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You've arrived in Dubai! Are you planning temporary accommodation and wishing to explore the emirate? We know that the high cost of living in the downtown area makes you want to look into all of your alternatives for affordable housing, dining out, and grocery shopping. Although Dubai has a good public transportation system, you still have the desire to drive independently without depending on any buses or metro during the exploration days. 

Before we go ahead and tell you in detail about how an ex-pat can get a driving license, let us also tell you that whether you’re an ex-pat or a citizen here, you must have car insurance in Dubai as per the law to avoid financial troubles in the context of accidents or thefts. Besides a driving license, keep valid motor insurance in Dubai. 

You Are Already a Licensed Driver!

So, you may find it easier to get a driving license in Dubai, although this depends on the nation where you passed your driving test and received your license. Some nations qualify for license exchange, which means that if you have a current driving license from one of the nations listed by the RTA (Road Traffic Authority) in Dubai, you won't need to sit for additional tests there to get a UAE driving license.

If you are a qualified driver, you should:

• Visit the RTA website and confirm if your nation is included in the list of those eligible for license exchange. 

• Please attach a copy of your original driving license, which must have been issued in one of the countries listed as an exemption (paper driving license holders must submit a letter from the regarded Consulate).

• Attend an electronic eye test.

• Emirates ID (orignal).

• Submit a legalized translation of your license (if not issued in English or Arabic).

Holding a License But Not Eligible For a License Exchange?

You must be eligible for a license to drive as an ex-pat here if you are a license holder in your home country, but that country is not listed as an exception by the RTA. This requires passing the following tests:

• Knowledge test

• Practical driving test

Driving institutions are available to give you advice on how to drive on Dubai's roads, which, while good, may be highly congested and have traffic flow patterns that you might not be familiar with.

The Expense Of a Driving License In Dubai

The fees for license processing and issuance are the same whether you are exchanging a home-country license that is eligible or getting one for the first time. The current overall cost is AED870 (source: Dubai RTA; accurate as of October 2022), which can be divided into the following 4 service fees:

• Opening a file: 200 AED

• Issue a license: 600 AED

• Handbook manual: 50 AED

• Knowledge and innovation: 20 AED

What Kind Of Insurance Coverage Do You Need As An Ex-pat Driver?

All drivers in Dubai, whether locals or foreigners, must have Third Party Liability coverage as a minimum. It’s confined to the liability to pedestrians and other road users in respect of their injury or damage resulting from your driving. So, this is the most accessible and reasonably priced policy on the market. Your vehicle or you personally are not covered by this policy in any way. Comprehensive coverage is a little more expensive, but it saves you thousands of dollars in the context of an accident if you want to insure your car against risks like theft, loss, or damage.