Guide to Driving License Conversion for Expats in UAE 

If you have recently shifted to the UAE and are willing to drive, then getting a valid UAE driving license is the most important thing you have to do. The country allows eligible expats to get their existing licenses converted to a UAE license, which makes it quite an easy process. Here's a step-by-step guide that will enable you to go through the process hassle-free.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Not all foreign driving licenses are convertible directly. The list of countries whose licenses can be converted is compiled by the government of the UAE. More often than not, this includes:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Countries that have representation of members include Germany, France in Europe.
• Most of the GCC states, for instance Saudi Arabia and Oman

You can find the updated list on the Roads and Transport Authority official website or on your Emirates transport authority website.

Step 2: Gather all the documents

The following documents are required for the conversion of a driving license.

• Valid, and issued in one of the authorized countries driving license Original.
• Passport and Visa Copy. This is a proof of residence in the UAE.
• Emirates ID: The Emirates ID should be valid.
• Normally, two recent passport-sized photographs should be enough.
• Eye Test Results: Duly done at any RTA-approved clinic or optical center.
• Translation of the License (if required): If the license is in any other language except for English/Arabic, then it must be officially translated.

Step 3: Take an Eye Test

The applicants for license conversion shall, before the license conversion exercise, undergo an eye test by all authorized clinics or optical centers. The result of the eye test shall be directly lodged into the RTA's system. This is one of the conditions of the license conversion applications.

Step 4: Visit Licensing Office Or Apply Online

• Visit any one of the offices of RTA or other service centers, such as Tasjeel, Tamam, Shamil, etc., in your emirate.
• Online - Through Dubai: The RTA portal, either online or via The TAMM portal.

Step 5: Payment of fees

The fees for license conversion vary from one emirate to another. It can be between AED 400 and AED 900, which would include application, translation, and processing fees. It can be paid online or at the service center.

Step 6: Collect your UAE driving license

Once you are cleared, they issue you your new UAE driving license on the same day. Sometimes, you will have to wait a few minutes for verification, especially if more document verification is needed.

Special Notes for Non-eligible Licenses

If your license is from a country not on the approved list, you will need to complete the entire process of obtaining a new license, including:

• Registering with a driving institute
• Completing theory and practical lessons
• Passing the required tests

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long does the process take? 

If all documents are in order, then the process is usually completed on the same day for eligible license. 

Q2. Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) valid in the UAE?

Valid only for tourists and temporary visitors. It is invalid for residents. The resident should convert or get the driving license in UAE. 

Q3. Can my converted license be used in other GCC countries? 

Yes, a UAE driving license is accepted in all the GCC countries.