Apply for a New/Renewing/Amending Special Driving Permit
Obtain and renew all types of Special Driving Permits (Safari, Tram, Special Nature, and Occupational) to allow corporate employees to drive vehicles registered in the company name on and off company premises. You can amend permits for Safari vehicles only.
Select the permit type
Output
Safari Driving Permit, valid for 1 year
Ways to Apply
Website
- Website
- Driving Institutes
Channels
Steps
To issue the permit
- The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The company representative enters the driver's Emirates ID number to add him to the drivers’ list.
- The company representative applies for a Learning Permit.
- The company representative pays the fees.
- The company representative books a practical test appointment for the driver and pays the test fee.
- The driver passes the practical test.
- The company representative pays the Driving Permit issuance fee.
- The company representative can download a copy of the Permit anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The driver receives the permit by SMS and can check and download it through his dashboard on the RTA website.
To renew the permit
- The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The company representative selects the permit to be renewed.
- If the permit has expired more than 10 years ago, the driver is required to undergo a Safari Driving evaluation test.
- The driver applies electronically for a Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai Police.
- The company pays the renewal fee for the driver(s) whose permit has expired or is about to expire.
- The company representative can download a copy of the renewed permit anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The driver receives the permit by SMS and can check and download it through his dashboard on the RTA website.
To amend the permit
- The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The company representative selects the driver by entering his Emirates ID and verifies his information.
- The company representative submits the application to amend the Safari Driving Permit.
- The company representative pays the fees.
- The company representative can download a copy of the amended permit anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform or via SMS.
- The driver receives the permit by SMS and can check and download it through his dashboard on the RTA website.
To renew the Learning Permit
- The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The company representative pays the renewal fees of the learning permits that have expired or are about to expire.
- The company representative can download a copy of the renewed permit anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The driver receives the permit by SMS and can check and download it through his dashboard on the RTA website.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
Steps
To issue the permit
- After ensuring that you meet all the conditions of the service, the company representative applies for the Tourist Guide Training Programme (Safari) at the Department of Economy and Tourism, on behalf of the driver.
- The driver passes the Tourist Guide Training Programme at the Department of Economy and Tourism.
- The company representative applies for the Police Clearance e-Certificate through Dubai Police website.
- The company representative chooses the driving institute and submits the documents to open a Safari learning file for the driver.
- The company representative books an appointment.
- The company representative pays the fees and receives the payment receipt through SMS and email to the address and number registered in the system.
- The driver passes the Safari Road Test.
- The company representative pays the Safari Driving Permit issuance fees.
- The driver receives the Safari Driving Permit.
To renew the permit
- After ensuring that you meet all the conditions of the service, the company representative applies for the Police Clearance e-Certificate through Dubai Police website.
- The company representative applies for renewing the Safari Driving Permit and pays the fees.
- If the permit has expired more than 10 years ago, the driver must take the Safari Driving evaluation test.
- The driver receives the permit.
- The company representative receives the payment receipt through SMS and email to the address and number registered in the system.
To amend the permit
- Submit the application to amend the Safari Driving Permit.
- After checking that you meet all the terms and conditions for the service, the sponsor's details are updated in your Traffic File and in the Driving Licence.
- Pay the fees.
- You can have a copy of the amended permit anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform or via SMS.
To renew the Learning Permit
- The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
- The company representative pays the renewal fees of the learning permits that have expired or are about to expire.
- The company representative can download a copy of the renewed permit anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
Service Time
Instantly
Important to Know
You Should Know
- The driver must be 21 years or older.
- The driver must have held a valid UAE Driving Licence for at least 2 years.
- The driver must pass the Tourist Guide Training Programme of the Department of Economy and Tourism.
- The Safari Learning Permit is valid for 3 months.
Eligible Categories
Tourist companies that organise safaris and want to provide their drivers with Driving Permits under the company name
Service Requirements
- Valid Emirates ID of the driver
- Police Clearance Certificate of the driver
- Valid eye test of the driver
Fees
Select Service Type
Payment Methods
- Credit card
Terms and Conditions
None
FAQs
- Q : What happens if I drive in the desert without a permit?
- A : For details about driving violations in the desert without a permit, check with the Department of Economy and Tourism or Dubai Police (Department of Tourism Security).
- Q: If I have a Special Driving Permit, can I use it to drive for more than one company?
- A: No. According to RTA rules, if you have a Special Driving Permit, you can only drive for the company under which you're registered.
- Q: Do citizens need to obtain the tour guide certificate in order to get the Safari Permit?
- A: No, the tour guide certificate isn't required for citizens.
- Q: Can I renew the Safari Driving Permit if the Trade Licence is expired?
- A: No, the Trade Licence must be valid.
- Q: Where can I view my permit?
- A: You can view your permit on RTA website dashboard.
- Q: Can I use a light vehicle Driving Licence for safari driving?
- A: Yes, you can, but for personal use only. However, you can't engage in tourist transport activities for desert safari tours without working for a tourism company and obtaining a Safari Driving Permit.
Updated on: 21-May-2026