Having a driving license is of vital importance to all today as it is a form of picture identification and also an important link to employment. Let’s have a look at the procedures on how to obtain a driving license in UAE.
If you already have a license and are a citizen of any of the below mentioned 36 countries ,you can use your own driving license without having to attend any training classes .These countries are Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
Citizens of Canada would require a letter from the Canadian consulate and likewise license holders from Greece, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Canada, Turkey, Japan & Korea will require a translation of their driving license from their respective consulates.
However if you are a beginner or donot belong to the above countries , you will have to register for training classes from an authorized driving school in UAE.
Procedures for Driving License in UAE
The preliminary step to apply for a driving license in UAE is to open a file with the Traffic police department of the respective place or Emirates Driving Company.
Documents required :
- A Passport (original & copy) with residence stamp
- Passport photographs
- No-Objection Certificate from employer
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Eye test
After opening your file, there is a compulsory eye test to undergo which can be done either at an optician or the driving school .
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Theory & Practical classes
Next comes a mandatory four day training class which is followed by a written test .
On completion of the theory begins the practical sessions at the driving school .To complete this on time ,it is best to be as flexible as possible with the schedule given to you.Mostly the driving lessons would be held at the driving school yards .
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Internal tests
Once you have finished the practical class, you will have to attend a Parking test Only after passing this test will you receive your Green ID /Temporary Driving card. If you are confident enough to drive on the road ,you can go ahead and ask your school to apply for a date to take the signal test and road test.Otherwise you can take driving lessons from private instructors and practice on the road before appearing for the test.
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Signal Test
The signal test requires you to identify the Traffic signals .If you are not very familiar with computers ,you can opt for a manual test as well.On passing this , you will receive a Pass print out along with a date for the road test .
If you don’t pass the above internal tests, you will have to pay the test-fee & you will be given another new test time and date.
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Road test
For the road test ,be punctual and right on time.Its best to arrive early for the test. There would be authorities from the Police Department to guide you through the test.
After the road test has also been completed successfully ,you will have to submit an application and other required documents to the Traffic & Licensing Department following which you will receive your driving license without much delay. An applicant who already knows driving and has a driver’s license of his native place can skip the driving lessons and go ahead to take his /her road test.
If you don’t pass the road test , you will have to register and pay to take the driving lessons again.
International Driving license
Those who wish to get an International Driving License will have to visit any of the ATCUAE (Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates) offices or the Emirates Post Offices across the country and apply for an International licence.
Listed below are certain links and addresses for further relevant information :-
Emirates Driving Company (EDC)
General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police
International Driving Licenses
Address:
Emirates Driving Company Musaffah – Industrial Area Abu Dhabi PO Box: – 2943
Phone: +971 2 551 1911 Email: info@edcad.ae Website: http://www.edcad.ae
Well explained informative article.