Dubai driving license: What do I need to know?

In Dubai, the car is by far the most popular means of transportation to get from one place to another quickly. However, you need a driver's license to be allowed to get into a car at all. And there are a few differences that you need to be aware of in order to legally drive a car in the UAE. That's why we've put together the most important things you need to know about driving licenses in Dubai in the following blog post.

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The most important facts about driving licenses in Dubai

If you have a German driving license and are on vacation in Dubai, you are allowed to drive a car temporarily - as long as your tourist visa is valid. Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry an international driving license with you so that you are on the safe side in the event of possible checks. An international driving permit is nothing more than a translation of your driver's license, which serves as additional proof of your driving license.

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Attention: If you apply for a resident visa, your German driving license is "invalid" and no longer authorizes you to drive a car in the UAE. If you disregard this regulation, you could face a fine of up to 50,000 dirhams or a prison sentence of up to 3 months.

So if you already know that you want to live in Dubai in the long term, you should take care of transferring your German driver's license in good time. The requirements you need to fulfill depend primarily on your country of origin. However, if you come from the DACH region, an eye test and a translation of your previous driver's license will suffice. However, it should be mentioned that no car may be registered to you without an Emirates ID. It does not matter whether it is a used or new car.

Necessary documents

You will need the following documents to have your German driving license converted:

• An eye test
• A passport photo
• Your passport with a valid residence permit (original and copy)
• A copy of your residence permit
• Your current driver's license (original and copy)
• Optional: A translation of your driver's license

What do I have to do if I don't have a driver's license yet?

If you are moving to the UAE but do not yet have a driver's license, you can of course obtain one in your adopted country. 

As a citizen or resident, you must submit an application to a registered driving school in your emirate. You can then take part in the respective driving school courses and subsequently take the required exams. If you pass, you will be issued a driving license for 2 years.

Good to know: In order to obtain a driver's license in the UAE, you must be of a certain minimum age, which is graded as follows:

• 17: Motorcycle
• 18: Passenger cars and light vehicles
• 20: Heavy vehicles and tractors
• 21: Buses

You must also be able to produce some documents so that a traffic file can be opened on you. Therefore, you will need a copy of your passport, residence visa and Emirates ID, 2 photos and the report of your eye test. Some traffic authorities may also require a clearance certificate from your sponsor.

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3 tips for road traffic in Dubai

1. Observe the traffic regulations

As in any other country, there are traffic rules in Dubai that you must adhere to. Find out about the relevant traffic regulations in advance, as a violation could cost you dearly. For example, running a red light costs the equivalent of €750 and you will receive 12 black points. 

2. Drive with foresight

Road traffic in Dubai can often be very chaotic, which is why it is all the more important that you drive defensively and carefully to prevent accidents. Because if you are at fault for a car accident due to your reckless driving style, you could face a fine of up to €12,500.

3. Avoid the beat times

There are rush hours in Dubai when you are guaranteed to be stuck in traffic. Therefore, try to avoid the following peak times: Monday to Friday between 8:30am - 10:30am and 5:00pm - 8:30pm.

Good to know: The two main traffic arteries where traffic jams easily form are the slip roads of Al Khail Road and Sheik Zayed Road.

FAQ

Can I drive a car in Dubai with my German driver's license?

In the UAE, you can drive a car with your German driver's license - at least for a limited period of time. If you are only visiting or planning to go on vacation in Dubai, it is therefore not necessary to obtain a local driving license.

How much does a driver's license cost in Dubai?

The cost of obtaining or transferring your driver's license varies depending on your license type and nationality. On average, the costs are around AED 870. This includes the cost of the transfer fee and opening a traffic file. The same applies if you want to renew your driver's license. More information can be found on the RTA website, where you can see a breakdown of all costs.

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