UAE Driving Licence Guide 2025: New Rules, Costs and Eligibility in Dubai

Minimum Age for a UAE Driving Licence

From March 29, 2025, the minimum age to apply for a light vehicle (Category B) driving licence in the UAE is 17 years. Motorcycle licences (Category A) are also available from age 17. Heavy truck licences require age 20 or above, while bus licences require 21 or above. Some Dubai driving schools are still finalising procedures for 17-year-old applicants.

Eligibility and Required Documents

Applicants must meet the required age for their vehicle category, pass an eye and medical fitness test, complete mandatory theoretical and practical training, and pass RTA theory and road tests.

Required documents: Passport with valid residence visa, Emirates ID, passport-size photo, eye test report, and NOC from sponsor if applicable.

Steps and Costs to Get a Driving Licence in Dubai

1. Register at an RTA-approved driving school.
2. Submit documents and complete an eye test.
3. Attend theory classes and practical training.
4. Pass theory, parking, and final road tests.

Cost: AED 4,500–7,000 for a light vehicle licence, depending on school and test attempts.

Using a Foreign Licence or Driving as a Visitor

Visitors from more than 50 approved countries can drive temporarily using a valid home-country licence. After gaining residency, they must exchange their licence for a UAE one. The exchange requires the original foreign licence, Emirates ID, residence visa, eye test report, and a fee of about AED 600.

Licence Suspension, Cancellation and Penalties

Article 12 of the new law allows suspension or cancellation if a driver is medically unfit or poses safety risks.

• DUI: Fines of AED 20,000–100,000 (alcohol) or AED 30,000–200,000 (narcotics), jail, and licence suspension or cancellation.
• Reckless driving: Causing injury or death can lead to arrest, vehicle impoundment, licence suspension or cancellation, and possible deportation for visitors.
• Driving with suspended/invalid licence: Fine of AED 10,000 or more and up to 3 months jail.

Black and White Points System

Traffic violations lead to black points ranging from 2 to 24 points. Reaching 24 points usually results in suspension or cancellation. White points reward safe driving, with up to 24 points a year redeemable for benefits. A single violation removes eligibility for that year.

Licence Validity and Renewal

UAE and GCC citizens have a 10-year licence validity. Expatriates typically have a 2 to 5-year validity depending on residency. Renewal requires Emirates ID, current licence, an eye or medical test, and payment of any fines. Applications can be made online via the RTA or at Customer Happiness Centres.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Details (Dubai 2025)
Minimum age (light vehicle)	17 years
Required tests	Eye test, medical test, theory and road exams
Driving school and RTA exams	Mandatory
Cost (light vehicle)	AED 4,500–7,000
Foreign licence conversion	50+ countries, fee around AED 600
DUI penalties	Up to AED 200,000 fine, jail, suspension or cancellation
Black points	2–24 points, 24 points lead to suspension
White points	Up to 24 points per year for safe driving
Licence validity	2–5 years for expats, 10 years for citizens

FAQs

Can 17-year-olds start driving lessons now?

Yes, but some driving schools are still finalising enrolment for under‑18 applicants.

Can I drive in Dubai with my home-country licence?

Visitors from approved countries can drive temporarily. Residents must convert their licence or obtain a UAE licence.

How much does a Dubai driving licence cost?

The cost ranges from AED 4,500 to AED 7,000 depending on the school and number of attempts.

How long is a UAE driving licence valid?

For UAE and GCC citizens, 10 years. For expatriates, 2 to 5 years depending on residency validity.

For more updates on driving and vehicle services in the UAE, visit Shozon.