Driving in the UAE can be a unique experience, as the Gulf nation ranks among the top countries globally in the quality of roads. The Emirates is however known for being strict in enforcing traffic laws.

The country of over 9 million people has stringent traffic regulations and imposes substantial fines and penalties for violations but getting a Driving License can be a relatively straightforward process for some, while for others, it might be a little hard, mainly due to pre-requisites.

The procedure of getting a driving License in the Gulf region may depend on many factors, including your nationality and prior driving experience.

In recent years, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai has introduced the Click and Drive initiative to improve driving license services and to ease the migration process to smart and digital platforms.

Authorities digitized the eye testing process by introducing an eye testing service on the go, while residents can perform the procedure online.

The ‘Click and Drive’ initiative allows license aspirants to fill out the registration process online, select their preferred driving institute, and pay the fees for the training packages in person.

Follow these steps to get your driving licence in the UAE

Step 1: Please visit the RTA platform. Here’s the link https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=3704255 and click ‘Apply Now’.

Step 2: Please select if you have a driving license issued by another country. Pick ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Step 3: If you are already holding a license from any other country, you can change your existing driving license to the one accepted in the UAE. Please check the list of certain countries.

In case, if your existing driving list was issued from the country which is not on the list, you first need to register for driving classes.

If you do not have a driving license, click on NO, and start registering for driving classes.

Step 4: Pick the driving licence category, from Light Vehicle Automatic, Light Vehicle (Manual), Motorcycle, and Heavy vehicle

Step 5: The portal will guide you to the required classes and tests you need to take to get a driving license. This includes theory lectures, basic knowledge tests, Eye Tests, Practical training, and Road tests.

Step 6: Once you complete all the above-mentioned steps and pass all steps, you will get a driver's license.

Step 7: At RTA web, you will get the lowest estimated price for the driving classes. For beginners, the basic package costs around AED3,865.

Step 8: It will require your Emirates ID number and expiry date. Enter and proceed with the ‘continue’ button.

Step 9: Enter your contact number. The enter Unified number on your UAE residence visa and your mobile number.

Step 10: The roads and transport authority portal will then share an OTP to your mobile number via SMS. Enter OTP and verify.

Step 11: After entering and verifying all personal details, including profession and sponsor. Enter your email address and select your preferred language.

Step 12: Proceed with the ‘continue’ button and choose the driving institute branch you want to enroll in.

Step 13: After the online process, please visit the driving institute to pay fees and open the learning file.