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According to the latest statistics, 74% of all journeys across Dubai are done by car and that is why getting a car is high on an expat’s priority list when they first move to Dubai. However, before hitting the emirate’s busy roads, there are administrative steps you must fulfil. These include converting your driver’s licence and ensuring your vehicle so you can legally drive on Dubai’s roads. In this blog, we will take you through everything you need to know from the steps you need to follow to get your driver’s licence to how to buy a car.
It may seem obvious, but before you take to Dubai’s busy roads, you need to ensure your driving licence allows you to do so but patience is required as it may take longer than expected.
Upon arrival in the UAE and whilst waiting to convert your driver’s licence, you can drive using an International Driving Permit (IDP). This document allows you to drive on Dubai’s roads for up to 1 year before. It is the ideal solution for those members of the expat community whose stay in Dubai is only fleeting.
However, the downside of an IDP is that you will also have to carry your national driver's licence with you because both documents need presenting if you are pulled over by the police. If you expect your stay in Dubai to be longer than 12 months, we strongly recommend you get your driver's licence converted.
Converting your national driver’s licence to an Emirati licence is quite straight forward but if you lead a busy life and need to drive from day one, we recommend you use the IDP whilst going through the process.
First, you must apply for an Emirati driving licence transfer by going to the Road and Transport Authority in Dubai with the required documents. These are your Resident ID, your passport with residence visa, your current driving licence (it must still be valid or within one year of the expiry date), your eye test certificate, a passport photo, a No Objection Certificate from your sponsor and an AED 410 application fee. Additionally, expats from the UK are required to take a medical fitness test.
However, not all national driver’s licences can be converted, for example expats holding a Puerto Rico or Channel Island driver’s licence won’t be allowed to follow the above steps. Instead, they will have to take an Emirati driving test. This involves taking driving lessons and passing a theory and a practical test that you take after having had a minimum of 10 hours of lessons.
Once you have transferred your licence or obtained your IDP, it is time to buy your first car in Dubai. The process is remarkably similar to anywhere else in the world. However, as with many other administrative tasks, it is imperative you have the right documents, these include your residents permit, driver’s licence, and your Emirati ID.
If you know you won’t be staying in Dubai for long, the best option is to buy a used car from a reputable Dubai car showroom such as Expat Motors. It will allow you to get mobile quickly and benefit from outstanding customer service. Moreover, as the average age of a car on Dubai’s roads is 5.2 years. This means the used car stock in the city is of very high quality and you will benefit from using a vehicle that is equipped with all the latest mod-cons. What’s more, some used car dealers cater exclusively to the expat community. So, why not visit Expat Motors’ Dubai showroom where you will find a broad range of used cars that have undergone a strict 160 point test before they are handed over to the customer.
When you buy a new car, you won’t need to worry about registration for the first two years as the dealer takes care of the paperwork. However, if you are buying a used car, you will need to change the ownership with the RTA. For this, the buyer must present a valid Emirates ID and Passport as well as a No Objection Certificate from their sponsor. Additionally, you must also supply the vehicles electronic insurance document, the technical inspection certificate, and ensure the previous owner has cleared any outstanding payments on the vehicle.
However, some used car dealers such as Expat Motors are typically happy to help you register the car in your name so you can hit the road quickly.
Driving in Dubai might be quite different to driving in your home country. For those coming from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa it is important to note that in the UAE they drive on the right. Therefore, when driving along a motorway, the fast lane is located on the right. The good news though is that all road signs are in English and Arabic.
The general rules of driving are the same as in most countries. This means you must respect speed limit, give enough space to the car in front, and use a seatbelt. However, there is zero-tolerance towards drink-driving and if you are caught you can expect a jail sentence between 1 month and 3 years as well as a fine between AED 20,000 and AED 30,000.
Whether you are transferring your driving licence, registering your car, or even buying your first car in Dubai, there will always be paperwork to be filled in. Have your passport and Emirates ID card at the ready to smoothen the process and all should be okay.
