Blog
BACK TO BLOG
The best way to explore Dubai's lively streets is on a motorcycle, which provides an exciting and practical experience. The city comes alive during the cooler months, October to April, making it the best time to get your motorcycle license in Dubai. Whether you're weaving through the futuristic architecture of Downtown Dubai or cruising down the shore, these months provide pleasant riding weather without the strong summer heat.
Imagine riding down Sheikh Zayed Road at nightfall with the renowned Burj Khalifa towering above or taking a weekend getaway to the peaceful desert outskirts; both are experiences that come to life on two wheels. Dubai's well-kept roads, along with dedicated bike lanes and motorbike parking areas, make it not only a fascinating experience but also an easy means to navigate around the city. From coastal rides in Jumeirah to exploring hidden cafés in Al Quoz, the options are endless.
So, why wait? The greatest time to experience Dubai's varied landscapes is now, and getting your motorcycle driving license is the first step toward these wonderful adventures.
Eligibility for Motorcycle License Dubai
Before you can start the process of getting your motorcycle license Dubai, you must first meet the Road and Transport Authority's (RTA) specified standards. These standards make sure that each rider is properly prepared, both legally and physically. Now, discover the most important eligibility requirements:
• Age Requirement
You may have doubts about how to get a bike license in UAE, so here we explain the major point: you must be at least 17 years old. While you can start the procedure at this age, you will not be eligible to get a motorcycle driving license until you reach 18. Starting early allows you to get your license as soon as you reach the legal age, allowing you to begin driving as soon as possible.
• Nationality or Residency
Only Emirati nationals or those with a valid Dubai resident visa may apply for a motorcycle license Dubai. If you are a foreign resident in Dubai, make sure your residency visa is current and valid for the duration of the motorbike training and licensing process. Without a valid resident visa, you would be unable to register with the RTA.
• Eye Test Requirement
The RTA requires that all applicants do an eye test. The eye exam must be conducted at a testing center certified by both the RTA and the Dubai Health Authority to ensure safe riding. The test normally evaluates your visual acuity, peripheral vision, and ability to detect colors and contrasts, all of which are crucial for safe motorcycle riding. Make sure you submit a copy of the test findings with your licensing application.
• Clearance of Fines
If you currently have a driving license for another vehicle category (such as a car license), you must clear any outstanding fines or penalties before applying for a motorcycle driving license. Before being given a new category of license, the RTA requires that all outstanding fines for traffic offenses be paid in order to confirm that you are in good standing. You can check and settle your fines using the RTA's online portal or one of their service locations located throughout Dubai.
What Are the Major Steps to Obtain a Motorcycle License in Dubai
Getting your motorcycle license Dubai can be hard, but breaking it down into easy steps makes it simple. Here's a full guide to how to get a bike license in UAE.
1. Register with a driving school and open an RTA file
In the steps to obtain a motorcycle license UAE, the first step is to enroll in a driving school that provides motorcycle training, such as the Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Motor Driving Center, or Drive Dubai. When you register, the school will assist you in opening a file with the RTA. This file is required to track your progress during the training and licensing process.
2. Get an eye test at an approved center
Before starting your practical or theoretical training, you must have an eye exam to confirm that you fulfill the vision standards required for safe riding. This test must be administered at an RTA-approved facility, and the results will be forwarded to the RTA directly. Always, remember you bring your corrective lenses to the test.
3. Attend theoretical lectures at the driving school
After you have opened your file and completed your eye test, the following step is to attend theory sessions. These lectures will go over important parts of road safety, traffic signs, rules, and regulations, as well as the specific abilities needed to ride a motorbike. The amount of theoretical sessions varies at each school, but they normally comprise both classroom and virtual sessions.
4. Attend the RTA Theory Test to evaluate your road knowledge
After finishing the theory lectures, you will need to take a theoretical test at an RTA center. This test evaluates your comprehension of Dubai traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The exam includes multiple-choice questions, and passing it is required before proceeding to the practical stages of your course.
5. Take practical yard training for motorcycle handling
Practical yard training focuses on improving your motorbike handling skills in a controlled setting. You'll learn basic riding skills like balancing, braking, and navigating around cones and obstacles. Before moving on to on-road instruction, make sure you understand the fundamentals of motorcycle operation.
6. Complete the RTA Yard Test for maneuvering skills
Once your trainer states that you are ready, you will take the RTA yard test. This exam measures your ability to conduct a variety of maneuvers, such as U-turns, figure-eight patterns, and emergency stops. Passing this test is necessary since it proves your control of the motorcycle in limited places.
7. Get road training for real-world motorcycle driving
After the yard training and exam, you'll go on to road training. This part of your instruction entails riding on actual roads under the observation of your teacher. You'll learn how to manage Dubai traffic, what lane discipline means, and how to ride safely in a variety of situations. So you need to go through these attempts as part of the major steps to obtain a motorcycle license UAE.
8. Complete the final RTA road test for a comprehensive evaluation
The final road test is the climax of your training, during which an RTA examiner will evaluate your abilities to ride safely in real traffic. This test assesses everything from your riding abilities to your adherence to traffic laws and awareness of traffic hazards. Passing this test is the final step towards getting your motorcycle driving license.
9. Get your UAE motorcycle driving license
Your motorbike license will be awarded if you have successfully passed all of the examinations. You can pick it up at the RTA or have it sent to you. With your new motorcycle license Dubai in hand, you're now officially ready to ride across the streets and enjoy the city on two wheels.
Documents Required for a Motorcycle Driving License
You must acquire the following necessary documents to successfully apply for a motorcycle driving license Dubai. Making sure you have everything in order will make the registration process smoother and easier:
Copy of a valid passport and residency visa:
• A clear photocopy of your valid passport, including the page with your resident visa.
• Your visa must remain valid for the duration of the licensing process.
Emirates ID and photocopy:
• You will need to provide your original Emirates ID and a photocopy of both sides of the card.
• This is proof of your legal residence in the UAE.
Two passport-size photos
• Your application must include recent passport-size photos that meet UAE criteria.
• Some driving schools may provide photo services on-site if necessary.
Eye test report
• A report from an RTA-approved eye testing center is required.
• This test will evaluate your vision and determine whether it satisfies the standards for safe motorcycle riding.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor (where applicable)
• If your visa is sponsored by a company or individual, you must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them.
• This letter must clearly declare that they have no objections to you getting a motorbike license.
Copy of any previous motorcycle license (if swapping)
• If swapping a motorbike license from another nation, bring both the original and a copy for verification.
• If the license is not in Arabic or English, a certified legal translation is needed.
• Both valid and expired licenses (up to ten years) are widely accepted.
Having these documents available helps ensure a smooth registration procedure when applying for a motorcycle driving license. Please double-check with your selected driving school, since some may ask for additional documents.
Training Hours for a Motorcycle License Dubai
The amount of training hours required to earn your motorcycle license in Dubai is determined by your previous experience and whether you have a valid motorbike license from another country. Let’s talk about the training hour requirements:
Beginners: 20 hours of training are required
• If you have never had a motorbike license before, you are categorized as a beginner.
• As a beginning, you must complete 20 hours of practical training.
• This instruction is broken into two sections: yard training (basic motorcycle handling) and on-road training (real-world traffic navigation).
• The goal of these 20 hours is to make sure that you can ride a motorbike confidently and safely in a variety of situations before completing the final road test.
Experienced Riders (with 2+ Years License from Non-Exception Countries): 10 Hours of Training Required
• If you already have a motorcycle license from a non-exception country (one not included under the RTA's License Swap Exemptions) that is more than two years old, you are eligible for a reduced training program.
• In this instance, you will simply be required to complete 10 hours of practical training, which includes yard and road training.
• The shortened training hours match your previous riding expertise, ensuring that you satisfy Dubai's safety standards while saving time and money.
Differentiation of beginner and experienced applicants
• The classification of candidates as beginners or experienced helps adapt the training program to your exact skill level.
• Beginners should focus on understanding the fundamentals of motorcycle control, road safety, and maneuvering skills, with greater training time dedicated to developing these core talents.
• If you are an experienced rider, you already have expertise, and the training focuses on tailoring your skills to the road conditions and rules in Dubai.
Knowing the required training hours based on your experience helps you prepare for the procedure and plan accordingly. Whether you're new to motorcycles or have past experience, the Dubai training program will ensure that you have the skills you need to ride safely.
Swapping Your License: Motorcycle License Dubai
If you currently have a motorbike license from one of the RTA's exemption nations, you may be able to swap it for a Dubai motorcycle license without having to undergo further training. Here are the details:
• Eligible for direct swap
If you hold a valid motorbike license from a nation on the RTA's list of exceptions, you can exchange it straight for a UAE motorcycle license. You do not need to go through the training or testing that new applicants undertake.
• No training is required, only payment of fees and submission of documents
When exchanging your license, you merely need to pay the corresponding fees and submit the required documentation. Required documentation typically includes your original license from the exception countries. If the license is not in Arabic or English, provide a certified translation. Please provide copies of your passport, Emirates ID, and residency visa. Do an eye test from an RTA-approved facility. Once these documents and fees are received, your application for a UAE motorbike license will be completed. So, once your brain asks doubts on how to get a bike license in UAE, make sure you have the proper documentation.
• List of exception countries
The following are some of the nations where licenses can be directly swapped in Dubai without any additional training:
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Spain
• Japan
• Norway
• Sweden
• Belgium
• Saudi Arabia
• Oman
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• South Korea
• Austria
• Netherlands
If you have a motorcycle license from one of these nations, the process is simple, and you'll be ready to ride the streets of Dubai in no time. This approach saves time and effort for experienced riders moving to Dubai from other nations.
Cost of Getting a Motorcycle License Dubai
The cost of obtaining a motorbike license in Dubai is determined by your level of experience and eligibility for a license swap from an exempted country. Here's a complete detail of the expenses according to several categories:
• Beginners: AED 4,000
Total Cost: AED 4,000 (approximately.).
This pricing covers all parts of the licensing process for beginners, including registration, training, and RTA costs. 20 hours of practical training, theory classes, RTA theory tests, road test fees, and application fees for the license are included.
• Exemption Countries: AED 870 (License Swapping Fee)
If you are eligible to swap your license from an RTA-exempt nation, the cost is much lower.
Total cost: AED 870.
Administrative and service fees for the license swap, no training or testing is required, and submission of paperwork and processing fees are specialties.
• Non-Exemption Countries with a Valid License: AED 3,300 – 3,520
If you have a valid motorcycle license from a non-exempt nation, you will be required to complete a shortened training program.
Total cost: AED 3,300 to 3,520 (depending on the driving school and training hours).
The 10 hours of practical training, RTA theory and road test fees, and registration and administration fees are included.
Specific Pricing Breakdown for Different Categories
Category | Cost (AED) |
Beginners (full training required) | AED 4,000 |
Exemption countries (license swap fee) | AED 870 |
Non-exemption countries (reduced training) | AED 3,300 – AED 3,520 |
This pricing breakdown helps you plan your budget based on your eligibility and experience level, ensuring you are fully prepared for the fees associated with earning your motorbike license in Dubai.
Also, bike insurance in Dubai is required for motorcycle riders, since it provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and third-party liability. With the city's dynamic roads and strong traffic, having insurance provides peace of mind when navigating a variety of routes, from city streets to desert highways. Furthermore, having valid insurance is a legal necessity for all vehicles in the UAE, including motorcycles. Comprehensive bike insurance in Dubai protects riders from unexpected expenses and legal fines. Don't forget to get your bike insurance when you finish your licensing process. We have the perfect solution to keep you covered - contact us today!
Want to connect with us
We would love to assist you on this journey. Drop us your details and let us help you.