Driving License

If you’re planning to avail car rental service in Ras al khaimah, it is mandatory that you possess a valid driver’s license in strict adherence to the laws applicable in the UAE. Make sure that you fulfill the below conditions:

• You hold a Visit Visa or a Residence Visa.
• You’re handy with a driver’s license issued by a GCC country (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman).
• Your spouse can rent a car in Dubai if he/she is on a Visit Visa. However, possessing a temporary UAE driving license or an international driving license is mandatory.
• A Residence Visa holder has to obtain

On The Road: The Rules

You’re eligible to obtain car rental service in Dubai. You’ve got a vehicle choice too. But make yourself thoroughly acquainted with the below to avoid any inconvenience.

• Drive your car on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
• Avoid the paved shoulder while driving. Use it only in cases of unavoidable necessity such as a vehicle breakdown.
• It is a criminal offence in the UAE to make obscene gestures to other motorists.
• Do not use your phone while driving. Use a “hands free” accessory when you’re in absolute need to utilize your mobile phone.
• Never take right on a red light signal.
• Use signals to help yourself and others.
• Follow your lane while taking left.
• Watch out for roundabouts. There are too many in the country.
• Be careful about speed bumps. They can be too high at times and are painted yellow.
• All seatbelts in your car are meant for mandatory use. If your companion is below 10 years, make him seat in the rear.
• When stopped by a policeman, do not try to ignore as hidden cameras will be monitoring your movements.

In Case of an Accident

• Call the police on 999 and contact Al Shamsi Rent a Car office as soon as possible.
• Try to keep your calm and do not flee the scene.
• Move your vehicle only if it becomes an obstruction to others.
• Keep your driving license and the registration card’s copy handy.
• Cooperate with the police with politeness and let them determine who is at fault.
• Without a police report a garage cannot repair vehicles damaged in accidents.

Transfer of Existing Driving License

You can transfer your existing valid driver’s license without taking a driving test or going to a driving school if you have citizenship of: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, and the US.

To avoid any confusion of changes to this countries’ list, please call RTA on 8009090.

Along with a valid driver’s license from any of these countries you must also possess current resident status in the UAE to avoid appearing for a driving test.

Fees and Documents: If you’re a Canadian passport holder and planning to apply for a UAE driver’s license, first get a letter from your embassy or consulate. If you have a driving license from Greece, Poland, Cyprus, Turkey, Japan and South Korea, please get the driving license translated from your respective consulate. Below are some other mandatory requirements to keep by your side:

• Passport and residence permit copy (original & copy)
• No-objection certificate from your sponsor.
• One passport photograph.
• Eye test certificate.
• AED 360 for various applicable fees.

Some other necessary information
Visit any optician, clinic, or hospital and have an eye test done. The test is mostly free, but there are a few who may charge a small fee. Hand over two passport photos and clearly state they are for your driver’s license purpose.

• Keep all documents handy and visit the Driving License Section of Dubai Traffic Department in Al Ghusais (timings: 7.30 am to 2.30 pm on any working day).
• Female applicants can go to the Ladies Section for quick response.
• Submit the duly filled application with all documents.
• Pay AED 360 and take your documents back after they are signed.
• Give all your documents at the Data Entry Counter and wait for your turn.
• You will be called for getting photographs.
• You will receive your license within a few minutes.

Some of the procedures/information tends to change without prior notice. Therefore, to keep yourself updated with the most accurate information, please visit the Dubai Police Website.