Step-by-Step Guide to Schedule a Dubai RTA Driving Test

Most people say that getting their Dubai driving license is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while blindfolded, which is not how it should feel. 

We’ve seen hundreds of confused applicants spend AED 5,000 instead of the expected AED 3,000 because they clicked the wrong buttons or didn’t see hidden fees that no one told them about. 

Others, on the other hand, waste 4 to 6 months going back and forth between driving schools and RTA offices when the whole thing should only take 8 to 12 weeks.

In this full guide, we will go through every step of getting a driver’s license in Dubai, from checking to see if you meet the requirements (you must be at least 17.5 years old) to getting your physical license and legally driving on Sheikh Zayed Road. 

Am I Ready to Book My Dubai RTA Driving Test? (Eligibility Check)

Dubai has rules about who can take the test and when they can do it. Let’s see if you meet the requirements.

Dubai RTA Driving Test Age Requirements

To start the process, you have to be at least 17.5 years old. But you can’t get your real license until you turn 18.

Also, there are different age rules for commercial licenses:

• Light commercial vehicles: At least 21 years old
• Heavy vehicles and buses: Minimum 23 years old
• Public transport drivers: Minimum 25 years old

Additionally, if you’re under 21, your parents or legal guardian must give you written permission to take the driving course.

Dubai RTA Driving Test Health and Vision Requirements

The RTA needs you to take medical and eye tests to make sure you can drive safely on Dubai roads.

First, you need a general medical check that includes:

• Physical fitness: Are you able to use the pedals and steering wheel?
• Mental health: basic cognitive evaluation
• Heart condition: blood pressure and a basic heart check

Meanwhile, the eye test checks several things, such as:

• Vision clarity: Can you see road signs clearly?
• Color recognition: important for traffic lights
• Peripheral vision: side vision for safe lane changes
• Night vision: essential for evening driving

It’s fine to wear glasses or contact lenses. Just bring them to the test and make sure your prescription is up to date.

Do You Have Any Special Needs?

There are programs just for you if you have a disability or special needs.

This is how the process works:

• At first, ask a doctor who is approved to write you a detailed medical report.
• After that, the driving school makes a training plan just for you.
• They might also change vehicles by adding special controls if necessary.
• Last but not least, your test is changed to fit your skills.

Here are some examples of accommodations:

• Hand controls for those who are unable to use foot pedals
• Steering wheels that have been changed so that the arms can’t move much
• Extra time for training for people with learning disabilities
• Sign language interpreters for people with hearing loss

What Documents Do I Need for the Dubai RTA Driving Test?

If you get your paperwork right the first time, you won’t have to go to government offices more than once. 

For UAE Nationals

Life is simpler if you’re Emirati. You need just one main document: the Current UAE ID. 

However, make sure your Emirates ID isn’t expired or about to expire. If it expires during your driving course, you’ll face delays in getting your license.

Additionally, bring:

• Copy of Emirates ID: for driving school records
• 4 passport-size photos: white background, recent photos
• Medical and eye test results: from approved centers

For Expats and Residents

Foreign residents need more documentation to prove their legal status in the UAE.

Complete Document Checklist:

Essential documents you must bring:

• Emirates ID: original plus one clear copy
• Passport: original plus a copy of the page with your photo
• UAE residence visa: copy of the visa page from your passport
• Entry stamp: copy of your most recent UAE entry stamp

Additionally required:

• 4 passport-size photos: white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Medical certificate: from an RTA-approved medical center
• Eye test results: from authorized optical center
• No objection letter: from your sponsor (when required)

How to Book Your Dubai RTA Test Through the RTA Website?

Let’s walk through the official RTA website method step by step. 

Step 1: Go to The RTA Service Page

First, head to the RTA service page. When the page loads, you’ll see a description of the main service. On the right side of your screen, you should see a bright red “Apply Now” button.

When you click “Apply Now,” you’ll be taken to the page where you can verify your identity. There are three ways to log in to Dubai:

• Emirates ID: the old-fashioned way that uses your real ID card
• Passport: It is for those who don’t have an Emirates ID yet
• UAE Pass: the new way to prove who you are online.

There’s also a blue box at the top that says you need to register or update your traffic file. 

If you already have it set up, UAE Pass is usually the quickest way to go. 

Step 2: Log in to UAE Pass (The Best Way)

Click on the UAE Pass option, and the system will take you to a clean login page with the UAE Pass logo.

There will be a text box that asks for:

• Emirates ID number
• Email address
• Phone number (format: 971500000000)

If you’re using your own device, check the box that says “Remember me.” But if you’re using a public computer or someone else’s device, don’t do it.

Click the blue “Login” button after you fill out your information.

Step 3: Check the Mobile App

You will see a verification screen with a number, such as “17” in the example, and it is only for your login attempt.

Now you need to:

• Start the UAE Pass app on your phone.
• Check for a login request or notification.
• Make sure the number on the screen matches the one you see.
• Tap approve in your mobile app.

The website will also say “Waiting for your confirmation” with a small loading icon. 

Step 4: Get to the Account Dashboard

Now you can see all of your profile information once verification is complete. This screen shows everything the RTA system knows about you.

Your Personal Card Display:

• Full name (like “Mohamed Ahmed Ebrahim Ahmed Abdulla”)
• ID number for the Emirates 
• Date of ID expiration: January 18, 2028
• Mobile number

Additional Information Panel:

• Nationality: shows your country (Bahrain, UAE, etc.)
• Profession: might show “None” if not specified
• Sponsor’s Name: usually shows “-” for most people
• Profile Type: typically “GCC Citizen” or similar

In addition, you’ll see fields where you can update your:

Email address: Make sure this is up to date so you can get booking confirmations.

Preferred Choose a language: Arabic, English, or another option

Enter your email and then click the blue “Next” button to go to the booking section.

Important Notice: The bottom of the screen says that ICP (Federal Authority for Identity) gave them the personal information. Generally, the RTA can’t change your basic information, so if you see any mistakes, you’ll have to go to an ICP office to fix them.

Step 5: Fill Out Your Personal Information

You’ll still be on the same page after you click “Next,” but the status will have changed. On the left sidebar, “Identity Verification” now says “Completed” with a green checkmark, and “Personal Information” says “Ongoing” in orange.

This means that you are now filling out your personal information. Make sure your:

• Email address is correct and active
• Preferred language matches what you want for communications
• All information matches your Emirates ID exactly
• Click the blue “Next” button at the bottom once everything looks good.

Step 6: Your Personal Dashboard

After you fill out your personal information, the system takes you to your main dashboard. This is your RTA home base, where everything that has to do with driving is.

Your name will be easy to see, and there is a blue button with three dots next to it that says “Driver Licensing Services” below that.

In addition, the middle part has an important message that says, “You don’t have a driver’s license yet.” It says “Would you like to apply for a new one?” right below.

To keep going with your application, click the blue “Apply for or Manage a Driving Licence” button.

Step 7: Health Certificate Process

You can now go to the health declaration part. On the left side of the page, you’ll see 3 steps and the words “Doctor Health Certificate.”

• Review (currently active)
• Payment (pending)
• Confirmation (pending)

The screen says, “Do you have any health problems that could make it hard for you to drive?”

You can choose between two options:

• “No, I don’t have any health issues” (selected by default with a green checkmark)
• “Yes, I have health issues and need to do a checkup.”

Read carefully the blue information box that says, “Your answer should be honest and reflect your actual health.” Lying can get you in trouble with the law.

Click the blue “Next” button after choosing your answer to go to the payment page.

Step 8: License Application Questions

Before you can book the test, you’ll have to answer another important question. 

The main question is, “Do you have a valid driver’s license from a country other than the UAE?”

There are two buttons:

• “Yes” (filled in blue if you have a foreign license) 
• “No” (outlined if you’re a complete beginner)

If you click “Yes”, the system checks if your country qualifies for direct license exchange, but if you click “No”, you’ll go through the full testing process (Knowledge, Yard, Road tests)

Step 9: Pick the Type of Driving License You Want

You will have 4 choices, and they include:

1. Light Vehicle Automatic 

This option lets you drive automatic cars, which is the easiest way to learn how to drive. No clutch pedal to worry about, and no problems with shifting gears.

Most beginners choose this because:

• Traffic jams in Dubai are much easier to deal with.
• Most rental cars around the world are automatic.
• Training takes less time than driving a manual.

Is great for people who want to drive regular family cars, SUVs, and most other cars you see on Dubai roads.

2. Light Vehicle Manual 

If you drive a manual, you’ll learn how to use the clutch and gear stick. 

Training costs the same as automatic, but you should expect to spend more time learning how to control the clutch and change gears smoothly.

3. Motorcycle 

Two wheels, different rules, and a whole new adventure. There is a whole world just for motorcycle licenses.

Some of the most important requirements are:

• At least 18 years old
• A separate theory test that focused on motorcycle safety
• Special protective gear is required during all training
• Different traffic rules apply to motorcycles
• Motorcycle training also takes place at certain schools that have their own tracks. 

4. Heavy Vehicle

This test includes buses, trucks, and other vehicles used for business, and only professional drivers can use this path.

Heavy vehicle training requires: 

• Minimum age of 21-23 years, depending on vehicle size
• Extensive medical checks, including heart and vision tests
• Training periods lasting 3-4 months sometimes
• Costs are much higher because of the specialized equipment.

All prices are just estimates and may change depending on the packages and training you choose. So, depending on what you really need, the AED 3,280 you saw earlier could go up or down. 

Step 10: Finde Your Driving School

Click on the button that says “Explore Branches” in blue.

When you click “Explore Branches” on a school, a new window opens up that shows you all the places where that school is located.

There are two tabs in the pop-up:

• Packages: shows prices
• Facilities: shows what each branch has to offer

Each branch shows:

• First date for a road test appointment
• Blue the “Select” button to choose that location

Choose the branch that is closest to your home or office. Dubai traffic can be terrible, so where you are is more important than you might think.

Step 11: Go Over Everything Again and Make Sure It’s All Correct

After you pick a branch, go to the review screen. This is your last chance to check everything one more time before you sign.

Then, your whole journey is ahead of you. The same seven icons show up again, but this time they’re just for the path you’ve chosen:

• Eye Test: Required (you’ll need to make a separate appointment for this)
• Theory Lectures: 8 hours of class time
• Knowledge Test: Required (the test with 40 questions)
• Practical Training: (20) hours minimum
• Yard Test: necessary (test of parking skills)
• Road Test: Required (last driving test)
• Get Your Driving License: Required (get your real license)

Step 12: Submit Your Final Application

You can send in your application after you flip the switch to agree. The algorithm takes care of everything and moves you to the next step, which is confirmation.

You even see everything that is marked as “Completed” in the left sidebar with green checkmarks:

• Q1: Your Current Driving License ✓
• Q2: Driving License Eligibility ✓
• Q3: Existing Driving License Details ✓ (marked “Not Required”)
• Q4: Application Details ✓
• Q5: Review and Confirm ✓
• Only Q6: Confirmation remains, showing “Ongoing” in orange.

Well done! Now you see a green checkmark and a message that says, “Congratulations, you have successfully submitted your application for a new driving license.”

3 Other Ways For RTA Road Test Booking

Besides the above methods, there are also 3 other methods you can use to submit your RTA road test.

Method 1: RTA Dubai App (The Quick and Easy Way)

This app method is definitely the fastest option. 

Download and Setup:

First, grab the “RTA Dubai” app from:

• Android users: Google Play Store
• iPhone users: Apple App Store

The download is completely free and takes around 2 minutes. After installation, you’ll need these details:

• Your learning form number
• Date of birth
• Phone number for verification

Additionally, the app works with UAE Pass if you have it. 

Dubai RTA Driving Test Booking Process:

Open the app, then tap “Book Driving Test Appointment.” You’ll see a calendar showing available dates:

• Green slots: available for booking
• Red slots: already taken by other students
• Grey slots: not available for your test type

Next, pick your preferred date and time. If you’re booking a knowledge test, choose your language from the dropdown menu. Currently, tests are available in Arabic, English, and Urdu.

Payment also happens instantly through your credit card, and the entire process usually takes 3-4 minutes maximum. Afterward, you get both SMS and email confirmation with all your appointment details.

Method 2: Smart Screens at Driving Schools (Touch and Go)

You may find these big touch-screen machines at every driving school. They work like big tablets, and to be honest, they’re not too hard to use once you get the hang of them.

Where to Look for These Machines:

All of the approved driving schools have at least one smart screen. You can usually find them near the front desk or the customer service desk. They look like this:

• Large tablet screens (about the size of a small TV)
• Mounted on metal stands
• Usually have the RTA logo displayed

Also, the screens work during school hours:

• Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 10 PM
• On weekends, the hours are 8 AM to 8 PM, but this can change depending on where you are.

Beyond that, if you’re having trouble with the app or website, these screens are a good backup option.

Important Pre-Payment Requirements:

• Go to the front desk and pay AED 200 for the test and AED 20 for the innovation.
• Get a receipt that has a number on it
• Bring this receipt to the smart screen.
• To finish your booking, just enter the reference number.

Method 3: Directly at Driving Institutes (Face-to-Face Service)

Sometimes talking to a real person beats clicking buttons on screens. Going directly to a driving institute gives you personal help and immediate answers to your questions.

Complete List of Approved Institutes by Area

Dubai has many driving schools across different neighborhoods. Here’s where you can go:

Al Qusais Area:

• Emirates Driving Institute: 04-2631100
• Excellence Driving Centre: 600515154
• Belhasa Driving Centre: 8002354272

Al Quoz Area:

• Dubai Driving Centre: 04-3236000
• Al Ahli Driving Centre: 04-2029666
• Galadari Motor Driving Centre: 600595956

Jumeirah Area:

• Dubai Driving Centre: 04-3455855
• Emirates Driving Institute: 04-2631100

Other Key Locations:

• Jebel Ali: multiple institutes, including Belhasa and Al Ahli
• Dubai Investment Park: Dubai International Driving Centre
• Hatta: Emirates Driving Institute (04-2311916)

Which Tests Each Location Offers

Most institutes provide all three test types, but some specialize in certain areas:

• All tests available: Emirates Driving, Dubai Driving Centre, Belhasa locations
• Motorcycle tests: Excellence (Al Qusais), Belhasa (Al Wasl), Dubai Driving (Port Rashid)
• Heavy vehicle tests: Galadari, Belhasa (Jebel Ali), Emirates Transport
• VIP services: available at most locations for light vehicles only (costs AED 2,600)

Plus, some smaller branches might have limited test availability, so calling ahead saves disappointment.

Contact Information and What to Bring

Call the school you want to go to before you leave to make sure they have openings. Take these things with you:

• Emirates ID (original, not a copy)
• Learning permit number (write it down or save it on your phone)
• Payment method – cash or credit card, both work fine
• Pen for filling in any forms

Furthermore, processing typically takes 5-10 minutes once you reach the counter. Staff members will show you available dates and help you pick the best time slot that fits your schedule.

Method 4: Customer Happiness Centre (For Special Situations)

This choice is mostly for people who are in special situations. You won’t need this for regular bookings, but when certain things happen, it’s the only option you have.

When You Have to Use This Option

There are times when you need to go to the Customer Happiness Center in person:

• Suspended or revoked license 
• The license has expired for more than ten years, and you need to take a special evaluation test.
• Didn’t get a license within a year of passing the road test
• Problems with verifying documents that can’t be fixed online 
• Golden visa holders with special needs

Also, the center takes care of complicated cases that automated systems can’t handle. Sometimes, online systems turn down applications for reasons that only people can fix.

Special Cases and Requirements

The evaluation test is the main reason most people end up here. If your license expired more than 10 years ago, you need this special assessment before getting your license back.

There are different rules for men and women:

• Female candidates: Dubai Driving Center, Al Qusais branch
• Male candidates: Emirates Driving Center, Al Qusais branch

Furthermore, bring all required documents because the staff needs to verify everything manually:

• Emirates ID (original and copy)
• Passport with visa page (copy)
• 4 passport-size photos
• Previous license copy (if available)
• Medical report (for some cases)

Location and Timing

The Customer Happiness Centre works from the Deira location with these hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM (shorter weekend hours)

Also, don’t go there during peak hours, which are from 9 AM to 11 AM, when the lines are longest. Usually, the wait times are shorter in the early morning or just before closing.

Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes per case, depending on how busy the center is and how complicated the case is. 

Where and How to Get Vision Test Results?

Your eye test must come from an RTA-approved optical center. Approved centers include:

• Al Zahra Hospital: multiple Dubai locations
• Mediclinic: City Centre and other branches
• Dubai Hospital: government option, usually cheaper
• Prime Medical Center: several locations across Dubai

What the Vision Test Covers

• Distance vision clarity
• Color blindness check
• Peripheral vision assessment
• Night vision evaluation (for some license types)

Vision Test Cost and Processing

• Typical cost: AED 100 to AED 150
• Processing time: results are usually ready in 15-20 minutes
• Validity: results valid for 3 months from test date

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the test. The results will specify that you need corrective lenses while driving.

How Much Will RTA Road Test Booking Cost Me?

Let’s get right to the numbers because money talks. 

Dubai RTA Driving Test Online Registration Fees

Registering for the RTA website is free. But you’ll have to pay right away after you finish your online application.

Service	Cost	When You Pay
Learning file opening	AED 200	At the driving school enrollment
Learning permit issuance	AED 100	Same day as file opening
Innovation and knowledge fee	AED 20	With each RTA test

Most people pay AED 320 upfront just to get started with their driving school registration.

Dubai RTA Driving Test Medical Costs

Before touching any steering wheel, Dubai wants to make sure you’re fit to drive. These medical checks aren’t optional.

Test Type	Price Range	Where to Get It	Validity Period
General medical checkup	AED 150-200	Approved medical centers	6 months
Eye test	AED 100-150	Authorized optical centers	3 months
Special medical (commercial licenses)	AED 300-500	Designated hospitals	1 year

Additionally, some medical centers offer package deals for both tests together, usually saving you AED 50-100.

Dubai RTA Driving School Package Costs

Different schools charge different amounts, but the base packages are surprisingly similar across Dubai.

School Name	Starting Price	What’s Included
Belhasa Driving Center	AED 1,306	Basic package with minimum training
Emirates Driving Institute	AED 1,054	Lowest starting price option
Dubai Driving Centre	AED 1,550	Mid-range package with extras
Excellence Driving Center	AED 1,540	Similar to the Dubai Driving Centre

However, these starting prices don’t always tell the whole story. Most people end up paying 20–30% more because of:

• Extra training hours needed
• Retaking failed tests
• Additional practice sessions
• Weekend or evening class premiums

Dubai RTA Driving Test Fees

Every official RTA test costs the same amount regardless of which driving school you choose.

Test Type	RTA Fee	Innovation Fee	Total Cost
Knowledge Test	AED 200	AED 20	AED 220
Yard Test	AED 200	AED 20	AED 220
Road Test	AED 200	AED 20	AED 220
All three tests	AED 600	AED 60	AED 660

If you need translation services for the knowledge test, add another AED 420 to your total.

Dubai RTA Driving Test Rescheduling Costs 

Life happens, so here’s what changing your test date actually costs:

Rescheduling Type	Cost	Time Limit	Notes
Postponing (delay)	FREE	24+ hours before the test	No penalty if done early enough
Preponing (earlier date)	AED 300	Anytime slots are available	Expensive but sometimes necessary
Missing test completely	Full fee lost		Must pay AED 220 again for a new booking
Emergency cancellation	Case by case		Contact RTA directly

Dubai RTA Driving Test Hidden Costs

Beyond test fees, several other charges can catch you off guard:

Situation	Penalty/Cost	Additional Requirements
License not collected within 1 year	AED 220 (evaluation test)	Must retake assessment
License expired 10+ years	AED 500 renewal penalty	Plus evaluation test (AED 220)
License suspended	AED 3,000 rehabilitation	Plus new tests if required
Failed road test 5 times	AED 220 evaluation test	At the driving institute

In the end, you might fall somewhere in the middle and will need to spend around AED 2,500-3,000 total.

How to Choose the Best RTA Driving Test Timing?

Dubai traffic has its own personality, and smart test takers work with it, not against it.

Ideal Timing:

• 10 AM to 12 PM: light traffic, good visibility
• 2 PM to 4 PM: post-lunch calm, roads less crowded
• Sunday mornings: quietest roads of the week
• Mid-week slots (Tuesday-Thursday): consistent traffic patterns

Meanwhile, avoid these tricky times:

• 7 AM to 9 AM: rush hour madness
• 5 PM to 7 PM: evening traffic chaos
• Friday afternoons: everyone heading to weekend activities
• During Ramadan evenings: unpredictable traffic patterns around iftar

Consider the season too. Winter months (November to March) offer better driving conditions with cooler temperatures and clearer skies.

How Far in Advance Should You Book for the RTA Driving Test?

Planning ahead helps you relax and gives you more options for slots. But don’t book too early and then not be ready.

• Book 1 to 2 weeks in advance for the knowledge test. This gives you enough time to study and get good time slots.
• Make sure to book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for the Yard Test. It’s easy to book a parking test, especially at well-known places like Emirates Driving and Dubai Driving Centre.
• If you can, book Road Test 3–4 weeks in advance. There is a lot of demand for road tests, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Some schools also give group discounts if more than one family member books at the same time. When you make a reservation, ask about this.

Peak Times to Avoid

• August and September are the back-to-school months, when parents and students are all in a hurry.
• Before the summer break (April to May), everyone wants to get their licenses before they go on vacation.
• The New Year period (December to January) is when driving schools get busy with people making resolutions.
• Weekend reservations always fill up first, no matter what time of year it is.

Moreover, government salary payment dates (usually the end of each month) create booking spikes as people suddenly have money for tests.

Dubai RTA VIP Driving Test Testing Services

You get the royal treatment for AED 2,600. But does being rich really help you pass?

What you really get for AED 2,600:

• Private testing facility with no crowds and in a quieter place
• A dedicated examiner will give you their full attention during your test. 
• A premium waiting area that has comfortable seating and snacks.
• Express processing with faster results and less paperwork.
• Priority scheduling with more choices for time slots.
• Concierge service and staff will help you all day.

What You Don’t Get:

• Easier test questions (same 40 questions as the regular test)
• Lower passing requirements (you still need to get 30 answers right)
• If you fail, you get a second chance.
• Guaranteed rates of passing
• Different examiners who have lower standards

Conclusion: You are ready to go!

You now have everything you need to use Dubai’s RTA system well.

Keep these important things in mind: Book your tests 2 to 4 weeks in advance, stay away from rush hour times, and don’t pay extra for VIP services. Also, to avoid AED 300 fines, always reschedule more than 24 hours in advance. 

Even experienced drivers from other countries get nervous before RTA tests. As a result, it’s normal to feel this way, and it shows that you care about doing well. 

After you pass your road test, the fun begins. You’ll get results right away, then you’ll have to fill out approval papers and pay the license fees. 

FAQs