Dubai: 8 ways expats can get a driving licence in the emirate

Dubai: 8 ways expats can get a driving licence in the emirate

There are different ways to get the shiny silver card depending on your level of experience, citizenship, profession and residency status

Published: Wed 3 May 2023, 6:00 AM

Mobility is important for everyone and acquiring a driving licence is a big milestone for most adults. In Dubai, there are different ways to get the shiny silver card depending on your level of driving experience, citizenship, profession and residency status.

1. Golden chance

No more classes; no more books. Dubai residents who hold a valid driving licence – even if they do not belong to a country eligible for automatic conversion – can now skip driving lessons and go straight to theory and road test with the latest 'Golden Chance' initiative launched by the Roads and Transport Authority.

The new initiative, which came into effect on April 1, gives residents from non-exempt countries a one-time chance to breeze through the rigorous process of obtaining a UAE driving licence. This means any Indian, Filipino, Pakistani or drivers from other countries can now convert their driving licence in Dubai without lessons. They just need to complete the registration and pay the required fees and instantly take the theory and road tests in one go.

Expected cost is around Dh2,200