Dubai (RTA)
Who can apply: citizens and residents of legal age for the vehicle category who are medically fit.
Minimum ages:
| Vehicle | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | 17 |
| Light vehicle (car) | Traffic file from 17 years 6 months; licence after passing and turning 18 |
| Heavy vehicle | 20 |
| Light or heavy bus | 21 |
Documents:
- a valid Emirates ID
- a valid eye test from an accredited eye test centre (valid for 3 years)
- if your residence visa is from another emirate: proof that you live, work or study in Dubai, such as an Ejari-approved tenancy contract or title deed, a company trade licence with an employment letter, or proof of current study in Dubai.
The process, in short: apply online and choose a driving institute; the institute contacts you within 3 working days; you receive a digital learning permit; take the eye test; train and pass the knowledge, yard and road tests; then pay the licence fee and receive your digital licence. You can also collect the card at a kiosk or have it delivered.
Validity: 1 year if you're under 21; 2 years if you're 21 or older. After the road test you get a temporary licence valid for 7 days.
Sharjah (SDI)
You register at a Sharjah Driving Institute branch or online at sdi.ae, submit the documents SDI lists for your course, and pay the minimum or full fee. A replacement learning permit needs your registration number, a passport copy, one photograph and AED 90.
Abu Dhabi
You open a driving licence file through TAMM ("Open Traffic File") and train with your driving school. TAMM lists the documents when you apply.