This service provides information to customers about how to open a learner’s file in Dubai in order to receive a driving license based on passing the required tests. The service is mainly for customers who have no driving license or have a driver’s license which is not exchangeable in the UAE and would like to apply for a UAE Driver’s License.

The service is open for both U.A.E. nationals and expatriates. To apply for a learner’s permit, individuals are requested to visit any of the four certified drivers’ institutes in person: Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Driving Institute, Belhasa Driving Institute, Dubai Driving Institute and Al Ahli Driving Institute.

Each institute has its own timings, application form and fee structure. Also kindly note that the fee structure and duration of the service will depend on the vehicle type (Light, heavy etc.). Please refer to your preferred institute for additional information.

There is a standard application form assigned by RTA to all driver's institutes. Please download, complete it and submit it to your chosen institute.

The following supporting documents are required for your in order for your application be processed:

1.  Driver’s institute application form

2.  Passport Original and Copy

3.  Eye Test (From Optic Centers Attested by MoH or Hospitals in Dubai).

4.  1 Passport Size Photograph

5. Valid Dubai Residence Visa.

6.  NOC letter from employer/sponsor

7.  U.A.E. Nationals owning a passport issued from another Emirate, must have an NOC from respective Traffic Department.

8.  Expatriates working in the Dubai branch of a company with a trade license from another Emirate may also apply for the learner’s permit in Dubai as long as the following is available:

   - The working title is ‘Manager’ and is noted in the residence visa 
   - The company branch carries out the same commercial activity as that noted in the sponsor’s/mother  company’s trade license.

Terms and Conditions:

1. Applicant must be present in person

2. The entire procedure occurs at the Drivers’ Institute

3. Customer applying for a license to drive buses and heavy mechanical equipment must have a 6/6 score on the eye test.

4. This service is open for both U.A.E. national and expatriates. The applicant has to be 17 years of age to drive a motorcycle, 18 years of age for light vehicle licensing, 20 years of age to apply to drive a heavy vehicle/operate heavy/light mechanical equipment and 21 years of age to drive a bus.

Applicants are required to follow the procedure below when requesting a learner’s permit in order to receive a driver’s license. The entire process takes approximately an hour to complete from the time the customer walks in to the Licensing Department up until the payment required is made and the Learning Permit is generated. Kindly note that the entire service is provided by the individual Drivers’ institutes noted earlier:

1.  Arrive in person at the Driver’s institutes with complete documents and data entry officer enters information in the system. There are only five accredited institutes: Emirates Driving Institute, Belhasa Driving Institute, Galadari Driving Institute, Dubai Driving Institute, Al Ahli Driving Institute.

2.  Front desk officer prints out a learner’s permit and an appointment for training. Applicants who are first-time drives (light vehicle) must take 40 classes (15 classes in the institute and 25 classes on the road). For other types of vehicle, please refer to the driving institute you are applying at.

3.  After the applicant completes the required number of classes, he/she is then given an appointment for a test.The applicant first sits for the Signals test and then if he/she passes, he/she is given an appointment for the Road Test. All tests occur within the premises of the driver’s institutes.

4.  In case the applicant fails any of the tests, he/she is obliged to take an additional 7 classes, after which he is given another test appointment.

5.  Once the applicant passes the Road Test, he/she receives license from the institute within a day.

For more information, please contact the RTA Headquarters on their call centre number 8009090.