Driving FAQs | Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions

People with valid driving license from selected countries can convert their driving license at RTA office. People having nationalities and driving licenses of Kuwait, Saudi, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Germany, France, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Britain, Hungary *Turkey, *Greece, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Romania, Finland, Portugal, **Luxemberg, **Slovakia, **China, *Canada, USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, *South Korea, *Japan, New Zealand, Australia can convert their driving license for Dubai Driving License at RTA office. The people from countries indicated by star (*) are required to get translation of the license done from their Consulate and countries indicated by (**) are  required to submit translated letter from any authorised legal translation office. The required documents for conversion are a valid original driving license, valid residence visa issued by Dubai, a completed form for replacement of license, No Objection letter from sponsor to replace license and Optometry form accredited by the health authority in Emirate Location. Please note that the concerned person has to be present himself to complete the transaction and the service charge is AED 160 for the same. 

We have an in-house RTA Traffic file opening section in our Institute. 

• Al Qusais - Sat - Thurs: 08:15 AM to 05:00 PM and Friday: 7:30 AM to 04:00 PM (Break: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM)
• Mina Rashid - Sat - Thurs: 08:15 AM to 05:00 PM and Friday: Closed
• Al Quoz - Sat-Thurs: 08:15 AM to 05:00 PM and Friday: Closed

Getting the license depends upon the student's performance. Sometimes a student may require more classes

Yes. They can be taught by male instructors. A fee of AED 20 is charged to get the special permit for getting trained by male instructor

1. The desert driving certificate course will be from 9:00AM – 5:00PM. Fees will be;

If a student is holding a valid Original license of his/her country then he/she can either register for 15 hours (30 classes) or 10 hours (20 classes) depending on the issue date of the license

The LMV Defensive Driving Course is a one day course starting from 09:00 to 05:00 in the evening. The fee for a normal day i.e. Saturday to Thursday is Dhs950/- and Dhs 1000/- for a Friday.

You have to cancel your file from that institute and bring the file to EDI head office located in Qusais behind Al Bustan center. You will have to go for EDI evaluation test & take 4 hours of mandatory sessions (8 practical classes), as per RTA rules before you can book your road test.

There will be no theory lectures required but if your theory test result has passed the expiry date, you will appear for the RTA knowledge test again after taking 8 lectures, as per RTA rules.

You need to fill the application form, sign it and send anyone to apply on your behalf. 

You may download the form from the link. http://edi-uae.com/downloads

In this scenario, you will be considered a beginner in motorcycle driving course and will have to take 15 hours (30 driving classes). In case you've a bike license of any other country, you'll have to take  8 hours (16 classes).

For fast-track driving course, you may opt for EDI's Platinum Driving Course or Gold Driving Course.

It is mandatory to have Emirates ID card

Student registered under the shift course can take 2 hours of extra session (4 extra classes) under the night course, the fees will still remain 105Dhs per class and an advance booking must be done to check the availability of the instructor.

Yes, you may register in Al Qusais (HO) and take your driving classes in any of the EDI branch.

Yes, if you change from one course to another you have to pay 120dhs.

In order to book extra classes you have to contact the office where you took your training and request the course in-charge to book the classes for you

Friday assessment test is only available for the Weekend course students (Friday only , Friday Saturday)

Once the road test fee is paid, student needs to call RTA or book the road test date via smart screen. If you are not satisfied with the date then you can call RTA at 800 90 90 or book from the smart screen, depending on the availability we can book you for another slot. If you want an early test date then you have to directly check with test department in respective branch and arrange for the same. You can send someone else with your RTA manual book, learning permit and the student MDT card

If a GCC course student fails the road test, he will have to register for the mandotory classes. The payment break-up is as below:

Admission fee: AED 415
Road test + training extension: AED 460
License fees: AED 270
4 hours session (8 classes)

PS: Currently 50% discount is applicable on admission fees for GCC course

It’s not possible since you have a learning permit in Abu Dhabi and as per the RTA rule you cannot take driving classes in Dubai

After your classes have commenced the course in-charge will then guide you as to when and how you can make the balance course fee

A person needs to have a UAE driving license to drive in UAE. In order to get a UAE driving license the person must have a residence visa. In this case please check with the RTA on 8009090

Pregnant women can take driving lessons but they need to get special permission from the doctor. At the time of registration we will make the student sign a form stating that it is on their own risk they are taking driving lessons

There will be an additional amount of 25DHS as online fee.  If you register online, the minimum payment required is 600dhs to register with EDI. You can choose to pay minimum amount or any other amount to pay online

If your US driving license is still valid then you will register as a GCC student

Yes a Desert driving license is different from a normal license. It is only used by tourism companies to take tourists to the desert

In this case, without a UAE or International Driving license, the other person cannot attend the course.

International license will hold no value once you have a residence visa stamped on your passport. Holding your country’s license will help in reduction of classes

No, there are no transfer charges

Yes, but depending upon the availability of the instructor he/she will be assigned to you

Eligibility:

Student who holds a UAE driving license for LMV, which is less than 2 years old will be eligible to register.
In case a student has LMV-Automatic license for 3 years or more, first he has to get a LMV Manual license and then apply for Light Bus License.

Structure of the course:
1.    After meeting eligibility criteria and submitting required documents, student will register and open his file.
2.    After attending 8 mandatory lectures, student will give theory test.
3.    Training and assessment test is required. After passing theory test, student will directly go for Yard Test.
4.    Student will give 2 yard tests- Offset (Reverse) and Slope. In case of failing these tests, student has to take 4 hours of training (8 classes) and then again give these yard tests.
5.    Upon passing yard test, student is eligible to appear for Road Test. Light Bus License will be issued after passing the Road Test.
6.    For each failed attempt of Road test, student has to take additional 4 hours of training (8 classes).

You may make the payment for 5 hours (10 classes) altogether. But depending on the availability you will be scheduled for the 4 hours (8 classes) and the rest 1 hour (2 classes) cannot be confirmed and you will have to check directly at the counter at that time.

If you go for another test you will have a new set of questions

The only effect it will have is that you will be delayed for your final test due to time consumed in clearing theory and assessment tests

We would need the following documents and you can start your training:
1. Passport copy (valid Dubai residence visa).
2. 2 photographs (passport size).
3. Original file from traffic department with valid L.P
4. Letter from previous driving school stating number of classes already taken along with NOC.
5. Original Emirates Identity Card (E.I.D).

Documents required are as follows 
•    Registration Number
•    Passport Copy
•    1 Photograph
•    90 AED

You need to inform your course in-charge or call EDI call center at +971 4 263 1100 least 48 hours in advance to stop the class.

Kindly approach the scheduling department in the main administration building and another instructor will be allocated if available

Firstly, you will be marked as absent. Secondly, to reappear for the test you will have to make the payment again

You need to inform your course in-charge or call EDI call center at +971 4 263 1100 at least 48 hours in advance to stop the class.

This test enables the Assessment Examiner along with the student's instructor to determine the student's driving skills & understanding. This is conducted only in case you have driving license from home country

Kindly approach the scheduling department in the main Administration building and they will do the needful.

•    Individual Lectures are delivered to the student
•    Immediate Training
•    Pick up and Drop facilities are available
•    Immediate Test Dates
•    Good Passing Ratio

The road safety lecture is lecture no.8 and it is mandatory to take all 8 lectures as per RTA in LMV course. Moreover, the safety hall demonstrations are very useful and beneficial to understand how to keep yourself and your family safe while driving

As per RTA rule, it is mandatory to take all 8 lectures and clear theory test before proceeding with the practical training.

All Beginner students are advised to take simulator classes in order to familiarize themselves with the mechanisms of a real car. It really helps you get the most out of your on-road lessons when they start. Learn to control the car at your own pace in a safe environment before your first on-road lesson. You'll get loads of feedback and we will advise you best ways to deal with tricky situations on road

If the training file has been transferred from another emirate to the emirate of Dubai, in accordance with the requirements specified in Article 89 of the Regulations for the Law of traffic, it is applied to one of the two following courses:

• In case the student didn't reach till the stage of road test (final test) in the other emirate, they will have to undergo all the training and examination requirements for the requested license type contained in the training system in the emirate of Dubai, regardless of the number of training classes received.
• In case the student has gone through all the training and examination procedures in the other emirates and failed the road test, he will be required to take theory test, parking test, assessment test, 8 practical classes and road test.

Note:

Student must undergo examination of knowledge test in the Emirate of Dubai, regardless of whether the result in the same examination in the other emirate was positive. Failing in this test will require attending all 8 lectures before booking for another knowledge test appointment.

To enquire about our Platinum Driving Course, please call on +971 4 2631100 and we will send a customer Service agent to visit your location, as per your convenience, for the registration.

You may also visit any of EDI branch around Dubai or register through EDI’s website – www.edi.ae.

For 20 hours training (40 classes) or for 15 hours training (30 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 30,000.

For 10 hours training (20 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 25,000.

For 4 hours training (8 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 20,000.

This amount will cover entire cost of training until the student gets the license. Irrespective, of the number of classes & tests the students takes to clear the Theory Test, Parking Test, Assessment Test & Road Test or any other test. However, if student is absent for any RTA test, he/she will be charged for it.

Yes, this amount will cover entire cost of training until the student gets the license. Irrespective, of the number of classes & tests the students takes to clear the Theory Test, Parking Test, Assessment Test & Road Test or any other test. However, if student is absent for any RTA test, he/she will be charged for it.

Yes, You can by getting clearance letter and RTA file from other driving institute.

It is a LMV driving course that will be delivered in high-end luxury cars and services that can be customized to suit customer’s needs.

To enquire about our Platinum Driving Course, please call on +971 4 2631100 and we will send a customer Service agent to visit your location, as per your convenience, for the registration.

You may also visit any of EDI branch around Dubai or register through EDI’s website – www.edi.ae.

For 20 hours training (40 classes) or for 15 hours training (30 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 30,000.

For 10 hours training (20 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 25,000.

For 4 hours training (8 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 20,000.

This amount will cover entire cost of training until the student gets the license. Irrespective, of the number of classes & tests the students takes to clear the Theory Test, Parking Test, Assessment Test & Road Test or any other test. However, if student is absent for any RTA test, he/she will be charged for it

Yes, You can by getting clearance letter and RTA file from other driving institute.

To book a test on a Saturday you will have to personally visit EDI’s test department to check availability. An additional fee of AED 100 will be charged for reserving Saturday slot.

Please note, only normal (Sun-Thurs) slot will be booked in case a student fails to visit the department personally.

To book RTA road test on a Saturday, you will have to call RTA helpline no (800 90 90) or check at RTA’s smart screen installed at EDI to check if the date is open or not. If RTA says that the date is open, the student will have to visit EDI’s test department to check availability and book the test. An additional fee of AED 100 will be charged for reserving Saturday slot.

Note: If the slot on Saturday is not available, then the student will have to book test on normal schedule.

In case if Test Dept. informed them that the date for Saturday is close due to more student means its close or student need to go for only Normal date which they can check with RTA 800 90 90 or smart screen.

Yes. There is no grace period for an expired license. You will incur late penalty charges the day after your license expires, even if you are not driving in this period. If you drive with an expired license, you will be fined. If the license is expired for more than 10 years, you will need to retake a driving test.

If you are a Dubai resident and/or UAE national holding a passport issued in Dubai, you will need to have:

1.  Dubai driving license
2. A valid Residence Visa (except UAE Passport holders)
3.  Emirates ID
4.  Passed an Eye Test (the test results should be uploaded online from the optician). Please note: An eye sight test is valid for 1 year.

30 days

Driver's licenses need to be renewed at different periods based on the age and experience of the driver. For new drivers who are under 21 years and have not been licensed before, the license must be renewed 12 months after it is initially issued up until the age of 21. After which, the driver can renew the driver’s license every 10 years

Online - www.rta.ae
RTA Licensing Agency Customer Service Centres located throughout Dubai

Yes. RTA requires you to do an eye test before file opening and is advisable you to wear your eye glasses when driving

Please contact the RTA call centre at 800 90 90

The prices vary depending on the optician and the location. Please contact your optician for pricing

The eye test is valid for one year, so you need to renew your license within a year of taking the eye test.

You will receive your new driver’s license via courier on the date that you have chosen. If you chose to collect it, you can go to the specified RTA Customer Services Centre on the day you chose to collect it. You can also track the progress of your package by visiting www.rta.ae or contacting the call centre on 800 90 90.

You will need to contact the RTA Call Centre on 800 90 90 or check online to see the status of your item

There is a secure payment channel on the RTA website, all information is strictly confidential. Also, the online service supports Visa, MasterCard and eDirham. The online service would have confirmed to you that the transaction was successful and provided you with a transaction confirmation number

The cost of the service is the same as in a Customer Service Centre. If you choose to receive your product by courier, you will be charged the delivery fee which will be included in your service fee. Otherwise, you also have the option to collect your item from an RTA Customer Service centre

Traffic file will be blocked and you will not be able to perform any licensing related transactions. Only fine payment will be allowed.

Vehicle technical inspection to be carried out by an authorised vehicle testing partner. Applicable only to:
1. Vehicles older than three years
2. Pre-Owned Vehicles
3. Imported Vehicles or vehicles purchased from a private enterprises
Please note: Vehicle Technical Inspection is valid for only one month and you are required to renew your vehicle registration within 1 month of the Vehicle Technical Inspection

AED 50

The vehicle is examined at an accredited testing center in the Country and then ratification of the securities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the UAE and then ratification by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs The procedure is completed by renewing the vehicle at a vehicle licensing centre that are throughout Dubai.

The insurance certificate should be valid for more than 6 months, in this situation the vehicle registration will be renewed for 6 months
If the vehicle insurance is valid for less than 6 months, the customer will be asked to bring an insurance certificate that is valid for at least 6 months

The registration renewal deadline is always exactly one year after your vehicle was initially registered. You will be notified by the RTA 1 month prior to expiry via SMS and, depending on your insurance broker, you will also be contacted by the broker. Cars that are less than a year old If you are the second owner of the car that is less than a year old, you will need to renew your vehicle.

If a fine was issued to you on your rental car, your car hire company will pay this. You must contact your rental company for advice. In most cases, the car rental company will pay the fine(s) and will include those costs in their charges to you. With regard to impounding, the car hire company may request you to give your vehicle to them and they will send it for impounding. Kindly note it is at the discretion of the car hire company to issue you a new vehicle afterwards.

Currently, there no additional fees for late payment, it is advised however that your fines be settled as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications in the future. Fine payment will be enforced the next time you attempt to transact with the RTA. You will not be able to transact without clearing (even for vehicle registration renewal) your fines beforehand, for the vehicle you wish to renew.

Black point fines will remain on your record for 12 months after the day the fine was issued, after which the points will be removed from your license. If you accumulate 24 black points or more at any specific time, you driver’s license will be revoked for 12 months.

Currently all fines and fees are charged to the vehicle and all black point fines are issued to the vehicle owner, regardless of who was driving. The owner then has the option to transfer the black points to the driver who was actually driving. Commercial and private customers can transfer black points to the driver who actually committed the violation. If the driver who received the black points has an objection, s/he needs to contact Dubai Police.

You can check your fines using one of the following methods: 1. By calling RTA Call Centre (8009090) or Dubai Police (8007777) 2. You can also check your fines online at www.rta.ae or www.dubaipolice.gov.ae 3. You could also visit any of RTA customer service centres in Dubai 4. Finally, you may check your fines at any Emirates or Dubai Islamic Bank ATM.

Yes, you may log into the Dubai Police website (www.dubaipolice.gov.ae) and register for free notification SMSs and/or e-mails. You will need to provide your vehicle information (plate number, category and code) as well your driver information (traffic file number, name, mobile number and e-mail).

Currently, there is no agreement as to when traffic fines are recorded. The majority of fines issued within Dubai are recorded within 48 hours and notifications are sent immediately. Any traffic fines outside Dubai may require additional time to be received and recorded in Dubai. Hence, a specific timeframe cannot be given as to when these fines will be recorded in Dubai

The system updates itself in real-time and as a result, traffic fines can appear at any time in the day

Currently you can view your fine payment history by visiting any RTA Licensing Agency customer service centre, or by registering with the RTA Licensing Agency online services at (www.rta.ae). You can also call the Call Centre on 8009090