Can I Rent a Car with a New License in Dubai?

So many visitors and residents of the UAE with newly issued driving licenses ask very simple questions, and that is, “Can I rent a car with a new license in Dubai?” The short and straightforward answer is yes but with conditions. Through this blog we will investigate all details regarding how to rent a car with a new license in Dubai, how to  become eligible for it, what might be the possible restrictions, the matters of insurance, and how to get them to agree to rent.

What is a New License

In the UAE, a new driving license is usually considered to be less than six months old whether it is a UAE issued license or an international license converted to a UAE license. The eligibility to rent a car with a new license varies as per your residency status in the country because rental companies enforce stricter rules on residents compared to tourists.

Resident Renting with a New License 

However, if you have recently got your driving license in the UAE and you approach a car rental firm, the truth is that you will not be able to rent a vehicle, as a rule, until your license has been in existence for a period ranging between six and twelve months.

Common Requirements:

• Minimum age is 21 to 25 years, depending on the car category. 21 is for the standard cars, and 25 is for the luxury and sports cars.
• A driving license is required for at least 6–12 months. If it is newer than 6 months, then you are not eligible to rent because the rental companies show no sign of trust in your skills.
• Provide your legal identification, like an Emirates ID or a residence Visa.
• Most rental companies ask for a credit card. If you have it, then it’s ok

Why the Restriction?

• Limitations on insurance policy: Most of the insurance companies charge higher premium rates for new drivers or may not offer full coverage. 
• Risk factor: New drivers are seen as higher risk, especially in a fast-paced driving environment like Dubai.
• Less Driving Experience: Due to less driving experience the rental companies refuse to give you a vehicle on rental terms.
• Less Focus:  young drivers are not experienced enough to focus only on driving, they increase the likelihood of getting damaged or hit someone on the road.

Renting with a New License as a Tourist

If you’re visiting Dubai as a tourist and have the legal requirements like an international driving permit or a GCC approved country’s license, you can easily rent a car there even if the license has just been issued.

Requirements for Tourists:

• Passport with the Visit Visa stamp.
• Driving License from Approved Countries such as USA, UK, Canada, EU, GCC
• International Driving Permit (if from non-approved country)
• Credit card for security deposit
• 21 years of age however, 25 for luxury cars

Note: Even though some rental companies may want your license to be at least one year old so it is better to check in advance.

Alternatives For New License Holder

In case your license does not meet the requirements, then consider these substitutes:

• Take the services of Uber, Careem or similar ride-hailing applications.
• Rent a vehicle with a driver if your license is new.
• Long-term leasing with a flexible policy company.
• Or wait for your license to mature for over 6/12 months.

Tips to Rent with a New License

Let me aware you about some essential tips to get a car with a new driving license;

• Call ahead: Explain your situation; for this purpose, call the rental agency directly.
• Rent from Local Companies: Small rental companies are more flexible regarding the age requirement for car rental
• Extra amount of Deposit: give them a huge amount in security deposit, they will definitely provide you with a car for rent.
• Car selection: Don’t go for a high-end car; select a low-priced vehicle, because low-priced cars come with fewer restrictions.
• Proper Insurance: Make sure that in case something bad happens to you, like an accident, you are covered with comprehensive insurance.

Royal Star Car rental Dubai LLC & New License Holder

Royal Star Car Rental Dubai LLC is a renowned rental company. They provide brand new economy and luxury cars without any restriction if the customer meets the requirements. We also examine the credentials, like whether a customer’s age is more than 21, but his license is new (less than 6 months old), then we don’t provide the car to them without a driver. We don’t ask for extra security deposits, don’t charge other fees. In the broader picture, we want to see our customers and other people safe and secure. 

Thoughts And Recommendations

Renting a car in Dubai depends on your immigration status in the country, the age of the license and on the company’s renting policy. After all, for UAE residents, an average 6 to 12 months old license is obligatory due to safety and insurance matters, most rental companies allow tourists to rent cars on a new valid international driving license. Nevertheless, there are those rental agencies that restrain any sort of new licenses despite nationality. To get a vehicle with a new license, contact the rental companies directly, choose an economy car, give a higher deposit, and opt for comprehensive insurance. In case it is still impossible to rent a car with a brand-new license, as an expert of the car rental business I recommend that go for the alternative modes such as ride-hailing apps, or rent a car with chauffeur.

FAQs:

Question: What is a new license?

Answer: A new driving license is usually considered to be less than six months old, whether it is a UAE-issued license or an international license converted to a UAE license. 

Question: What are the basic requirements of renting a car in Dubai?

Answer: The required age is 21, and you must have a valid driving license. Apart from that, if you are a visitor, then the rental company will require your Passport and a valid UAE visa,

Question: Can I rent a car with a new license from a rental company?

Answer: Yes, go to a local rental company, ask for the economy car rental, offer a huge security deposit, or rent a car with a driver.

Question: What are the alternatives for new license holders?

Answer: They must need to use the services of ride-hail companies or need to rent a car with a driver.

Question: do Royal Star Car Rental offer cars to new driving license holders?

Answer: No. Royal Star Car rental knows it is dangerous to drive an unfamiliar car on the busy roads with less driving experience.