How to Apply for a New Driving Licence or Add a New Category in Dubai
If you're a resident in Dubai or the UAE and eager to hit the roads, understanding the process to apply for a new driving licence or add a new category based on exchanging licences is essential. Whether you're a newcomer with a foreign licence or looking to expand your driving privileges, this guide will help you navigate the requirements set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai.
Applying for a New Driving Licence Based on Exchanging Licences
Dubai allows residents to exchange their valid foreign driving licences from approved countries for a UAE driving licence. This process is straightforward but requires attention to specific details.
Who Can Apply?
- Residents with a Dubai-issued visa.
- Residents with visas from other emirates, provided they work for a company that has a branch in Dubai.
Required Documents
- Valid Emirates ID.
- Electronic eye test results from an RTA-approved centre.
- Original driving licence issued in an approved exception country.
- For non-Dubai visa holders:
- Company trade licence copies (both Dubai and other emirate branches).
- A letter from the company confirming employment in the Dubai branch.
Additional Requirements for Specific Applicants
- Singapore Licence Holders:
- Must pass a Knowledge Test at an approved driving institute.
- Diplomats:
- Diplomatic passport and diplomatic card.
- Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs valid for at least six months.
- Electronic eye test results.
- Original driving licence.
Adding a New Category Based on Exchanging Licences
If you already hold a UAE driving licence and wish to add a new vehicle category, you can apply to do so based on your foreign licence.
Required Documents
- Original driving licence from an approved exception country.
- Valid Emirates ID.
- Electronic eye test results.
- Legalised translation of the licence, if required.
- Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for diplomats).
Service Fees
For New Driving Licence Exchange
- AED 200 for opening a file.
- AED 600 for issuing the licence.
- AED 50 for the handbook manual.
- + AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees.
For Singaporean Licence Holders
- AED 200 for opening a training file.
- AED 100 for issuing a learning application.
- AED 50 for the handbook manual.
- AED 400 for the Knowledge Test.
- AED 300 for issuing the driving licence.
- + AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees.
For Adding a New Category
- AED 200 for the service.
- + AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees.
Application Process
Through the RTA Website
- Login using your Emirates ID, passport, or UAE Pass.
- Enter required information and upload necessary documents.
- Submit the application and receive a reference number.
- Undergo an eye test at an RTA-approved centre.
- Visit a Customer Happiness Centre with your original licence for verification.
- Receive your new driving licence.
At Customer Happiness Centres
- Submit documents at the centre.
- Licence verification is conducted.
- Open a traffic file, if you haven't already.
- Settle the required fees.
- Receive your driving licence.
For Singaporean Licence Holders
- Book and pass the Knowledge Test at an approved driving institute before proceeding.
Processing Time
- Website: Instant.
- Customer Happiness Centres: Approximately 5 minutes.
Licence Validity
- 1 year for applicants under 21.
- 2 years for applicants aged 21 and above.
Where to Apply
Customer Happiness Centres:
- Umm Ramool
- Al Manarah
- Al Twar
- Deira
- Al Barsha
- Al Kifaf
Approved Driving Institutes (for tests and eye exams).
Important Terms and Conditions
- The foreign driving licence must be valid.
- Translation may be required for licences not in English or Arabic.
- Licences from certain countries cannot be exchanged (e.g., Puerto Rico, Monaco).
- GCC nationals can drive with their national licence if on a visit visa; residents must exchange it.
- Diplomats must apply in person due to specific requirements.
- Eye tests are available at approved centres and some Customer Happiness Centres.
Exception Countries for Licence Exchange
Dubai allows licence exchanges from specific countries. Some include:
- GCC Countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar.
- European Countries: UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden.
- North American Countries: USA, Canada (with conditions).
- East Asian Countries/Oceania: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore (with conditions).
- African Countries: South Africa.
Note: Each country may have specific conditions regarding nationality, required translations, and whether the original licence will be withdrawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I exchange my foreign driving licence if my residence visa is from another emirate but I work in Dubai?
A1: Yes, provided your company has a branch in Dubai and you work there. You'll need to provide company trade licences and a letter confirming your employment in Dubai.
Q2: As a GCC national, can I use my GCC driving licence in Dubai?
A2: If you're on a visit visa, yes. If you're a resident, you must exchange your GCC licence for a UAE one.
Q3: Do I need to take any tests to exchange my licence?
A3: Licence holders from some countries, like Singapore, need to pass a Knowledge Test. Others may require translation or legalisation of their licence.
Q4: Can I exchange my Canadian G1 or G2 licence?
A4: No, restricted Canadian licences (G1, G2) cannot be exchanged.
Q5: How long does the process take?
A5: Applying through the website is instant once documents are verified. At service centres, it typically takes about 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Navigating the process to apply for a new driving licence or add a new category in Dubai is straightforward when you're equipped with the right information. Always ensure you have the necessary documents and meet all conditions to avoid any delays.
For more details on driving in Dubai or to find the perfect vehicle to suit your new driving privileges, visit Auto Trader UAE. We're here to help you get on the road smoothly and swiftly.
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