Getting a driver’s license was one of those personal goals I kept putting off until I finally decided it was time to do it.
As a first-time driver, I was incredibly proud—and honestly quite relieved—to congratulate myself for passing my final road test on my first attempt! On 28 July 2020, I finally received my UAE driving license.
Looking back, the journey wasn’t always easy. There were theory lessons, practical classes, assessments, parking tests, nerves, mistakes, one failed garage-parking attempt, and plenty of prayers along the way.
But I made it.
So, for anyone who is thinking about getting a driver’s license in the UAE, I’m sharing my personal experience in nine steps.
Keep in mind that my journey took place in 2020, and the UAE’s driving-licence procedures, fees, training requirements, and testing systems can change. Current RTA requirements should always be checked before opening a file or booking a test. For example, RTA’s current services show updated fees and requirements for knowledge, yard, and road tests.
First, Choose Your Driving School
Before doing anything else, you need to choose a driving school.
When I was looking for one in Dubai, these were some of the driving institutions I considered:
Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)
These schools had established operations in Dubai and offered driver-training services, but fees, branches, course structures, and services may change over time.
Why I Chose Belhasa
In my case, I chose Belhasa Driving Center because they had an outlet conveniently located near my office in International City.
That was a huge advantage for me.
Because the branch was close to work, it was easy for me to visit whenever I needed assistance. During my lessons, they also provided pickup and drop-off service between the local branch and their main branch in Nadd Al Hamar.
You can find Belhasa’s current branches and contact information on its official website:
Second, Register Your File With RTA
The driving school helped me with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) registration process.
At the time, I prepared the following documents:
- Original Emirates ID
- Two passport-size photographs
- Copy of my valid passport
- Valid Dubai residence visa
- Eye-test report
- No-objection letter from my sponsor/company, as required at that time
My Eye Test
I took my eye test on 13 March 2020 at an RTA-approved optician inside BurJuman Center.
I didn’t have an appointment. I simply walked in and had my vision checked.
They used different tests, including a Snellen chart to assess visual acuity and Ishihara plates to check color vision.
After paying the fee, I received the result within a few minutes.
A Note About the No-Objection Letter
My original article stated that a no-objection letter from the employer was required.
That should now be treated as a historical detail from my 2020 experience, not a current universal requirement.
Requirements have changed since then, and reports from the UAE have stated that residents can take driving lessons without an employer NOC in certain circumstances. Always check the latest RTA requirements before registering.
After completing the registration and paying my fees, I received my receipts, the RTA handbook, and instructions for completing the required theory training.
At that time, I completed an 8-part online lecture through Belhasa before booking my theory test.
Third, Pass the RTA Theory Test
After completing my online theory training, I booked the RTA Theory Test.
Mine was scheduled for 26 March 2020 at Belhasa Driving Institute in Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai.
At that time, the test consisted of 40 questions, and I needed to answer more than 30 correctly to pass.
And thankfully…
I passed!
For a beginner like me, this part required serious preparation.
I recommend studying the official handbook, paying attention during the lectures, and practicing sample questions before taking the exam.
Don’t underestimate the theory test.
Knowing how to physically operate a car is one thing.
Understanding road signs, traffic rules, lane discipline, hazards, and the rules of the road is another.
Fourth, Schedule and Start the Driving Lessons
After passing the theory test, I was able to proceed with practical driving lessons.
My training period was probably the most exciting part of the whole journey.
At the time of my training, the number of required practical hours depended partly on previous driving experience and licensing history.
As a beginner without a qualifying driving licence from my home country, I was required to complete 20 hours of driving lessons.
During my training at Belhasa, I learned basic and advanced driving skills, including UAE traffic rules and road safety.
I took a two-hour lesson every Sunday and Wednesday, completing the lessons over 10 training days.
My instructor was Mr. Johny, and I have to say that having a patient instructor made a huge difference.
Personally, I believe that almost anyone can learn how to drive.
The challenge isn’t simply moving the car.
The real challenge is learning how to:
- Follow traffic rules
- Observe your surroundings
- Check blind spots
- Judge distance
- Change lanes properly
- Control your speed
- Anticipate hazards
- Remain calm under pressure
Even experienced drivers can make mistakes, which is why good habits are so important from the beginning.
Fifth, Take the Initial Road Assessment
After my eighth day of driving lessons, I scheduled my initial road assessment.
Thankfully, I passed despite making a few minor mistakes.
The examiner was a woman and she was very polite and patient.
I was nervous, of course.
I think every learner feels some level of nervousness when someone is sitting beside you evaluating everything you do.
The trick is to remain alert without letting your nervousness control you.
Pay attention to the road.
Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions.
And don’t panic if you make a small mistake.
Sixth, Take the Initial Smart Yard Assessment
Next came the Smart Yard Assessment.
At the time, the parking assessment covered several important manoeuvres, including:
- Parallel parking
- Angle parking
- Garage parking
- Hill stop
- Emergency braking
The Smart Yard system used cameras and remote monitoring to assess drivers during these manoeuvres.
My test was scheduled after my ninth day of driving lessons.
And once again…
I passed!
I actually found this test a little easier mentally because there wasn’t an examiner sitting beside me in the vehicle.
Still, staying calm was essential.
Seventh, Take the Final Smart Yard Test
Now came the official parking test.
This time, the test was conducted as an RTA examination rather than an internal assessment by my driving school.
And guess what?
I passed almost everything…
Except the garage parking.
Yep.
I failed.
And the reason was surprisingly simple:
I exceeded the allotted time by 19 seconds.
Nineteen seconds!
You can imagine how painful that was after all the preparation. 😂
I had to retake the garage-parking test and pay the additional fee.
Four days later, I returned for the retest.
This time, I knew exactly what I had done wrong.
I stayed calm, watched the timing carefully, completed the manoeuvre, and…
I passed!
That experience taught me something very important:
Small details matter.
Eighth, Take the Final Road Test
Now came the test I had been waiting for.
The final road test.
The Super Final.
The ultimate challenge.
After passing my garage-parking retest, I immediately booked my road test.
Fortunately, I got a slot only three days later, which was quite good considering appointments were heavily booked.
I spent those days preparing myself.
I watched YouTube videos.
I reviewed driving tips.
I practiced mentally.
I asked licensed drivers—including my father, friends, and colleagues—for advice.
And, of course…
I prayed.
After three days of preparation, I arrived at the institute.
Initially, I was told that because I was a woman, I would probably have a female examiner.
However, the female examiner wasn’t available at that moment, so a male examiner conducted my test instead.
And honestly?
I was completely fine with it.
In fact, I was lucky.
He was calm, patient, and very clear with his instructions.
That helped me remain composed.
I tried my best to drive naturally instead of overthinking every single movement.
I told myself:
“You know how to do this. Just drive.”
And then…
I passed! 🎉
According to my test result, I had:
- 0 major mistakes
- 5 minor mistakes
The RTA’s current road-test service continues to require applicants to pass the required knowledge and yard tests before taking the road test.
What Can Cause an Immediate Fail?
Based on the RTA assessment information associated with my original test, examples of serious failures included:
- Failing to stop at a red signal, stop sign, or stop line
- Causing or nearly causing a collision
- Failing to follow traffic signs or examiner instructions
- Serious lack of vehicle control
- Entering a road, lane, or roundabout without ensuring it is clear
The exact assessment criteria and testing procedures may be updated by RTA, so learners should always consult the latest official material before their test.
Minor Faults
The assessment categories during my test included areas such as:
- Pre-drive checks
- Mirrors and observation
- Signals
- Lane changes
- Overtaking
- Approach
- Position and stopping
- Judgement
- Left turns and U-turns
- Right turns
- Progress
- Road positioning
- Gear usage
- Safety margin
- Parking in
- Parking out
And trust me…
You will hear the words “check your mirrors!” a lot during driving lessons. 😂
Ninth, Get Your Driving License!
After passing my final road test, I went through the final customer-service process at the driving institute.
I settled my remaining balance, waited for the card to be printed, and then…
I finally had my UAE driver’s license in my hands!
It took only a few minutes.
I couldn’t believe it.
After all those lessons, tests, nerves, prayers, and one failed parking attempt…
I had finally done it.
My Driving-Licence Journey Timeline
Here is the timeline of my experience:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2020 | Eye Test |
| March 18, 2020 | RTA File Registration |
| March 26, 2020 | RTA Theory Test — Passed |
| Mar. 29–May 27, 2020 | COVID-19 lockdown / driving-centre closure |
| June 21, 2020 | 1st Day of Driving Lessons |
| June 24, 2020 | 2nd Day |
| June 28, 2020 | 3rd Day |
| July 1, 2020 | 4th Day |
| July 5, 2020 | 5th Day |
| July 8, 2020 | 6th Day |
| July 12, 2020 | 7th Day |
| July 15, 2020 | 8th Day |
| July 16, 2020 | Initial Road Assessment — Passed |
| July 19, 2020 | 9th Day of Driving Lessons |
| July 20, 2020 | Initial Parking Assessment — Passed |
| July 22, 2020 | Final Parking Test — Failed Garage Parking |
| July 22, 2020 | 10th Day of Driving Lessons |
| July 26, 2020 | Final Parking Retest — Passed |
| July 28, 2020 | Final Road Test — Passed |
| July 28, 2020 | UAE Driver’s License Issued |
How Much Did I Spend?
Below is my personal expense record from 2020.
These figures are historical and should not be used as a current estimate because RTA and driving-school fees have changed considerably since then.
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eye Test | AED 120 |
| RTA File Registration | AED 300 |
| RTA Handbook | AED 50 |
| RTA Theory Test | AED 250 |
| Belhasa File Opening | AED 400 |
| Belhasa Theory Lecture | AED 400 |
| Test Room + VAT | AED 120 |
| Online Theory Lectures | AED 450 |
| RTA Theory Test | AED 50 |
| Driving Classes | AED 2,000 |
| Initial Road Assessment | AED 150 |
| Initial Parking Assessment | AED 0 |
| Final Parking Test | AED 300 |
| Garage Parking Retake | AED 300 |
| Final Road Test | AED 200 |
| 1-Hour Class Before Road Test | AED 200 |
| Driver’s License | AED 425 |
| Total | AED 5,715 |
Total spent: approximately AED 5,715.
Current RTA fees are different. For example, current RTA information lists a Knowledge Test at AED 220, a Yard Test at AED 220, and a Road Test at AED 220 before any optional services or other training costs.
So, don’t use my AED 5,715 total as a 2026 budget.
Can You Use a UAE Driver’s License in Other Countries?
My original article included a large list of countries said to recognize the UAE driving license.
I would not keep that list as a permanent claim today.
Recognition of a UAE driver’s license depends on the destination country, your residency status there, the purpose of your visit, and whether an International Driving Permit is required.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently provides destination-specific information under its travel requirements, and it explicitly notes that travelers must follow the rules of the destination country and use an international driving licence where required.
So before driving abroad, check the destination country’s current requirements rather than relying on a list copied from an older 2020 article.
That is especially important because recognition rules can change.
My Tips for Passing the UAE Road Test
After going through the entire experience, here are the things that helped me most.
Get enough sleep the night before.
Don’t stay awake studying until 3 a.m.
You need your concentration more than you need one extra hour of cramming.
Wear comfortable, appropriate clothing.
You need to be able to operate the vehicle comfortably.
RTA currently states that appropriate/modest dress is required during driving tests.
Before moving, check everything.
Adjust:
- Seat
- Mirrors
- Seat belt
- Doors
And don’t forget to check the required safety items before starting.
If you don’t hear the examiner clearly, ask them to repeat the instruction.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying:
“Sorry, could you please repeat that?”
It’s much better than misunderstanding an instruction.
Don’t drive unnecessarily slowly.
You need to demonstrate safe and appropriate progress while maintaining control of the vehicle.
Being overly cautious can sometimes become a problem if you’re unnecessarily obstructing traffic.
Don’t brake harshly.
Use the brake smoothly and appropriately.
Remember to observe the road and mirrors before changing speed.
Check your blind spots.
Don’t rely only on your mirrors.
Do the proper shoulder check when required.
Stay calm.
This is probably the most important tip I can give you.
You know more than you think you know.
Your driving lessons have prepared you.
Now you just need to demonstrate it.
A Word From the Author
Getting my driver’s license in the UAE was one of those experiences where I kept asking myself:
“Will I actually be able to do this?”
I’m glad I didn’t let that question stop me.
As a beginner, I was nervous.
I made mistakes.
I even failed one part of the final parking test.
But I came back.
I tried again.
And eventually, I passed.
That experience taught me that failing one test doesn’t mean you’re a failure.
Sometimes, it simply means:
“Try again, but this time, learn from what went wrong.”
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
— Winston Churchill
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
Getting my UAE driver’s license wasn’t just about learning how to operate a car.
For me, it was a lesson in confidence, patience, and perseverance.
Before I started, I had never considered myself a driver.
The road seemed intimidating.
There were so many rules to remember.
So many mirrors to check.
So many things to think about at the same time.
And then there were the tests.
But step by step, I learned.
Theory first.
Then practice.
Then assessment.
Then parking.
Then the final road test.
And finally…
the license. ❤️
Looking back, I realize that many things in life work exactly the same way.
We don’t need to know everything before we begin.
We simply need to be willing to learn.
We don’t need to succeed on the first attempt.
We simply need to keep going.
And we don’t need to be fearless.
Sometimes, we just need to be brave enough to try while we’re still nervous.
So, to everyone currently learning to drive in the UAE:
Take it one lesson at a time.
Don’t be discouraged by mistakes.
Don’t compare your progress with another learner.
And don’t let one failed test convince you that you can’t do it.
You might be closer than you think.
After all, I failed one part of my parking test, and just four days later, I passed it.
Then, three days after that…
I passed my final road test.
So keep practicing, keep praying, and keep believing in yourself.
One day, you’ll hold that driver’s license in your hands too. 🚗❤️
Sources
- https://www.rta.ae
- https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=621
- https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=511
- https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=512
- https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/travel-updates
- https://edi-uae.com/en/usps
- https://www.gmdc.ae
- https://www.bdc.ae/en
- https://www.dubaidrivingcenter.net
- https://alahlidubai.ae/
- https://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/uae-residents-can-take-driving-lessons-without-no-objection-letter-from-employer-1.1040721
Why I Started Blogging: From My First Blog in 2019 to My Return in 2026
First Five Years in Dubai: The Struggles, Lessons, and Blessings of an OFW
My Journey with Intermittent Fasting: How I Lost Weight and Made It Part of My Lifestyle
Originally Published: August 10, 2020
Updated: August 2026
Congrats on getting your license! The process is a little different here in the US.
Thank you! And yes I’ve heard US have a different process for getting a driver’s license.