driving license
If you plan to drive in the UAE, please ensure you bring your original driving license, which must be valid for more than six months.
Prior to receiving your residence permit:
If you have an international driving license you will be able to use it to rent a car for the duration of your employment visa or visit visa. However, once you are issued a residence permit you will no longer be able to use it.
After you have been issued a Residence Permit
After you receive your residence permit you can apply to get a UAE driving license:
- Directly transfer your existing license to a UAE driving license
This can only be done if you have a valid driving license from one of the countries listed below and a citizenship from the same country. (i.e. Canadian passport AND a Canadian Driving License)
(Australia ,Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Cyprus , Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway , Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA ). - Transfer only after passing a road test
Individuals who have a driving license from the GCC can also transfer with the condition of passing a road test. - Transfer only after taking an orientation course and passing a road test
If you have a valid driving license from one of the countries listed below and a citizenship from a different country, but also from the list below, then you will be able to transfer your driving license to a UAE driving license after you have taken an orientation class and passed a road test.
(i.e. Canadian passport BUT a British Driving License)
(Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway , Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA ). - Open a new driving file
If you do not belong to the above categories then you will have to proceed with the normal procedures of opening a new file at the Traffic and Vehicle department. You will be required to take theoretical classes in which a certificate will be issued after passing a test and then you can apply for a road test.
