UAE Driving License — How to Get, Convert, or Renew

Complete UAE driving license guide: eligibility, age 17+, who can convert (40+ countries automatic), driving school path, fees AED 3,000–7,000, license renewal AED 300, lost replacement.

Updated: 2026-04-30 10 min read Official sources

UAE driving licenses are issued by the police of each emirate but are valid throughout the country. Minimum age is 17 for light vehicles (one year less than 2024), 20 for heavy vehicles, and 16 for motorcycles up to 100cc.

Who can convert without a test?

Holders of a valid driving license from 40+ approved countries can convert their license to a UAE one without a road test. Approved countries include:

USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, all Schengen-area EU countries, GCC states (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar), Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, South Africa, and more.

Non-listed nationalities (e.g. India, Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines) must complete a full driving school course and pass UAE tests.

Driving school path (full course)

  1. Eye test at any approved optician (~AED 100).
  2. Open file at a licensed driving school (Belhasa, Emirates, Galadari, Dubai Driving Centre, Al Ahli, SDI).
  3. Theory classes (8–20 lectures depending on package).
  4. Theory test (50 questions, pass mark 75%).
  5. Practical lessons (15–40 hours depending on experience).
  6. Internal assessment (yard test).
  7. RTA / Police road test.
  8. License issued — valid 2 years (residents) or 10 years (UAE nationals).

Total cost: AED 3,000–7,000 depending on emirate and package level. Dubai is most expensive.

License renewal & replacement

  • Renewal fee: AED 300 (residents, 2-year validity). UAE nationals: AED 300 for 5 or 10 years.
  • Eye test required at renewal (online via approved optician chain).
  • Lost license replacement: AED 300 + AED 20 service fee.
  • Online via RTA Dubai app, Abu Dhabi Police app, MOI UAE app, or service centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age for a UAE driving license?

17 for light vehicles, 16 for motorcycles up to 100cc, 20 for heavy vehicles.

Can I drive on my home country license?

Tourists can drive a rental car with their license + International Driving Permit. Residents must convert to a UAE license.

How much does converting a license cost?

Approximately AED 875 in Dubai (eye test + RTA fees) for eligible nationalities, no driving school required.

What is the validity period of UAE license?

2 years for residents, 5 or 10 years for UAE nationals (chosen at issuance).

Official sources: