A driving license in the UAE is the dream of most expats. But while in many countries, we can learn driving without the help of a professional instructor, in UAE only a certified instructor is authorized to teach you driving.
For those who are applying for license for the first time in the country, these procedures are a bit complicated. Some residents also have the option of transferring their license issued by their home country’s authorities to the UAE and using it normally. But others must pass rigorous driving tests.
You must normally be at least 18 years of age to obtain a license. But even 17 years and six months can start learning driving. 18 years of age is not required for motorcycle license.
To obtain a license to drive heavy vehicles and tractors, one must be at least 20 years of age, while those applying for licenses for buses must be at least 21 years of age.
If you have a license issued by some other countries, you not only need to take driving classes in the UAE, but you don’t even need to take another test.
But it depends on which country issued your license. Driving license holders from 32 recognized countries are automatically entitled to a UAE license. Some of these countries are US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China.
But those who have obtained a license from a country that is not on this approved list will have to start the process from scratch in the UAE. All of us Indians and people from countries like Philippines and Pakistan are included in this category.
