Each emirate has its own licensing authority: RTA in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Police through TAMM in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Police in Sharjah. The steps are similar: open a traffic file, do an eye test, train at an approved institute, then pass the theory and road tests. The fees below are Dubai's, copied from RTA's service cards. Last checked: Oct 2026.
Exchange or Golden Chance?
When you apply, RTA's system checks the licence you already hold. If it is exchangeable, you swap it. If it is not, RTA offers a one-time Golden Chance: you take the knowledge and road tests with no training hours. If you fail the road test, you must take the training hours, but not the theory part. RTA's system decides eligibility from the licence details you enter. We do not publish a list of countries.
RTA also says a Golden Visa holder with a valid licence from any country does not need training courses.
Official RTA fees (Dubai)
- Traffic file: AED 200.
- Learning permit (light vehicle): AED 100.
- Handbook: AED 50.
- Electronic eye test: AED 140 to AED 180.
- Knowledge test: AED 220 (AED 200 plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee).
- Road test: AED 220 (AED 200 plus AED 20).
- Instant test for unexchangeable licences and Golden Chance: AED 420.
- New licence: AED 100 if under 21, AED 300 if 21 or older, plus AED 20.
- Rescheduling to an earlier available slot: AED 320.
If you miss a test date, you pay the test fee again. Your training file is suspended if you do not take a test within 6 months of your last appointment. Training packages are priced by each institute, and RTA does not set them.
RTA-accredited driving institutes in Dubai
RTA lists these accredited institutes: Al Ahli Driving Centre, Belhasa Driving Centre, Bin Yaber Driving Institute, Dubai Driving Centre, Emirates Driving Institute, Emirates Transport Driving Institute, Excellence Driving and Galadari Driving Centre. We do not rank them. Compare branch location, class timings, women's classes and the full written price on each institute's own site.
Which option suits whom
- You already drive in Pakistan and you are confident: try the Golden Chance first. You get one attempt with no lessons.
- You are new to driving: take the normal training route at an accredited institute.
- You live in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah: use that emirate's authority. Abu Dhabi's licensing is on TAMM. Fees there are on the official portal, and we do not copy them.