RTA Theory Test 2026: Pass Mark and Practice Questions

The RTA theory test, officially the Knowledge Test, is the first of three tests for a Dubai driving licence. It has 40 questions, and you need at least 30 correct answers to pass. You can book it once you hold a valid learning permit and have completed your institute’s theory classes, through the RTA website with UAE PASS, your Emirates ID or passport. The test costs AED 220 (AED 200 plus the AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee), with an optional remote interpretation service for AED 420.

Do this next to prepare for the RTA theory test

• Read the RTA handbook you receive with your file, especially road signs and right of way.
• Finish your institute’s theory lectures and mock tests before booking.
• Book on the RTA website and keep the SMS with your appointment.
• Dress modestly on test day, as RTA requires at government facilities.

RTA knowledge test at a glance

Item	Detail
Official name	Knowledge Test
Number of questions	40
Pass mark	30 correct answers (75%)
Who can book	Citizens and residents with a valid learning permit
Requirement	Emirates ID
Fee	AED 200 plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation, AED 220
Optional interpretation	AED 400 plus AED 20, AED 420
Changing the appointment	Possible within 30 days, subject to availability
Next tests	Yard test, then road test (AED 220 each)

How to book the RTA theory test

1. Go to RTA’s driving licence service on the RTA website.
2. Log in with UAE PASS or your Emirates ID or passport details.
3. Enter the OTP sent to your registered phone.
4. Select or change your Knowledge Test appointment.
5. Choose remote interpretation if you need it.
6. Pay the fee, then receive the receipt and appointment by SMS and email.

Your driving institute can also help you book once your theory classes are complete.

What the theory test covers

• Road signs and markings: warning, regulatory and information signs, lane markings and road surface markings.
• Right of way: junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, emergency vehicles and school buses.
• Speed and distance: speed limits, safe following distance and stopping distance.
• Safe driving: lane discipline, overtaking, hazard awareness, weather conditions and night driving.
• Vehicle and occupant safety: seat belts, child seats, vehicle checks and loads.
• Traffic law: violations, black points, accidents and what to do after a collision.

Practice questions with answers

These questions are written by our editors from UAE road rules to help you practise. They are not RTA’s own question bank.

#	Question	Answer
1	You approach a roundabout and a car is already circulating on it. What should you do?	Give way to vehicles already on the roundabout
2	Which side should you normally overtake on in the UAE?	The left
3	A school bus stops with its stop sign extended. What must you do?	Stop and wait until the sign is folded
4	An ambulance with sirens is behind you. What should you do?	Move aside safely to let it pass and do not follow it closely
5	Who must wear a seat belt?	The driver and all passengers
6	Can a 9-year-old sit in the front passenger seat?	No. Children under 10, or shorter than 145 cm, must not sit in the front
7	What must young children travel in?	An approved child safety seat suitable for their age and size
8	Can you use a hand-held phone while driving?	No, it is a traffic violation
9	A pedestrian is waiting at a zebra crossing. What should you do?	Slow down and give way
10	When can you use the hard shoulder?	Only in an emergency or breakdown, never to overtake
11	The traffic light turns amber as you approach. What should you do?	Stop if you can do so safely
12	Visibility drops in fog. What should you do?	Slow down, increase distance and use dipped headlights
13	What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in the UAE?	Zero; drink driving is prohibited
14	A yellow box junction is ahead and your exit is blocked. What should you do?	Wait outside the box until your exit is clear
15	What should you do immediately after a minor accident with no injuries?	Move to a safe place if possible and report it through the police app or channels

A simple study plan

1. Week 1: read the handbook chapters on signs, markings and right of way, and write down anything you get wrong in practice.
2. Week 2: study speed, distance, overtaking and driving in bad weather, then take two full mock tests.
3. Before booking: aim for at least 34 out of 40 in mock tests, so a few tricky questions on the day do not cost you a pass.

Exam day tips

• Arrive early with your Emirates ID.
• Read every option before answering; questions often test the exception, such as emergency vehicles or school buses.
• For sign questions, think about shape and colour first: red circles prohibit, triangles warn, blue circles instruct.
• Do not rush; there is usually enough time to check your answers.
• Dress modestly, as RTA requires.

What if you fail the theory test?

You can book again for another AED 220. Your institute may ask you to attend extra theory sessions before rebooking. Review the topics where you lost marks, take more mock tests and book when you consistently score well above 30 out of 40.

After you pass

Once you pass, continue practical training for the yard test, which covers manoeuvres such as parking, and then the road test with an RTA examiner. After the road test, you pay the licence fee and receive a digital licence. Our guide to the Dubai Metro can help you get to your institute without a car, and once you drive, our black points check and Salik balance check keep you on top of your record.

Theory test vs exchanging a licence

If you hold a licence from a country on RTA’s exchange list, you may not need the theory test at all; you can exchange the licence for AED 1,050 after an eye test. Holders of licences from countries that are not eligible can use RTA’s instant test option, also called the golden chance, to attempt the tests directly.

Official source: RTA’s Knowledge Test booking service, updated October 2026. Practice questions are for study only.

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