Online Via The Ras Al Khaimah Traffic Department Website
In case you prefer to perform these procedures online, you can use the RAK official traffic department website. This website is very useful for all drivers in RAK, offering all types of services such as your traffic fines check, car registration renewal or license renewal process, and much more. Therefore make sure to create an account there. Here are the steps to get your traffic file number through the RAK traffic department website:
- Visit the RAK police traffic website.
- Log into your account. In case you don’t have an account, you need to create a new one.
- Navigate to the Traffic Services Section
- Select “Open Traffic File”
- Attach the necessary documents and upload them
- Pay the necessary fees online
- Wait for confirmation and receive your traffic file number
Process of Getting a Driving License in Ras Al Khaimah
After enrolling in a driving school course and getting your traffic file number, it’s time to start the learning process. The following process is usually the same through all driving schools. Details might vary but the structure is the same for getting your driving licence in Ras Al Khaimah.
Theory Classes and Test
You will start with theory classes. These classes teach you all about the traffic rules and illegal acts that you shouldn’t perform. Theory is very important to avoid breaking the rules and getting in trouble. After the classes, your school will take a theoretical test from you. The passing score of this test is the minimum of 60 percent correct answers.
Practical Training
After getting through the theory phase, it’s time to start the actual driving lessons. These practical lessons get you ready for your final RTA road test.
Internal Tests
Most driving schools in the Emirates offer internal tests. These tests are designed to examine the knowledge and skills you’ve learned and prepare you for the actual tests. These mock tests are very helpful in order in the process.
Road Test
After all the courses and mock tests, it’s time for your actual Road test. This is the RTA test that determines whether or not you will get your driving licence Ras Al Khaimah. Make sure you use all the skills you learned through your courses to pass the test.
How to Renew Your Ras Al Khaimah Driver’s License?
Driving with an invalid and expired driving license is illegal. UAE has made it quite simple for drivers to renew their licenses, giving them a grace period. For UAE nationals, the license is valid for 10 years, while for expatriates, the driving license is valid for 5 years after issuance. To renew your RAK driving license, you can choose one of the methods mentioned below:
Online Renewal Via The RAK Traffic Department Website
You can renew your license through the RAK official traffic department website by logging into your account, navigating to ‘renew driving license’, and following the instructions.
In-person Renewal at the RAK Traffic Department
You can also visit the RAK traffic department in person and renew your license. You will have to provide the necessary documents, pay the fee and you will be instructed through the other required steps.
Requirements for Driving License Renewal in Ras Al Khaimah
To renew your driving license in RAK, the requirements are as follows:
- Previous valid or expired license
- Emirates ID
- Medical certificate
- Proof of residence
- Vision test certificate
Ras Al Khaimah Driving License Expiration Grace Period and Fines
Renewing your driving license in the UAE is necessary to drive there. It is also necessary to pay attention to the expiration date of your license. Ras Al Khaimah allows drivers to renew their driving license 6 months before expiration. However, there’s also a one-month grace period after the expiration date of your driving license that allows you to still renew your license without facing any consequences. In case you pass the grace period, you will need to pay a fine of AED 10 for each day you drive without a license. Also, since it is an illegal act, your insurance won’t cover you in case you get into an accident with an invalid driving license.
Get Your Car First Insurance in Ras Al Khaimah
After obtaining your driving license in RAK, you need to insure and register your car to use it. These steps are necessary before you can legally drive your vehicle on the streets. Lookinsure is here to be your companion when getting your first insurance in the UAE. Car insurance is important since you are covering your properties as well as your safety. If you want to know how to register your car in Ras Al Khaimah or how to start your insurance process, you can visit the Lookinsure website. We have gathered all of RAK’s most reliable insurers in one place to help you compare quotes and choose a policy that suits your needs.
Conclusion
Getting your driving license in Ras Al Khaimah is not going to be a very difficult activity. However, driving without a license is illegal in the UAE and leaves you facing irreplaceable consequences. To obtain your driving license, after ensuring that you are eligible, gather the necessary documents, enroll in a driving school course, and open a traffic file. After getting your traffic file number, you can start your lessons which will prepare you for your RTA road test.
If you pass your theory and road tests, you will get your driving license. However, before being able to drive legally in Ras Al Khaimah, you need to insure and register your vehicle. Make sure to visit our website and contact us to start your insurance process today!