Dubai: For many expatriates arriving in Dubai, getting behind the wheel is a top priority. The good news is that residents holding a driving licence from certain approved countries can exchange it directly for a UAE driving licence—without attending driving classes or taking road tests.
According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), 58,082 foreign driving licences were exchanged in 2025, covering licences issued in more than 50 recognised countries.
This process saves time, effort and money, making it one of the fastest ways for eligible residents to legally drive in the UAE.
Who can exchange a foreign driving licence in Dubai?
Residents whose driving licences were issued in approved countries may apply directly for a Dubai driving licence, provided all requirements are met.
The approved countries fall into the following categories:
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Five GCC countries
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38 European countries
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13 Asian, Australian and Latin American countries
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One African country
If eligible, applicants do not need to enrol in a driving institute.
Full list of countries eligible for UAE driving licence exchange
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, Ukraine
GCC countries
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Asia
Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Turkey, Uzbekistan
Australia and New Zealand
Australia, New Zealand
Africa
South Africa
North America
Canada, United States, Texas (USA)
Important country-specific requirements
Some licences require additional documentation or official translation. Applicants are advised to check the RTA website for country-specific conditions before applying.
For example:
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Turkey: Applicants must provide a Driving Licence Data Certificate issued by the Turkish consulate or embassy.
General requirements for licence exchange
To exchange a foreign driving licence in Dubai, applicants must:
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Hold a valid foreign driving licence
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Complete a mandatory eye test
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Available at RTA-approved Eye Test Centres, Customer Happiness Centres, or driving institutes
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Cost ranges between Dh140 and Dh180
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Provide a consular certificate if the licence lacks security features
Driving licences that cannot be exchanged
Licences issued by the following countries or territories are not eligible for exchange:
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Guam
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Jersey
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Liechtenstein
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Monaco
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Northern Mariana Islands
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Puerto Rico
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Andorra
Rules for GCC nationals
GCC citizens may exchange their driving licence in Dubai if:
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The licence is valid
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The original licence is surrendered
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The licence is issued by their home country or an approved exception country
This applies regardless of where the Emirates ID was issued.
What if your country is not on the list?
Residents from non-approved countries can still obtain a Dubai driving licence, but must follow the standard RTA process, which includes enrolling at an authorised driving institute and completing required training and tests.
Source: Gulf News
