Dubai, a bustling metropolis with a well-developed infrastructure, demands high rates of personal vehicle ownership. To obtain a car license in Dubai, you must navigate several steps, including registration, training, testing, and finally securing the license itself. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved at each stage of the process in 2024.
1. Registration and Documentation Fees
Before starting your driving lessons, you must register with a licensed driving school. The registration process includes several fees:
- Eye Test Fee: AED 140 – AED 170
- You must pass this mandatory test to assess your vision.
- Registration Fee: AED 400 – AED 450
- This fee covers the administrative costs paid to the driving school.
- Learning Permit Fee: AED 250 – AED 300
- Issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), this permit allows you to start driving lessons.
- File Opening Fee: AED 220 – AED 300
- This fee is required to open a file with the RTA to track your progress.
2. Driving Lessons Fees
Driving lessons constitute the bulk of your expenses when obtaining a car license. The cost of lessons varies depending on the driving school and the type of vehicle you wish to learn to drive (automatic or manual).
- Regular Driving Classes:
- Automatic Transmission:
- 20 Hours Package: AED 2,800 – AED 3,200
- 15 Hours Package: AED 2,100 – AED 2,400 (For holders of a valid GCC or other approved international license)
- Manual Transmission:
- 20 Hours Package: AED 2,600 – AED 3,000
- 15 Hours Package: AED 2,000 – AED 2,300 (For holders of a valid GCC or other approved international license)
- Automatic Transmission:
- Weekend and Night Classes:
- You will incur an additional charge of around AED 100 – AED 150 per hour.
- These classes are suitable for those who are unable to attend regular sessions due to work commitments.
- VIP Driving Classes:
- Automatic Transmission: AED 8,000 – AED 10,000
- Manual Transmission: AED 7,500 – AED 9,500
- These offer flexible timings and one-on-one training.
3. Theory Test Fees
Before you take the practical driving test, you must pass a theory test that covers traffic rules, regulations, and road signs.
- Theory Test Fee: AED 200 – AED 250
- This fee covers the cost of administering the test by the RTA.
- Theory Test Training Material: AED 50 – AED 100
- You can purchase study materials provided by the driving school or separately.
4. Practical Test Fees
The practical test involves a series of assessments to evaluate your driving skills. This includes the yard test, road test, and parking test.
- Yard Test Fee: AED 300 – AED 350
- This fee covers the assessment of parking and basic driving skills in a controlled environment.
- Road Test Fee: AED 350 – AED 400
- This fee covers the evaluation of your driving skills on public roads.
- Parking Test Fee: AED 300 – AED 350
- This fee applies to the separate assessment for parking skills (if not included in the yard test fee).
5. Final Driving License Issuance Fees
Once you pass all the required tests, you can apply for your driving license.
- License Issuance Fee: AED 600 – AED 650
- This fee is paid to the RTA for issuing the driving license.
- Handbook Fee: AED 60 – AED 70
- This fee covers the cost of the official RTA handbook containing traffic rules and regulations.
6. Additional Costs and Optional Fees
- Additional Driving Lessons: AED 120 – AED 150 per hour
- If you require extra lessons beyond the standard packages, you will incur this cost.
- Re-test Fees: AED 350 – AED 400
- If you need to retake any part of the driving test, you must pay this fee.
- NOC from Sponsor (if applicable): AED 160 – AED 200
- Some expats might need a No Objection Certificate from their sponsor, incurring this fee.
7. Total Estimated Costs
The total cost of obtaining a driving license in Dubai varies based on several factors, including the type of transmission (automatic or manual), the choice of driving school, and the number of additional lessons or retests required. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Automatic Transmission: AED 7,000 – AED 9,000
- Manual Transmission: AED 6,500 – AED 8,500
8. Tips for Reducing Costs
1. Choose Off-Peak Hours:
Opt for regular classes instead of VIP or weekend/night classes to save money.
2. Group Discounts:
Some driving schools offer discounts for group registrations.
3. Promotional Offers:
Keep an eye out for seasonal discounts or promotional offers from driving schools.
4. Practice Regularly:
Ensure you practice regularly to minimize the need for additional lessons or retests.
FAQs
1. What is the total cost of obtaining a car license in Dubai?
You can expect the total cost of obtaining a car license in Dubai to range between AED 6,500 and AED 9,000. Factors such as the type of transmission (automatic or manual), the choice of driving school, and the number of additional lessons or retests required affect the final cost.
2. What are the initial costs involved in starting the process?
To start the process, you will incur the following initial costs:
- Eye Test Fee: AED 140 – AED 170
- Registration Fee: AED 400 – AED 450
- Learning Permit Fee: AED 250 – AED 300
- File Opening Fee: AED 220 – AED 300
3. How much do driving lessons cost?
Driving lessons cost the following:
- Automatic Transmission:
- 20 Hours Package: AED 2,800 – AED 3,200
- 15 Hours Package: AED 2,100 – AED 2,400
- Manual Transmission:
- 20 Hours Package: AED 2,600 – AED 3,000
- 15 Hours Package: AED 2,000 – AED 2,300
VIP, weekend, and night classes usually cost more.
4. What is the fee for the theory test?
You will pay AED 200 – AED 250 for the theory test. Additionally, theory test training materials cost AED 50 – AED 100.
5. What are the practical test fees?
Practical test fees include:
- Yard Test Fee: AED 300 – AED 350
- Road Test Fee: AED 350 – AED 400
- Parking Test Fee: AED 300 – AED 350
6. How much does it cost to get the driving license issued?
You will pay AED 600 – AED 650 for the final driving license issuance. You will also need to pay AED 60 – AED 70 for the official RTA handbook.
7. Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you might incur additional costs, including:
- Additional Driving Lessons: AED 120 – AED 150 per hour
- Re-test Fees: AED 350 – AED 400 per test
- NOC from Sponsor (if applicable): AED 160 – AED 200
8. How can I reduce the overall cost of obtaining a driving license?
To reduce costs, consider these tips:
- Choose Off-Peak Hours: Opt for regular classes instead of VIP or weekend/night classes.
- Group Discounts: Register as a group to get discounts.
- Promotional Offers: Look for seasonal discounts or promotional offers from driving schools.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice minimizes the need for additional lessons or retests.
9. Can I take driving lessons without a learning permit?
No, you must have a learning permit issued by the RTA before starting your driving lessons.
10. What happens if I fail the driving test?
If you fail any part of the driving test, you must pay the re-test fee, which ranges from AED 350 to AED 400 per test. You may also need to take additional driving lessons.
11. Do I need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from my sponsor?
If you are an expatriate, you might need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor, which costs between AED 160 and AED 200.
12. Are there different costs for manual and automatic transmission lessons?
Yes, the costs for manual and automatic transmission lessons differ slightly. Generally, manual transmission lessons cost a bit less than automatic transmission lessons.
13. Are there extra charges for weekend or night classes?
Yes, weekend and night classes usually incur an additional charge of around AED 100 – AED 150 per hour.
14. How long does it take to get a driving license in Dubai?
On average, it takes about 3 to 6 months to complete the entire process, including lessons, tests, and license issuance. Your availability and performance will affect the duration.
15. Can I transfer my international driving license to a Dubai license?
If you hold a valid driving license from certain approved countries, you may transfer it to a Dubai driving license with fewer requirements and reduced costs. You may still need to undergo some local testing and pay the relevant fees.
Conclusion
Obtaining a car license in Dubai involves several steps and a range of fees with Royal Star Car Rental. By understanding the cost breakdown and planning accordingly, you can manage your budget effectively and obtain your driving license with minimal hassle. Always choose a reputable driving school and ensure you are well-prepared for both the theory and practical tests to increase your chances of success on the first attempt.
