Exchanging a foreign driving license for a UAE driving license is an essential process for expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates. This guide provides a straightforward and practical overview of the steps involved in exchanging your foreign driving license for a UAE driving license.
Eligibility Check
| Countries Eligible for UAE Driving License Exchange | ||
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Austria | Bahrain |
| Belgium | Canada | Denmark |
| Finland | France | Germany |
| Greece | Ireland | Italy |
| Japan | Kuwait | Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Norway | Oman |
| Poland | Portugal | Qatar |
| Saudi Arabia | South Africa | South Korea |
| Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
| Turkey | United Kingdom | United States |
If your country is not on the list, you may need to undergo additional testing and training.
Required Documents
- Original driving license from your home country
- Valid residency visa in the UAE
- Passport with a valid residency stamp
- Emirates ID card
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor (if required by your emirate)
- Passport-sized photographs (usually 2)
- Eye test results from a recognized optician or driving school
- Completed application form
Steps to Exchange Your License
Additional Tips
- Language Requirements: If your foreign driving license is not in English or Arabic, you may need to provide a legal translation.
- Driving Tests: If your country is not on the list of eligible countries, you might be required to take a theory and practical driving test.
- NOC Requirement: Check with your local traffic department if a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor is required. This requirement can vary by emirate.
- Validity: Ensure your foreign driving license is valid at the time of application.
Last Word
FAQs
Yes, residents from approved countries can exchange their license without taking a driving test.
Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many EU nations are eligible for direct license replacement.
You’ll need your original license, passport, residency visa, Emirates ID, and an eye test certificate.
No, tourists can drive using a valid foreign license or International Driving Permit without converting it.
Getting a UAE driving license can be straightforward for residents with a valid foreign driving license. However, if you don’t have a license from an approved country, you may need to complete driving lessons and pass a driving test, which can be time-consuming and requires passing both a theoretical and practical exam.
To convert your international driving license to a UAE license, you’ll need to:
Visit the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Submit your original foreign driving license, residency permit, and passport.
Provide an eye test certificate from an RTA-approved clinic.
If your country is on the list of countries with an agreement with the UAE, you can directly convert your license without a test; otherwise, you may need to take a driving test.
I just wanted to mention that, you can drive for six month in the UAE with your IDP. If you want to stay in Dubai for longer periods, you will need to change your license with one of the UAE’s.
Thank you for engaging Mark. You are right, for short-term use cases, such as renting a car for your trip or visit, IDP is a perfect option.