Driving License Cost Dubai 2026: RTA Fees Explained

The driving license cost in Dubai has two parts. RTA government fees are fixed: about AED 1,290 to 1,530 for a light vehicle licence if you pass every test first time, covering the traffic file, learning permit, handbook, eye test, three tests and the licence itself. The bigger part is the driving institute training package, which depends on the institute, the gearbox type and how many lessons you need. Exchanging a licence from an eligible country costs AED 1,050 in total and needs no lessons.

Do this next to plan your licence budget

• Check if you can exchange your current licence instead of training from scratch.
• Compare institute packages in writing: number of classes, automatic or manual, and retest costs.
• Prepare for the knowledge test to avoid paying for retakes.
• Budget for retests: each failed test costs another AED 220 to book.

RTA government fees for a new light vehicle licence

Item	Fee
Traffic file	AED 200
Learning permit (motorcycle, light vehicle, light automatic)	AED 100
Handbook manual	AED 50
Electronic eye test at an eye test centre	AED 140 to AED 180
Knowledge and Innovation fee (application)	AED 20
Knowledge test	AED 200 plus AED 20
Yard test	AED 200 plus AED 20
Road test	AED 200 plus AED 20
Driving licence, under 21	AED 100 plus AED 20
Driving licence, 21 or older	AED 300 plus AED 20

Government fee total if you pass first time

Applicant	Low (AED 140 eye test)	High (AED 180 eye test)
21 or older	AED 1,490	AED 1,530
Under 21	AED 1,290	AED 1,330

These totals add the traffic file, learning permit, handbook, eye test, application fee, three tests and the licence with their Knowledge and Innovation fees. Learning permits for buses, heavy vehicles and equipment cost AED 200 instead of AED 100.

Driving institute training costs

Training is done at an RTA-approved driving institute, and the package price is set by the institute. It covers theory lectures and practical classes, and varies with:

• Gearbox: automatic or manual.
• Number of classes: beginners need more, while drivers with experience may get a shorter package.
• Timing: weekend, evening or fast-track classes often cost more.
• Instructor: lady instructor options, VIP packages and home pick-up.

RTA lets you pay the full package, an initial 20% of the amount, or pay directly at the institute. Approved institutes include Emirates Driving Institute, Belhasa, Dubai Driving Centre, Galadari, Excellence, Al Ahli, Bin Yaber, Eco Drive, Drive Dubai, First Driving Centre and Emirates Transport. Ask each for a written quote that lists the number of classes, test booking fees and the cost of extra classes after a failed test.

Example budgets

Scenario (aged 21 or over, AED 180 eye test)	Government fees	Plus
Pass every test first time	AED 1,530	Institute package
Fail the road test once	AED 1,750	Institute package and any extra classes
Fail the knowledge and road tests once each	AED 1,970	Institute package and any extra classes
Exchange an eligible foreign licence	AED 1,050	Optional delivery

The simple formula is: government fees + your institute’s package + AED 220 for every retest + any extra classes the institute requires after a fail. Failing a test is the main way the total grows, so preparation saves money.

Optional and extra fees

Item	Fee
Retest (knowledge, yard or road)	AED 220 each time
Knowledge test interpretation	AED 420 including Knowledge and Innovation fee
Instant test for unexchangeable licences and golden chance	AED 420 including Knowledge and Innovation fee
Licence delivery	AED 20 standard, AED 35 same day, AED 50 within 2 hours

Cheaper routes: exchange and golden chance

• Licence exchange: holders of a licence from an eligible country pay AED 1,050 in total (traffic file, licence, handbook, eye test and fee) with no lessons. See our guide to renewing a Dubai licence for what happens next.
• Golden chance: RTA’s instant test option for holders of licences from countries that cannot be exchanged lets experienced drivers attempt the test directly, saving on full training if they pass.

How the process works

1. Apply on the RTA website with your Emirates ID, passport or UAE PASS and choose a driving institute.
2. Pay the initial fees and get a call from the institute within 3 working days to agree on your package.
3. Receive your digital learning permit by SMS and email and start training.
4. Take the eye test at an accredited eye test centre.
5. Pass the knowledge test, then the yard test, then the road test.
6. Pay the licence fee on the RTA website after the final test and receive a digital licence in the RTA Dubai app.

A new licence is valid for 1 year if you are under 21 and 2 years if you are 21 or older.

Abu Dhabi licence fees compared

Item	Dubai (RTA)	Abu Dhabi (TAMM)
Traffic or training file	AED 200	AED 200
Licence, under 21	AED 100	AED 100
Licence, 21 or older	AED 300	AED 300
Learning permit renewal (light vehicle)	Not listed here	AED 100
Adding a category	By service	AED 200

In Abu Dhabi you apply through TAMM and Abu Dhabi Police and train at an approved driving school. Ajman, Sharjah and the other emirates follow their own police licensing departments, with similar steps; check the local fee schedule before you register. Once you are driving, keep track of fines with our black points check and plan toll costs with our Salik balance check.

Ways to keep the cost down

• Study the RTA handbook properly before the knowledge test.
• Take a mock assessment with your institute before booking the road test.
• Choose a package with enough classes; paying for extra classes later costs more.
• Book tests early to avoid long gaps that make you lose confidence.
• Check whether your existing licence qualifies for exchange or golden chance.
• Keep your learning permit valid; renewing an expired permit adds another fee and delays your tests.

Official sources: RTA’s Apply for or Manage a Driving Licence service, its test booking services and TAMM’s Issue a Vehicle Driving Licence service. Fees updated by RTA in October 2026; check before you apply.

This guide is part of our UAE Traffic Fines and Vehicle Guide.