# UAE Driving Test (RTA) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/uae
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (rakhsat qiyadah / رخصة قيادة) in the United Arab Emirates, covering the RTA theory test, requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. Rules may vary by emirate; this guide focuses primarily on Dubai (RTA) with notes for Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

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## Quick Facts: UAE Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) - Dubai; equivalent authorities in other emirates |
| Questions | 35 multiple choice |
| Time Limit | 30 minutes |
| Pass Mark | 23 correct (65%) |
| Test Fee | AED 200 (RTA test fee) + AED 20 Knowledge/Innovation fee |
| Minimum Age | 17 years (light vehicles, effective March 2025) |
| Test Language | Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, and others |
| Theory Validity | Must complete process within training file validity |
| License Validity | 2 years (initial, age 21+), 1 year (under 21) |
| Renewal Validity | 10 years (UAE/GCC citizens), 5 years (residents 21+) |

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## Step-by-Step: How to Get a UAE Driving License

### Step 1: Check Eligibility and Gather Documents
- Emirates ID (Huwiyyah / هوية)
- Valid passport and residence visa
- Eye test certificate from approved center (AED 100)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photos
- Must meet minimum age requirement (17 for light vehicles)

### Step 2: Open a Training File at an Approved Driving School
- Register at an RTA-approved driving institute (e.g., Emirates Driving Institute, Al Ahli, Belhasa, Galadari)
- File opening fee: AED 200
- Learning application fee: AED 100
- Handbook/manual: AED 50
- Select training package based on experience level

### Step 3: Complete Theory Classes and Pass Theory Test
- Attend 8 mandatory theory classes (can be in-person or online)
- Theory test: 35 multiple choice questions
- Must score 23 out of 35 (65%) to pass
- 30 minutes time limit
- Available in multiple languages
- Covers road signs, traffic rules, and hazard awareness

### Step 4: Complete Practical Driving Lessons
- Number of lessons depends on experience:
  - No prior experience: 40 lessons
  - Some experience: 20-30 lessons
  - License from non-exchange country: 20 lessons
- Internal assessment tests at driving school
- Parking test (internal)

### Step 5: Pass the RTA Road Test
- Final practical assessment by RTA examiner
- Conducted in real traffic conditions
- Approximately 15-20 minutes
- Must demonstrate safe driving, proper use of signals, lane discipline
- Includes parking maneuvers

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## RTA Theory Test Topics

### Traffic Signs (Isharat Murur / إشارات مرور)
1. **Warning signs** - Triangle shape, white with red border
2. **Prohibitory signs** - Circular, white with red border
3. **Mandatory signs** - Circular, blue background
4. **Informational signs** - Rectangular, blue/green
5. **Guide signs** - Motorway direction signs
6. **Construction zone signs** - Orange/yellow temporary signs

### Priority and Road Rules
- Roundabout traffic has priority (vehicles inside the roundabout)
- Emergency vehicles always have priority
- School bus stopping rules must be followed
- Flashing headlights are commonly used but officially discouraged
- Right turn on red is NOT permitted unless specifically marked

### Speed Limits in the UAE
| Road Type | Light Vehicles | Trucks | Buses |
|-----------|---------------|--------|-------|
| Urban/residential areas | 40-60 km/h | 40-60 km/h | 40-60 km/h |
| Internal roads | 60-80 km/h | 60-80 km/h | 60-80 km/h |
| City highways | 100-120 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Intercity highways | 120-140 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h |

**Emirates-specific notes:**
- **Dubai:** Maximum 120 km/h on most highways; 20 km/h buffer before radar fine
- **Abu Dhabi:** Maximum 140 km/h on some highways; zero-tolerance speed enforcement (no buffer)
- **Sharjah:** 20 km/h buffer like Dubai
- **2025 update:** Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E11) reduced from 160 to 140 km/h

### Alcohol Limits
- All drivers: 0.0% BAC (zero tolerance / tsamuh sifri / تسامح صفري)
- The UAE enforces absolute zero tolerance for alcohol while driving
- Any detectable alcohol level results in severe penalties
- Penalties include: heavy fines, imprisonment, license revocation, vehicle confiscation
- This applies to all emirates uniformly

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## Vehicle Equipment in the UAE

1. **Fire extinguisher (tafiyat hareek / طفاية حريق)** - Mandatory in Abu Dhabi; required to pass annual vehicle inspection in all emirates; 1-2 kg ABC dry powder recommended
2. **First aid kit (haqibat is'afat awwaliyyah / حقيبة إسعافات أولية)** - Recommended by all emirates
3. **Warning triangle (muthallath tahdhir / مثلث تحذير)** - Required for roadside breakdowns
4. **Reflective vest** - Recommended for roadside emergencies
5. **Seatbelts (hizam al-aman / حزام الأمان)** - Mandatory for all occupants
6. **Child safety seats** - Mandatory for children under specified age
7. **Valid registration card (istimarat al-markabah / استمارة المركبة)** and insurance

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## UAE License Types

| License Category | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|-----------------|----------|-------------|
| Motorcycle | Motorcycles | 17 years |
| Light Vehicle (LMV) | Cars up to 3,500 kg | 17 years (since March 2025) |
| Light Bus | Minibuses up to 26 passengers | 21 years |
| Heavy Bus | Buses over 26 passengers | 21 years |
| Light Truck | Trucks 2,700-15,000 kg | 20 years |
| Heavy Truck | Trucks over 15,000 kg | 20 years |
| Forklift | Forklifts and industrial vehicles | 20 years |
| Tractor | Agricultural tractors | 20 years |

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## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Not understanding zero tolerance alcohol rule
2. Confusing speed limits between different emirates
3. Incorrect answers on roundabout priority rules
4. Not knowing safe following distance rules
5. Failing to understand school zone speed restrictions
6. Incorrectly answering questions about mobile phone use while driving
7. Not understanding lane discipline on multi-lane highways

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## Costs Breakdown 2026

| Item | Cost (AED) |
|------|-----------|
| Eye test | 100 |
| Training file opening | 200 |
| Learning application | 100 |
| Handbook/manual | 50 |
| RTA theory test fee | 200 |
| Knowledge & Innovation fee | 20 |
| Driving lessons (new driver, ~40 lessons) | 3,000-6,000 |
| Internal assessments | Included in school package |
| RTA road test fee | 200 |
| License issuance | 300 |
| Total for new drivers | 4,500-7,500 |
| Total for license exchange (eligible countries) | 570-850 |

**Abu Dhabi costs:** Total approximately AED 3,000-6,000 for new drivers.

Note: Driving school package prices vary by institute and number of lessons required. Retake fees apply if tests are failed.

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## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips
1. Study the official RTA handbook thoroughly
2. Practice with official RTA theory test simulators
3. Focus on road signs - they make up a significant portion of questions
4. Learn the zero tolerance alcohol rule and its penalties
5. Understand speed limits for different vehicle types and roads
6. Study hazard perception scenarios carefully

### Practical Test Tips (Road Test)
1. Practice extensively with your driving school instructor
2. Check mirrors and blind spots consistently
3. Maintain proper lane discipline at all times
4. Signal well in advance of any lane change or turn
5. Observe speed limits precisely (especially in test areas)
6. Practice parking maneuvers until they are smooth and confident

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## Converting a Foreign License to UAE

### Countries Eligible for Direct Exchange (No Test Required)
As of 2025, approximately 52-57 countries are eligible for license exchange, including:

**GCC Countries:** Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar

**European Countries:** United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, and others

**Other Countries:** United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, and others

### Exchange Process
- Must be a resident of the emirate where applying
- Valid Emirates ID linked to the emirate
- Valid foreign license (with certified translation if not in English/Arabic)
- Eye test at approved center
- Standard fee: approximately AED 570-850
- Many approved same day, often within a few hours
- Electronic license via TAMM app (Abu Dhabi) or RTA app (Dubai)

### Non-Eligible Countries
- Must enroll in approved driving school
- Complete reduced lesson plan (typically 20 lessons)
- Pass theory and practical tests
- Full process required

### Important Notes
- Each emirate has its own authority (RTA in Dubai, ITC in Abu Dhabi, etc.)
- Some rules and fees vary by emirate
- License must be from a recognized/authorized country
- Golden Visa holders may have streamlined processes

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## Regional Differences by Emirate

| Aspect | Dubai (RTA) | Abu Dhabi (ITC) | Other Emirates |
|--------|------------|----------------|----------------|
| Speed enforcement | 20 km/h buffer | Zero tolerance | Varies |
| Max highway speed | 120 km/h | 140 km/h | 100-120 km/h |
| Fire extinguisher | Required for inspection | Legally mandatory | Required for inspection |
| Training authority | RTA | ITC/TAMM | Local authorities |

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the UAE RTA theory test?
The RTA theory test has 35 multiple choice questions covering road signs, traffic rules, and hazard awareness. You need 23 correct answers (65%) to pass. The test is 30 minutes long and available in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, and other languages.

### Can I drink any alcohol before driving in the UAE?
Absolutely not. The UAE has zero tolerance (0.0% BAC) for alcohol while driving. Any detectable alcohol results in severe penalties including heavy fines, imprisonment, license revocation, and potential vehicle confiscation. This applies in all seven emirates.

### What is the minimum driving age in the UAE?
As of March 2025, the minimum age for a light vehicle license was reduced from 18 to 17 years across all seven emirates. For motorcycles, the minimum is also 17. For heavy vehicles and buses, the minimum is 20-21 years.

### How much does it cost to get a driving license in the UAE?
For new drivers with no prior experience, the total cost is approximately AED 4,500-7,500 in Dubai, including driving school, RTA fees, and tests. For those exchanging a foreign license from an eligible country, the cost is approximately AED 570-850.

### How long is the UAE driving license valid?
A new license is valid for 2 years (if aged 21+) or 1 year (if under 21). Upon renewal, UAE and GCC citizens receive a 10-year license, while residents aged 21+ receive a 5-year license.

### Can I exchange my foreign license in the UAE?
Approximately 52-57 countries are eligible for direct license exchange without tests. These include GCC countries, most European nations, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others. Check with the relevant authority in your emirate for the current list.

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## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - UAE Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/uae
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

Official Authorities:
- RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae
- Abu Dhabi ITC: https://www.tamm.abudhabi
- UAE Government Portal: https://u.ae
Emergency Numbers: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 997 (Fire)

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check the RTA or relevant emirate authority websites.