Key takeaways
- Visitors from a list of countries set by the RTA can drive on their home licence; everyone else needs a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their home licence.
- Licences from around 57 countries can be exchanged for a UAE licence without tests; others, including Iranian licences, cannot.
- Once you become a UAE resident, you must get a UAE driving licence to keep driving.
- The RTA's Golden Chance scheme lets holders of a valid foreign licence skip the mandatory lessons and go straight to the theory and road tests.
Driving in Dubai as a visitor
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allows visitors from certain countries to drive on their home licence. If your country is not on that list, you need a valid International Driving Permit, presented with your original licence and passport.
An IDP must be issued in the country that issued your licence, so get it before you travel; you cannot obtain one after arriving in the UAE.
Renting a car in Dubai
Car rental companies in Dubai usually ask visitors for:
- A passport with a valid UAE visa or entry stamp
- Your home driving licence
- An International Driving Permit, if your country is not on the RTA's list
- A credit card or security deposit
Minimum age and driving experience depend on the company and car class, especially for luxury cars. Check the conditions before you book.
Residents: getting a UAE driving licence
Once you hold UAE residence, you can no longer drive on a visitor basis and need a UAE licence. Holders of licences from around 57 countries can exchange them without tests; if your licence is not on the list, it cannot be exchanged.
In that case there are two routes: the standard driving-school route with theory and practical lessons and tests, or the Golden Chance scheme.
What is Golden Chance?
Golden Chance is an RTA scheme that lets residents with a valid licence from a non-exchange country skip the mandatory lessons and go straight to the knowledge (theory) test and the road test.
You get only one attempt: if you fail, you must follow the standard driving-school route. The total cost, including file opening, eye test, tests and licence issuance, is usually between AED 2,500 and 3,500.
Steps to a Dubai licence with Golden Chance
- 1Prepare your valid foreign licence and a legal translation, plus copies of your passport, residence visa and Emirates ID.
- 2Register with an RTA-approved driving school and ask to open a traffic file.
- 3Take the eye test.
- 4Take the knowledge (theory) test, available in several languages including English and Arabic.
- 5Take the road test.
- 6If you pass, your UAE driving licence is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Dubai with a foreign licence?
Visitors from RTA-listed countries can drive on their home licence; others need an International Driving Permit together with their home licence. Residents must get a UAE licence.
Can every foreign licence be exchanged in the UAE?
No. Only licences from around 57 countries can be exchanged without tests. Others, including Iranian licences, require tests; Golden Chance shortens this route.
How much does a Dubai licence cost with Golden Chance?
Usually between AED 2,500 and 3,500, including the file, eye test, tests and licence issuance. The exact amount depends on the driving school.
What happens if I fail the Golden Chance test?
You only get one attempt. After failing, you must follow the standard driving-school route with mandatory lessons.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Dubai as a visitor?
Your passport and visa, your home licence, an International Driving Permit if required, and a credit card or deposit.
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