1. automotive and vehicles
2. motorcycles

gulfnews.com | Sunday, April 19, 2015 | Gulf News
A14
Gulf News | Sunday, April 19, 2015 | gulfnews.com
in focus
in focus
Complete
guide to
owning a car
Driving licence
1. Driver’s application form
2. Passport original and copy
3. Eye test (from opticians attested
by Ministry of Health or hospitals in
Dubai)
4. One passport size photograph
5. Valid Dubai residence visa
6. NOC from employer/sponsor
7. UAE nationals owning a passport issued from another emirate must have
an NOC from respective emirate’s
traffic department
8. Expatriates working in the Dubai
branch of a company with a trade
licence from another emirate may also
apply for the learner’s permit in Dubai
as long as the following is available:
Lowdown on how to get a licence in
Dubai and registering your vehicle
Dubai
By Sh af aat S hahban da r i
Staff Reporter
G
etting a driving licence
and driving a car is a
dream of every person
who comes to Dubai.
Roughly 1,200 people appear for a driving test daily
with around 35 per cent coming
out with a licence in their hands.
Though the process of obtaining a driving licence is stringent,
it is so streamlined and structured that on an average a person
completes the process in about
two months.
Despite tough requirements,
around 100,000 people obtain
a driving licence every year, a
substantial percentage of whom
go on to purchase a personal vehicle.
Dubai is one of the easiest
places in the world to get your
hands on wheels.
Either you buy a car or you
rent it, it’s as simple as doing
regular shopping if you have the
cash.
This ease in procedures of
getting a car, coupled with low
prices and quick loan approvals,
has catapulted Dubai to the top of
cities with high-density vehicle
ownership in the world.
However, contrary to the general expectation of a place with
high vehicle density, Dubai’s
road safety standards have improved immensely over the last
decade.
Here we bring together all that
you should know about getting a
driving licence, owning a car and
driving it here.
Banks loans: Offered for new vehicles for a salary as
Driving licence facts
Light vehicle (cars): All UAE citizens
and residents above the age of 18.
However, for new drivers under the age
of 21, the licence is valid for one year and
must be renewed every year until age 21.
Drivers above age 21 get a licence valid for 10
years.
low as Dh4,000. However, a down payment of 20 per cent
of the value of the vehicle is mandatory according to the
Central Bank’s rules, both for new and used vehicles.
When your name is
called out, go along with
the other three candidates
and the RTA inspector to
the designated car.
Interest or profit rates: For pre-owned cars it is
usually higher compared to new cars, which could be as
high as five per cent per year, while for new cars the rates
range between 2.5 per cent and 4 per cent per year.
Window tinting
steps to Registration
Procedure
Window tinting of 30 per cent is allowed for private vehicles
and no tinting at all is allowed for commercial vehicles. This is a
federal law that is applicable across the country.
RTA enforces this policy at vehicle testing centres at the time
of inspecting vehicles. But the police enforce the policy on the
roads.
The heat-resistant or heat-reflective tint can also be used as
long as it is under the permissible limit of 30 per cent. No tint is
allowed on the front windshield, however, if the heat-resistant
or heat-reflective film is 100 per cent transparent, it is allowed
to be used on the windshield.
If a motorist has a doubt about the test results, for tinting or
otherwise, he can complete a grievance form at any centre
and a technical team from RTA will assess the vehicle and
make a final judgement.
Procedure to renew registration is the same for
cars and motorcycles
Purchase a vehicle insurance policy valid for one
year, either from eight RTA
trusted agents or from
any insurance service provider
in the country. Insurance can be
purchased online from the firms
listed on the RTA website.
2
If the vehicle is over three
years old, it needs to be
tested at any RTA-approved testing facility across the
city. Vehicles less than three years
old don’t need testing. However,
in case of change of ownership,
even vehicles less than three
years old need testing.
Result of the test is conveyed directly to the RTA
customer care centre attached to each testing facility. Motorist should collect the
3
test results from the counter
at the customer care centre
after waiting for his turn.
4
Whether the vehicle
fails or passes the test,
the owner receives a
certificate that clearly mentions the result. If the vehicle fails
the test, things that need to be
repaired in the vehicle are mentioned in the certificate.
The repair must be done
and the vehicle retested
within 31 days. The first
retest is free of charge. If
the vehicle fails a second time
the next retest will incur a fee of
Dh35. This test must take place
within 31 days of the first retest.
5
Clear all pending traffic
fines logged on your traffic
file even if the fine is for
other vehicles registered in
your name.
6
Fines can be paid online
through the RTA website
or mobile app as well
as through the Dubai
Police website. Fines can also be
cleared over the counter during
the registration process.
7
Once the registration
process is done, collect
the new registration card
and sticker that must be
pasted on the rear number plate.
8
In case of new registration, number plates will
have to be purchased and
a regular long number
plate will cost Dh35, while a short
number plate will cost Dh25.
Special Dubai brand number
plates are also available for
Dh420 for both rear and front
plates.
9
Counter. Submit along
with suitable ID and
Dh100. Collect your
test file and submit to
Control counter.
If you fail, you will
have to register with
your driving school for
eight more classes
and get a new road
test date.
After processing,
pay required fee and
proceed to photo area.
When your name is
called out, have your
photo taken. In a
few minutes, you will
receive your driving
licence.
If you pass, collect
the approval paper
from your inspector
and go to the Pass
Registration Fees
Light Vehicle: Dh440 (Dh120 inspection, Dh320 renewal
fees).
Motorcycle: Dh285 (Dh120 inspection, Dh165 renewal fees).
Off-Road bike: Dh265 (Dh100 inspection, Dh165 renewal
fees).
Heavy Vehicle: Dh820 (Dh150 inspection, Dh670 renewal
fees).
Documents required
• Vehicle owner’s passport and residence visa copy
• Emirates ID card
• Existing vehicle registration card
• Fee
• Insurance papers
■■
Tasjeel
■■
Shamil
■■
Wasel
■■
Car
■■
Tamam
■■
Mumayaz
■■
Shirwai
The annual vehicle inspection parameters
The annual vehicle tests are
conducted to check the brakes,
tyres, suspension, gear, wheel
alignment, emissions, electrics,
lights and general bodywork as
well as glass tint, which cannot
exceed more than 30 per cent.
Candidates who cannot read or
are not computer literate can
take the examination orally. The
Vehicles over 30 years old are
considered classic vehicles, and
can be driven in Dubai if they
meet all the safety requirements
set by the Automobile and Touring Club UAE (ATCUAE) and RTA.
All classic cars must pass a
technical vehicle inspection and
be registered on an annual basis.
This can only be carried out by
the Automobile Touring Club UAE
at the ATCUAE Technical Centre
in Al Ghusais.
Once registered, classic cars are
divided into six categories subject
to different restrictions on where
and when they can be driven.
Parking Card
Parking cards enable customers
who use paid parking to subscribe to parking services and
purchase seasonal parking cards
for three months, six months or
one year. There are two types of
seasonal cards, category A and B.
Requirements:
Original valid vehicle’s registration
card.
Copy of a valid vehicle’s registration card, both sides.
Valid Emirates ID.
Fees
■■
■■
200
Requirements for renewal of driving licence
Requirements:
Fees:
■■
Eye test
■■
Renewal: Dh110
■■
Emirates ID
■■
Courier: Dh20
■■
Passport copy with
valid visa page
■■
Original driving licence
International driving licence
Requirements:
■■
Application form
■■
Passport copy
■■
Original driving licence
■■
Driving licence copy
■■
Two photos
Fees: Dh150
Location: All RTA customer
service centres
Validity for international
driver’s licence is only one
year, international driver’s
licence is not renewable,
however, it can be reissued
upon the same requirements.
Salik
months, Dh800 for six months,
Dh1,500 for one year.
Location
This service can be obtained
online through RTA’s website or
at RTA customer care centres in
Karama, Al Quoz, Umm Ramool,
Al Twar and Al Manara.
Conditions of usage
■■
Display the permit on the front
dashboard of the vehicle in a
way that shows the details to
avoid violations.
Salik tags are available at all petrol stations and RTA
customer service centres. They can be pasted on any
part of the vehicle’s windscreen, provided it is clearly
visible.
AllVideovehicles passing through the Salik toll gates should
have Salik tags.
A Salik tag costs Dh100, which includes a Dh50 balHaveance
your say which is credited to the account.
number on the seasonal card.
If a motorist passes through the Salik gate without a
balance, the account should be topped up within five
■■ Owners of vehicles that are
SMS us
days to avoid a fine, which is Dh50 per unpaid trip.
registered in other emirates and
Salik
accounts can be topped up by purchasing reoutside the UAE can apply for
charge
cards or vouchers available at all petrol stations
Facebook
seasonal cards.
and supermarkets. Online recharge options are also
Video on a
■■ Number plate registered
available.
Call us
certain seasonal card cannot
When a car is sold the seller should remove the Salik
be replaced with another one in
tag before handing over the vehicle to the new owner.
case of change of vehicle.
BLOG
For cancellation of
type A, B cards
■■
■■
Have
your say
Fill the
application
form.
After filling the form, the seasonal card will be cancelled the
same day.
■■
This permit can only be used in
Dubai public parking.
■■
This permit is not allowed to
be used for trucks of any type
including pickups.
■■
■■
This permit is not valid within
the DMC, DIC, Fish Market, and
Gold Souq parking areas.
■■
■■
Nobody can apply for a seasonal card for a vehicle that is
not registered under his/her
name.
Seasonal cards type A, B cannot
be redeemed or refunded, but
can be transferred to a different
owner upon paying a fee of
Dh110.
■■
Seasonal cards cannot be
transferredFacebook
from a company to
another.
Category A: Dh700 for three
months, Dh1,300 for six months,
Dh2,500 for one year.
Category B: Dh450 for three
The second segment has 18
questions related to the specific
driving licence the candidate is
applying for and a minimum of
12 correct answers is required to
pass the road test.
Emirates ID, driving file, two
photos and theory test RTA
fee of Dh200 must be carried for the test.
Classic Vehicles
If vehicle registration has
lapsed for two years or more,
the RTA may decide to write
off the vehicle.
Customised Vehicles
The testing and registration process for customised
vehicles is the same as for
standard vehicles.
However, the RTA sets strict
criteria for passing the test
and any modifications to the
exhaust or engine will cause
it to fail. In these cases, the
owner has 30 days to bring
the vehicle back to standard
before the vehicle is deemed
unregisterable. Changes like
custom paintwork, aftermarket
suspension and aesthetic additions may not be a problem.
first segment with 17
questions focuses on
general traffic situations,
and the candidate will need
to answer a minimum of 11
correctly to pass.
A total of 35 objective-type questions on road
signals, hazards and guidelines
on safe driving will be asked in
either English, Arabic or Urdu.
Driving licences issued in Dubai or any other emirate can now be renewed in any part of the country.
The first step in renewing a driving licence is to
get an eye test done from any registered optician;
however, RTA has approved five trusted agents — Al
Jaber Opticians, Al Yateem Opticians, Barakat Opticals, Grand Optics and Magrabi Opticals — who
can do the eye test as well as process the renewal
application in a one-stop arrangement.
Driving licence renewal can also be done at any
of the RTA customer service centres as well as
through the RTA call centre or via RTA website or
mobile app.
Customers can choose to collect their licence
cards from any RTA customer service centre or
have it couriered to their doorstep for an additional
charge of Dh20.
RTA will issue a temporary licence to the applicants, which must be carried during driving until
the original licence is received, which might take
three to four working days.
Vehicle Testing
Here is the list of
approved facilities
6. After completing
all the classes and
passing all internal
tests like garage and
parking, take an appointment for your
road test.
The theory test is carried
out at the five authorised driving schools.
Renewal of driving licence
The driver’s training fees, including registration, theory and practical classes as well as test fees,
vary from school to school. Here
is a breakdown of various fees
charged on an average by driving
institutes.
Eye test: Dh100
Registration/learning
permit: Dh900
Theory classes: Dh500
Practical classes: Dh50 to Dh75
(depends on timing)
Knowledge and other internal
tests: Dh700
Road test: Dh300
Licence fee: Dh260
New cars and motorcycles are
exempt from the yearly vehicle
inspection for the first three
years. All vehicles over three
years old must undergo an
annual roadworthiness test.
Vehicle inspections and licence
renewals can usually be done
at the same time.
In Dubai, vehicle testing can
be completed at more than 15
locations through any of RTAapproved testing facilities.
5. After completing
the theory classes
take an appointment
for the theory test at
the institute.
4. Take
appointments for
the theory
and practical classes
from the
institute.
You will be given
just a few minutes
to demonstrate your
driving and anticipatory skills.
Fees
New car or motorcycle: Formalities of initial
registration carried out by the dealership. In subsequent
years, the vehicle can be re-registered online, through
the RTA call centre or select insurance companies and by
visiting an RTA customer centre or an approved testing
facility.
3. Receive your
temporary driving
licence, which you
must carry during all
training classes.
Theory Test
Fill up application form
and pay the fees.
Motorcycle: Minimum age of a person has to be 17.
Heavy vehicle or a mechanical equipment licence:
Can only be applied for at the age of 20.
Bus: A person must be 21 years old to drive a bus.
People who already possess driving licences from 36 approved countries can apply for a UAE driving licence without undergoing any training.
While other nationals who have a valid driving licence from their
home countries, which is more than five years old, will have to undergo
driver training for a minimum of 20 classes from any of the five approved
driving schools.
Those who have home country licences that are two to five years old
will have to take a minimum of 30 classes.
Those who don’t have a valid driving licence from their home countries will need a minimum of 40 classes.
The training classes are in addition to eight mandatory theory classes.
Registration renewal services for insurance policy holders: RTA has
approved eight insurance companies: AXA Insurance, Fujairah Insurance,
National General Insurance, Noor Takaful, Oman Insurance, Orient Insurance, RSA Insurance and Salama Insurance.
New vehicles: For the first three years, they do not need testing and vehicles that have already been tested can renew their registration through the
RTA website and over the phone by dialling 800 9090.
Test results of a vehicle are valid for one month.
1
2. Fill the
driver’s licence
application
form available
online on the
RTA website or
at the driving
institute.
— The working title is ‘Manager’ and is noted in the
residence visa.
— The company branch carries out the same
commercial activity as that noted in the sponsor’s/
mother company’s trade licence.
On the date assigned, go with
your Emirates ID or
passport, driving file
and two photos to the
RTA Licence Section at
the driving institute.
Annual renewal in Dubai
9
1. Get your eyes
tested from an
authorised optician or at your
driving school.
Dubai Driving Centre04-3455855
Al Ahli Driving
School-04-3411500
Galadari Driving
School-04-2676166
Belhasa Driving School —
04-3243535
Emirates Driving Institute-04-2631100
Road Test
Vehicle ownership
Buying a vehicle in Dubai is relatively easy and affordable
compared to other parts of world. Be it a new car or a
pre-owned model, almost anyone with a valid driving
licence can have a car or a motorcycle. Lower prices,
cheaper fuel costs as well as easy availability of loans
make purchases of cars a breeze.
Steps
Authorised driving
schools in Dubai
Documents required for applying for driving licence
A15
■■
Companies are not allowed to
register more than one vehicle
Seasonal cards can be redeemed on the same day of
issuance. SMS us
Call us
HAVE
YOUR SAY
Photo gallery
Write us
Look for more content on our social
media channels. Log on to Facebook
to be part of the discussion
Follow us on Instagram @GulfNews
Tweet us @GNReaders
Twitter
Are you planning to buy a
new car? Are you aware of
the registration procedures?
Have you faced any issues
while registering your car?
How did you deal with
them? Tell us at readers@
gulfnews.com