General Faq

Customers holding a valid driving license from selected countries can convert their driving license at RTA centers. 

Citizens holding driving license from RTA listed countries can convert to a UAE driving license at the RTA Happiness Centers.

Some of the countries include:

  • GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar
  • European countries: Lithuania*, Hungary*, Bulgaria*, Latvia*, Serbia*, Republic of Iceland*, Estonia*, Republic of Cyprus*, Portugal*, Albania, Luxemborg*, Slovakia*, Slovenia*, Malta*, Greece*, Montenegro*, Romania, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Turkey, Denmark, Austria, France, UK and Norway 
  • North American countries: USA and Canada
  • East Asian countries: Japan*, South Korea*, Hong Kong*, China*, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore 
  • Africa: South Africa 

*translation of the driving license is required from the consulate.

The applicant must be present below documents to convert driving license into a UAE driving license:

  • Original and valid driving license from other country
  • Valid residence visa issued in Dubai
  • A completed form for replacement of license
  • Optometry form accredited by the health authority in Emirate location.

The RTA learning permit is issued at Emirates Driving Institute with the RTA traffic file opening services. The timings of our main center are:

  • Al Qusais center:
    • Saturday - Thursday: 8:15 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Break: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM)
       
  • Al Quoz center:
    • Saturday - Thursday: 8:15 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Friday:  7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Break: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM)

(The above timings may vary on public holidays)

Click here for the step by step details to download or reprint your RTA Learning Permit.

The driving license depends upon the student's performance and the training course selected. Additional training may apply based on performance. 
Yes, female students younger than 21 years can be trained by male instructors with an additional fee of AED 10 for a male permit valid for a year.
We offer a one-day certificate Desert Driving Course where you can choose for a:
  • Complete course; highly recommended for beginners for AED 800 per delegates (2 delegates in a vehicle)
     
  • Essential course; for those interested only in practical training for AED 700 per delegates (2 delegates in a vehicle)
     
  • Refresher course; for additional practical training for AED 700 per delegates (2 delegates in a vehicle)
Yes! You are eligible for 15 hours of car training compared to beginner training of 20 hours only if your valid & original driving license is issued between 2 to 5 years. Click here for the course fees of 15 hours of car training. 

Similarly, you are eligible for 10 hours of car training compared to beginner training only if your valid & original driving license is issued over 5 years. Click here for the course fees of 10 hours of car training.
 
The LMV Defensive Driving Course is a one day course starting from 09:00 to 05:00 in the evening. The fee for a normal day i.e. Saturday to Thursday is Dhs950/- and Dhs 1000/- for a Friday.
You will be required to provide a clearance letter for your RTA file from the other institute and bring the file to EDI head office located in Qusais or any of the branches of EDI. You will have to go for EDI evaluation test & take 4 hours of mandatory driving sessions, as per RTA rules before you can book your road test. There will be no theory lectures required but if your theory test result has passed the expiry date, you will  have to redo the required stages after the file renewal  as per the RTA instructions.
You need to fill the application form, sign it and send anyone to apply on your behalf. You may download the form from the link. download
In this scenario, you will be considered a beginner in motorcycle driving course and will have to take 15 hours (30 driving classes). In case you've a bike license of any other country, you'll have to take 8 hours (16 classes).
For fast-track driving course, you may opt for EDI's Platinum Driving Course or Gold Driving Course.
For details, please click here.
It is mandatory to have Emirates ID card to open the RTA file. 
Student registered under the shift course can take 2 hours of extra session under the night course, the fees will still remain AED 105/session. Please note that an advance booking must be done to check the availability of the instructor.
Yes, you may register in Al Qusais (HO) and take your driving classes in any of the EDI branch in which training is provided. You may also opt for another branch later during your training at no additional cost.
Yes, if you change from one course to another you will be required to pay AED 120 as course change fees in addition to extra amount to cover the cost difference between the two courses. If the fees of the new course is lower than the existing course the difference will be refunded to the customer. Should you wish to opt for Gold/Platinum course the above mentioned course change fees will not be applicable.
Yes, you may take extra practice sessions. You'll be required to call your course in-charge in advance to book the session. Please note your course session charges will apply per session.
Friday assessment test is only available for the Weekend course students (Friday only , Friday Saturday)
If a GCC course student fails the road test, he will have to register for the mandotory classes.
The payment break-up is as below: Admission fee: AED 415 Road test + training extension: AED 460 License fees: AED 270 4 hours session (8 classes)

​ PS: Currently 50% discount is applicable on admission fees for GCC course
It’s not possible since you have a learning permit in Abu Dhabi and as per the RTA rule you cannot take driving classes in Dubai
After your classes have commenced the course in-charge will then guide you as to when and how you can make the balance course fee
​A person needs to have a UAE driving license to drive in UAE. In order to get a UAE driving license the person must have a residence visa. In this case please check with the RTA on 8009090
Pregnant women can take driving lessons but they need to get special permission from the doctor. At the time of registration we will make the student sign a form stating that it is on their own risk they are taking driving lessons
There will be an additional amount of 25DHS as online fee. If you register online, the minimum payment required is 600dhs to register with EDI. You can choose to pay minimum amount or any other amount to pay online
If your US driving license is still valid then you will register as a GCC student
Yes a Desert driving license is different from a normal license. It is only used by tourism companies to take tourists to the desert
In this case, without a UAE or International Driving license, the other person cannot attend the course.
International license will hold no value once you have a residence visa stamped on your passport. Holding your country’s license will help in reduction of classes
No, there are no transfer charges
Yes, but depending upon the availability of the instructor he/she will be assigned to you

Eligibility:

Student who holds a UAE driving license for LMV, which is less than 2 years old will be eligible to register.
In case a student has LMV-Automatic license for 3 years or more, first he has to get a LMV Manual license and then apply for Light Bus License.

Structure of the course:
  1. After meeting eligibility criteria and submitting required documents, student will register and open his file.
  2. After attending 8 mandatory lectures, student will give theory test.
  3. Training and assessment test is required. After passing theory test, student will directly go for Yard Test.
  4. Student will give 2 yard tests- Offset (Reverse) and Slope. In case of failing these tests, student has to take 4 hours of training (8 classes) and then again give these yard tests.
  5. Upon passing yard test, student is eligible to appear for Road Test. Light Bus License will be issued after passing the Road Test.
  6. For each failed attempt of Road test, student has to take additional 4 hours of training (8 classes).
You may make the payment for 5 hours (10 classes) altogether. But depending on the availability you will be scheduled for the 4 hours (8 classes) and the rest 1 hour (2 classes) cannot be confirmed and you will have to check directly at the counter at that time.
If you go for another test you will have a new set of questions
The only effect it will have is that you will be delayed for your final test due to time consumed in clearing theory and assessment tests
We would need the following documents and you can start your training:
  1. Passport copy (valid Dubai residence visa).
  2. 2 photographs (passport size).
  3. Original file from traffic department with valid L.P
  4. Letter from previous driving school stating number of classes already taken along with NOC.
  5. Original Emirates Identity Card (E.I.D).
Documents required are as follows
  • Registration Number
  • Passport Copy
  • 1 Photograph
  • 90 AED
You need to inform your course in-charge or call EDI call center at +971 4 263 1100 least 48 hours in advance to stop the class.
Kindly approach the scheduling department in the main administration building and another instructor will be allocated if available
Firstly, you will be marked as absent. Secondly, to reappear for the test you will have to make the payment again
You need to inform your course in-charge or call EDI call center at +971 4 263 1100 at least 48 hours in advance to stop the class.
This test enables the Assessment Examiner along with the student's instructor to determine the student's driving skills & understanding. This is conducted only in case you have driving license from home country
Kindly approach the scheduling department in the main Administration building and they will do the needful.
  • Individual Lectures are delivered to the student
  • Immediate Training
  • Pick up and Drop facilities are available
  • Immediate Test Dates
  • Good Passing Ratio
The road safety lecture is lecture no.8 and it is mandatory to take all 8 lectures as per RTA in LMV course. Moreover, the safety hall demonstrations are very useful and beneficial to understand how to keep yourself and your family safe while driving
As per RTA rule, it is mandatory to take all 8 lectures and clear theory test before proceeding with the practical training.
All Beginner students are advised to take simulator classes in order to familiarize themselves with the mechanisms of a real car. It really helps you get the most out of your on-road lessons when they start. Learn to control the car at your own pace in a safe environment before your first on-road lesson. You'll get loads of feedback and we will advise you best ways to deal with tricky situations on road

If the training file has been transferred from another emirate to the emirate of Dubai, in accordance with the requirements specified in Article 89 of the Regulations for the Law of traffic, it is applied to one of the two following courses:

  • In case the student didn't reach till the stage of road test (final test) in the other emirate, they will have to undergo all the training and examination requirements for the requested license type contained in the training system in the emirate of Dubai, regardless of the number of training classes received.
  • In case the student has gone through all the training and examination procedures in the other emirates and failed the road test, he will be required to take theory test, parking test, assessment test, 8 practical classes and road test.

Note:

Student must undergo examination of knowledge test in the Emirate of Dubai, regardless of whether the result in the same examination in the other emirate was positive. Failing in this test will require attending all 8 lecturesbefore booking for another knowledge test appointment.

To enquire about our Platinum Driving Course, please call on +971 4 2631100 and we will send a customer Service agent to visit your location, as per your convenience, for the registration.

You may also visit any of EDI branch around Dubai or register through EDI’s website – www.edi.ae.

For 20 hours training (40 classes) or for 15 hours training (30 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 30,000.
For 10 hours training (20 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 25,000. For 4 hours training (8 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 20,000.
This amount will cover entire cost of training until the student gets the license. Irrespective, of the number of classes & tests the students takes to clear the Theory Test, Parking Test, Assessment Test & Road Test or any other test.
​However, if student is absent for any RTA test, he/she will be charged for it.
Yes, this amount will cover entire cost of training until the student gets the license. Irrespective, of the number of classes & tests the students takes to clear the Theory Test, Parking Test, Assessment Test & Road Test or any other test. However, if student is absent for any RTA test, he/she will be charged for it.
Yes, You can by getting clearance letter and RTA file from other driving institute.
It is a LMV driving course that will be delivered in high-end luxury cars and services that can be customized to suit customer’s needs.
To enquire about our Platinum Driving Course, please call on +971 4 2631100 and we will send a customer Service agent to visit your location, as per your convenience, for the registration.
You may also visit any of EDI branch around Dubai or register through EDI’s website – www.edi.ae.

For 20 hours training (40 classes) or for 15 hours training (30 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 30,000.

For 10 hours training (20 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 25,000.

For 4 hours training (8 classes), the lump sum amount will be AED 20,000.

This amount will cover entire cost of training until the student gets the license. Irrespective, of the number of classes & tests the students takes to clear the Theory Test, Parking Test, Assessment Test & Road Test or any other test. However, if student is absent for any RTA test, he/she will be charged for it

Yes, You can by getting clearance letter and RTA file from other driving institute.
To book a test on a Saturday you will have to personally visit EDI’s test department to check availability. An additional fee of AED 100 will be charged for reserving Saturday slot.
​Please note, only normal (Sun-Thurs) slot will be booked in case a student fails to visit the department personally.
To book RTA road test on a Saturday, you will have to call RTA helpline no (800 90 90) or check at RTA’s smart screen installed at EDI to check if the date is open or not. If RTA says that the date is open, the student will have to visit EDI’s test department to check availability and book the test. An additional fee of AED 100 will be charged for reserving Saturday slot.

Note: If the slot on Saturday is not available, then the student will have to book test on normal schedule.

​In case if Test Dept. informed them that the date for Saturday is close due to more student means its close or student need to go for only Normal date which they can check with RTA 800 90 90 or smart screen.

If you are a Dubai resident and/or UAE national holding a passport issued in Dubai, you will need to have:

  1.  Dubai driving license
  2. A valid Residence Visa (except UAE Passport holders)
  3.  Emirates ID
  4.  Passed an Eye Test (the test results should be uploaded online from the optician). Please note: An eye sight test is valid for 1 year.
30 days
Once the road test fee is paid, student needs to call RTA or book the road test date via smart screen. If you are not satisfied with the date then you can call RTA at 800 90 90 or book from the smart screen, depending on the availability we can book you for another slot. If you want an early test date then you have to directly check with test department in respective branch and arrange for the same. You can send someone else with your RTA manual book, learning permit and the student MDT card
 In the event you forgot your password, follow these steps to restore it:
  1. Click on “Forgot Password?” it can be found in the “Student Login” page. Below “Need support?”
  2. “Reset Password” window will open, then fill in the required fields (Mobile number must be the registered mobile number of the registration)
  3. A notification will pop up that the password has been reset and the new password is sent VIA SMS to the registered mobile number, after receiving the SMS, click to “here” to log in the account
  4. Enter the registration number and the password received via SMS. Click on “LOG IN”.
To reset your password:
  1. Enter the registration number, Old password (will be the same received VIA SMS), New password and Captcha code.
  2. Enter new password following the tips below:
    • The password should be of exactly 8 characters
    • Add one capital letter (i.e. A)
    • Add one small letter (i.e. a)
    • Add one number (i.e. 1) 
    • Ensure to type the exact password in both ‘new’ and ‘confirm’ fields
If all requirements are filled correctly, green checkmarks will appear at the end of each requirement, then click “Save” and re-login with the newly created password.
Yes, the eye test is available at EDI's main centers:

- Al Qusais Center (8:00 am - 9:00 pm)
 
- Al Quoz Center (8:15 am - 5:15 pm)

Driving License Renewal

Yes. There is no grace period for an expired license. You will incur late penalty charges the day after your license expires, even if you are not driving in this period. If you drive with an expired license, you will be fined. If the license is expired for more than 10 years, you will need to retake a driving test.
Driver's licenses need to be renewed at different periods based on the age and experience of the driver.
For new drivers under 21 years, the license is issued for 1 year and renewed every 5 years.
For new drivers over 21 years, the license is issued for 2 years and renewed every 5 years
You can renew your driver's license in EDI centers!

Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Eye Test:
Take an eye test at the EDI's main centers in Al Qusais, Al Quoz or Jumeirah. Alternatively, you can also visit RTA- accredited agent or optical in Dubai to take the eye test for Driver's Licensing. Please note the timings below:
  • Al Qusais eye test service: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm, click here for location map
  • Al Qouz eye test service: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, click here for location map
  • Jumeirah eye test facility: 8:30 am till 5:00 pm, click here for location map
Step 2: Self-Pickup or Delivery  
If you wish to collect your UAE Driving License, the optometrist will notify as per the selected schedule of the applicant in the RTA system the expected date, time & location for collection. The delivery service is available in Dubai & Sharjah. 
 
Step 3: Payment:
A fine of late renewal of AED 10 per month may apply.  
  • In the case of self-pickup, pay AED 494 including eye test fee of AED 174 including VAT and a license renewal & knowledge fee of AED 320.
  • In the case of delivery, pay AED 519 including eye test fee of AED 174 including VAT and a delivery fee of AED 345. 
Yes. RTA requires you to do an eye test before file opening and is advisable you to wear your eye glasses when driving
Please contact the RTA call centre at 800 90 90
The prices vary depending on the optician and the location. Please contact your optician for pricing
The eye test is valid for one year, so you need to renew your license within a year of taking the eye test.
You will receive your new driver’s license via courier on the date that you have chosen. If you chose to collect it, you can go to the specified RTA Customer Services Centre on the day you chose to collect it. You can also track the progress of your package by visiting www.rta.ae or contacting the call centre on 800 90 90.
You will need to contact the RTA Call Centre on 800 90 90 or check online to see the status of your item
There is a secure payment channel on the RTA website, all information is strictly confidential. Also, the online service supports Visa, MasterCard and eDirham. The online service would have confirmed to you that the transaction was successful and provided you with a transaction confirmation number
The cost of the service is the same as in a Customer Service Centre. If you choose to receive your product by courier, you will be charged the delivery fee which will be included in your service fee. Otherwise, you also have the option to collect your item from an RTA Customer Service centre
Traffic file will be blocked and you will not be able to perform any licensing related transactions. Only fine payment will be allowed.
AED 50

Vehicle License Renewal

Vehicle technical inspection to be carried out by an authorised vehicle testing partner. Applicable only to:
  1. Vehicles older than three years
  2. Pre-Owned Vehicles
  3. Imported Vehicles or vehicles purchased from a private enterprises
Please note: Vehicle Technical Inspection is valid for only one month and you are required to renew your vehicle registration within 1 month of the Vehicle Technical Inspection
The vehicle is examined at an accredited testing center in the Country and then ratification of the securities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the UAE and then ratification by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs The procedure is completed by renewing the vehicle at a vehicle licensing centre that are throughout Dubai.
The insurance certificate should be valid for more than 6 months, in this situation the vehicle registration will be renewed for 6 months If the vehicle insurance is valid for less than 6 months, the customer will be asked to bring an insurance certificate that is valid for at least 6 months
The registration renewal deadline is always exactly one year after your vehicle was initially registered. You will be notified by the RTA 1 month prior to expiry via SMS and, depending on your insurance broker, you will also be contacted by the broker. Cars that are less than a year old If you are the second owner of the car that is less than a year old, you will need to renew your vehicle.

Fines and Payments

If a fine was issued to you on your rental car, your car hire company will pay this. You must contact your rental company for advice. In most cases, the car rental company will pay the fine(s) and will include those costs in their charges to you. With regard to impounding, the car hire company may request you to give your vehicle to them and they will send it for impounding. Kindly note it is at the discretion of the car hire company to issue you a new vehicle afterwards.
Currently, there no additional fees for late payment, it is advised however that your fines be settled as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications in the future. Fine payment will be enforced the next time you attempt to transact with the RTA. You will not be able to transact without clearing (even for vehicle registration renewal) your fines beforehand, for the vehicle you wish to renew.
Black point fines will remain on your record for 12 months after the day the fine was issued, after which the points will be removed from your license. If you accumulate 24 black points or more at any specific time, you driver’s license will be revoked for 12 months.
Currently all fines and fees are charged to the vehicle and all black point fines are issued to the vehicle owner, regardless of who was driving. The owner then has the option to transfer the black points to the driver who was actually driving. Commercial and private customers can transfer black points to the driver who actually committed the violation. If the driver who received the black points has an objection, s/he needs to contact Dubai Police.
You can check your fines using one of the following methods: 1. By calling RTA Call Centre (8009090) or Dubai Police (8007777) 2. You can also check your fines online at www.rta.ae or www.dubaipolice.gov.ae 3. You could also visit any of RTA customer service centres in Dubai 4. Finally, you may check your fines at any Emirates or Dubai Islamic Bank ATM.
Yes, you may log into the Dubai Police website (www.dubaipolice.gov.ae) and register for free notification SMSs and/or e-mails. You will need to provide your vehicle information (plate number, category and code) as well your driver information (traffic file number, name, mobile number and e-mail).
Currently, there is no agreement as to when traffic fines are recorded. The majority of fines issued within Dubai are recorded within 48 hours and notifications are sent immediately. Any traffic fines outside Dubai may require additional time to be received and recorded in Dubai. Hence, a specific timeframe cannot be given as to when these fines will be recorded in Dubai
The system updates itself in real-time and as a result, traffic fines can appear at any time in the day
Currently you can view your fine payment history by visiting any RTA Licensing Agency customer service centre, or by registering with the RTA Licensing Agency online services at (www.rta.ae). You can also call the Call Centre on 8009090
A: In order to preserve public health and safety, Dubai Municipality notifies that if a vehicle is left dirty, damaged or obstructs city cleaning, the following actions will be taken:
1- Dubai Municipality will issue Violation Notice.
2- Dubai Municipality will confiscate the vehicle and shift to the Municipality Scrap Yard.
3- Vehicle will be auctioned if not retrieved by owner.
Click Here to see the Dubai Municipality document.