Month 3
Time
1 hour at RTA (direct swap)
Cost
AED 870 approx
Difficulty
Medium
EU vs non-EU
EU/EEA: Most EU licences are on the direct-exchange list. Eye test, fees, done in an hour at RTA. No driving test.
Non-EU: Check the RTA exchange list. If your country isn't on it, you'll do classes and the RTA test like a new driver. Budget AED 4,500+ and a few weeks.
What to bring
Your original licence (valid)
Emirates ID
Eye test certificate (done on the spot at most centres)
Passport photo
Not needed: A driving test. If your country is on the exchange list
Your options
RTA customer happiness centre
The direct-exchange route
AED 870 incl. fees
Eligible countries (UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, GCC and more) swap on the spot. Eye test, pay, photo, licence printed same visit.
RTA app (digital)
Renewals and some swaps online
AED 870
The RTA Dubai app handles much of the process digitally if your documents are clean scans. First-time conversions often still end at a counter.
Driving school (non-exchange countries)
Classes + tests from scratch
AED 4,500 to 7,000
Golden Chance rules can cut required classes if you've held a licence 5+ years. Schools like Belhasa and Emirates Driving Institute run English programmes.
Prices checked June 2026
Do it
- 1
Check the exchange list
RTA's site lists ~50 eligible countries. Some non-English licences need a legal translation first.
- 2
Do the eye test
At the RTA centre or any opticians offering "RTA eye test", they upload results digitally. AED 50ish.
- 3
Submit and pay at RTA
Original licence, Emirates ID, photo, ~AED 870 in fees. The plastic card prints while you wait.
- 4
Sort insurance before driving
Car rentals and insurers want the UAE licence once you're a resident. driving on the old one voids cover.
Common questions
Is my licence on the exchange list?
Most EU countries, the UK, US, Canada, Australia and ~50 others swap directly, eye test, fees, an hour at RTA. Outside the list it's lessons and the full test.
Can I drive on my home licence meanwhile?
Only as a tourist. Once you're a resident, driving legally means a UAE licence, do the swap soon after the Emirates ID lands.
Do I need a car here?
Depends entirely on your neighbourhood, Marina and Downtown live car-free, JVC and the villa belt don't. Rent month-to-month before buying anything.
Full checklist tracking and task completion live in the Settli app for Dubai.