UAE Driving License Categories List 2024
The UAE driving license is available in 8 different categories for different types of vehicles. The process for obtaining a driving license in UAE includes an application form, required documents, service fees, training classes, practical tests, and medical tests.
You must be a UAE resident with an Original Emirates ID to apply for a driving license. In addition, you have to qualify in all theory and practical tests. Only then the RTA and Ministry of Interior will issue a UAE driving license with your name.
UAE Driving License Categories List
The UAE government is very strict in traffic rules and license procedure. It has divided the UAE driving license in 8 different categories that I will explain here.
| UAE DRIVING LICENSE CATEGORY LIST | ||
| Category No. | Category Name | Vehicle Type |
| Category 1 | Category A | Two Wheeler i.e. Motorcycles |
| Category 2 | Category B | Cars |
| Category 3 | Category C | Light Motor Vehicles |
| Category 4 | Category D | Heavy Vehicles like Trucks |
| Category 5 | Category E | Light Trailers and Mini Buses |
| Category 6 | Category F | Heavy Trailers and Big Buses |
| Category 7 | Category G | Forklift |
| Category 8 | Category H | Heavy Forklift and Shovels |
The 8 categories of driving license are designed for different types of vehicles. You need to obtain a driving license to drive its relevant type of vehicle in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman or any other Emirate.
For example: If you want to drive a motorcycle (bike or scooter) in UAE, you need to obtain the category 1 (category A) driving license.
Category-wise Minimum Age for UAE Driving License
The UAE Roads & Transport Authority provides driving license after verification of applicant’s age and other documents. If you provide all valid documents with fees and your age meets the minimum age criteria, only then you can obtain a driving license in UAE.
Here I provide the minimum age criteria required for obtaining a driving license in United Arab Emirates.
- Minimum 17 Years for Motorcycles
- Minimum 17 Years for Vehicles for People with Special Needs
- Minimum 18 Years for Cars and Light Motor Vehicles
- Minimum 20 Years for Tractors and Heavy Vehicles
- Minimum 21 Years for Buses
You must check your age before you apply for a UAE driving license and also provide a valid document for age verification. The Roads & Transport Authority does not issue a driving license if you do not meet the minimum age criteria.
Documents Required for a UAE Driving License
The Roads & Transport Authority has issued a list of mandatory documents to apply for a driving license in UAE. Kindly note that all documents that I share here are mandatory and you must submit them along with your application form.
- Original Emirates ID and Its Copy
- Copy of a Valid Passport
- Copy of UAE Residence Visa
- Two Passport Size Photographs with White Background
- Eye Test Report
- No Objection Letter from the Sponsor if required by the relevant traffic department
- Visa Copy of the Sponsor if required
Make sure that you have all the above documents ready when applying for a new driving license in United Arab Emirates.
UAE Driving License Classes and Tests
The RTA and Ministry of Interior provide training classes of driving as per UAE traffic rules. Every applicant has to attend these classes to learn how to drive a vehicle in UAE.
After teaching and training, the authorities conduct different tests to check the knowledge and skills of the applicant. If you apply for a driving license in UAE, you have to attend all classes and pass all tests that I am sharing here.
- Eye Test
- Theory Classes [8 Classes]
- Theory Test
- Practical Training [40 Classes]
- Parking Test
- Assessment Test
- Highway Classes at the Speed of 120 KM/H
- Final Road Test
After attending all classes and appearing in all tests, you will get your UAE driving license approved by respective authorities.
UAE Driving License Fees
The UAE Driving License is a legal permit issued by Roads & Transport Authority. It is available for all UAE residents who are eligible and willing to obtain a driving license.
There are different service fees for application, lectures/classes, tests and other. Here I provide all service fees for a UAE driving license for you.
- File Opening – AED 950
- Regular Classes – AED 1260 [40 Classes]
- Lectures – AED 850
- Preliminary Test – AED 105
- Yard Test – AED 335
- Signal Test – AED 315
- Assessment Test – AED 160
- Final Road Test – AED 335
- License Issuance Fee – AED 330
- Administration Charges – AED 210
The fees may differ by a few AED at different driving institutes in different Emirates. After considering all service fees, the total cost of a UAE driving license is approximately AED 5000.
How to Apply for a UAE Driving License
You can visit the RTA official website to apply online for a UAE driving license. You can also go to a nearby driving institute or driving center with all documents to submit your application for a new driving license in UAE.
Here I provide the step-by-step process to apply online for a driving license in UAE as under.
- Visit the RTA official website portal @www.rta.ae.
- Click on “Driver and Car Owner” section.
- Click on “New UAE driving license” under “Drivers licensing” tab.
- Read the eligibility, documents and other instructions.
- Click on Apply Now button to proceed.
- Provide your Emirates ID and Its Expiry Date information.
- Enter your personal information and submit it.
- Pay the fees as applicable and finish the application.
- Book your schedule for theory classes and lectures.
In this way, you can apply online for a UAE driving license. After finishing the online application process, you need to attend driving classes and lectures as well as appear in various tests. You can obtain a driving license only after qualifying in all theory and practical tests.
For more information about UAE driving license and driving centers/institutes, kindly visit UAE Driving License Official Page.
The Bottom Line
You should select your desired driving license category based on your vehicle type. You can also combine two or more categories to get one driving license for different category vehicles.
Once you get your driving license, you can start driving your car in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates of UAE. You must follow all traffic rules and show your driving license if asked by a traffic police officer.
The UAE driving license is valid for 1 to 5 years and maximum 10 years from the issue date. You should renew your UAE driving license time to time to drive your car or other vehicle without any interruption.
FAQs
A UAE driving license is a important document to drive a bike, car or other vehicle in UAE. Here I provide some questions about importance of UAE driving license for you. I will also provide an accurate answer for each question.
How much does a UAE driving license cost?
The UAE driving licenses costs around AED 5000 including service fees for classes, lectures, practical tests, license issuance and administration charges.
How can I get a UAE driving license?
You need to open a traffic file i.e. submit an application to the RTA authority, attend all classes and pass all tests to get a UAE driving license.
What is Category 3 license in UAE?
The Category 3 license in UAE is suitable for light motor vehicles pickups and vans.
What is Category 5 driver’s license in UAE?
The Category 5 driver’s license in UAE is designed for light trailers and mini buses with up to 25 passenger capacity.
What is UAE driving license No.8?
The UAE driving license no.8 is issued for people who want to drive or operate heavy forklifts and shovels.
