By Staff Reporter
Dubai – Thousands of expatriates moving to the UAE can benefit from a streamlined process that allows them to exchange their foreign driving licences for a UAE driving licence without undergoing driving lessons or road tests.
According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), more than 58,000 foreign driving licences were converted in 2025, reflecting the growing number of residents taking advantage of the licence exchange programme.
Countries Eligible for Driving Licence Exchange
The UAE currently recognises driving licences from more than 50 countries across different regions of the world.
Europe
Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Montenegro and Ukraine.
GCC Countries
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Asia
Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Turkey and Uzbekistan.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand.
Africa
South Africa.
North America
Canada and the United States of America.
Who Can Apply?
Residents holding a valid driving licence issued by any of the approved countries may apply for a UAE driving licence exchange without enrolling in a driving school or taking driving tests, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
General Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid foreign driving licence.
- Complete a mandatory eye test at an approved centre.
- Submit all required identification documents.
- Provide additional verification documents if requested.
Eye test fees generally range between Dh140 and Dh180 depending on the approved testing centre.
Special Conditions
Some countries require additional supporting documentation. For example, holders of Turkish driving licences must obtain a Driving Licence Data Certificate issued by the relevant Turkish embassy or consulate before applying for an exchange.
Countries Excluded from the Exchange Programme
Driving licences issued by the following territories are not eligible for direct exchange in Dubai:
- Guam
- Jersey
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Andorra
Residents holding licences from these territories must follow the standard licensing procedure.
What If Your Country Is Not Eligible?
Drivers whose countries are not included on the approved exchange list must obtain a UAE driving licence through the regular process. This includes enrolling at an RTA-approved driving institute, completing the required training programme and successfully passing the theory and practical driving tests.
Rules for GCC Nationals
GCC citizens may exchange their licences in Dubai if their licences remain valid and the original licence is surrendered. GCC nationals holding licences issued by their home countries, or by recognised exception countries, can complete the exchange regardless of where their Emirates ID was issued.
The licence exchange programme continues to provide a convenient route for qualifying residents, helping them get on the road quickly while maintaining the UAE’s high driving and safety standards.
Source: Gulf News
