Driving in Dubai 2025: UAE Driving License, RTA Fines, Salik, Car Prices & Renting Guide

Driving in Dubai is one of the best experiences for expats and tourists because the roads are smooth, clean, and modern. The Dubai road system is world-class, and almost everyone living in Dubai eventually wants to get a UAE driving license, buy a car, or at least rent a car for daily use. If you’re searching for “Driving in Dubai”, “How to get a UAE driving license”, “Dubai car prices”, or “RTA driving test tips”, this complete guide covers everything you need in one place.

Whether you’re a new expat, a tourist planning to stay long-term, or someone thinking of moving to Dubai, this 2025 updated and SEO-optimized guide will help you understand:

How to get a UAE driving license

Step-by-step driving license process

Driving test tips (Road test + Yard test)

Car prices in Dubai

Car insurance cost in Dubai

Salik registration and toll system

RTA fines and penalties

Renting a car vs buying a car in Dubai

Getting a UAE Driving License in Dubai (2025 Updated Guide)

One of the most searched terms in Dubai is “How to get a UAE driving license” because driving is almost a necessity here. Public transport is good, but not perfect for all locations, and most residents prefer having a personal vehicle.

1.1 Who Needs a UAE Driving License?

If you are living in Dubai on a residence visa, you must apply for a UAE driving license. Tourists can use their home country license + International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car.

1.2 Can You Convert Your License? (Eligible Countries)

Some nationalities can convert their home license directly without taking classes:

Eligible countries include:

USA

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

South Africa

Ireland

Belgium

The Netherlands

Portugal

Japan

South Korea

Austria

If you are from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria or any non-exempt country, you must go through the full training.

UAE Driving License Requirements

To apply for a driving license in Dubai, you need:

Emirates ID (mandatory)

Dubai residence visa

Eye test result

Passport copy

Passport-size photos

Dubai Driving License Process (Step-by-Step)

Here is the complete process most people follow:

3.1 Step 1: Open a Driving File

Go to any RTA-approved driving school in Dubai such as:

Dubai Driving Center

Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)

Galadari Driving School

Belhasa Driving Center

3.2 Step 2: Eye Test

Eye tests can be done at:

Al Jaber Optical

Yateem Optics

Driving centers

Cost: AED 120–AED 150

3.3 Step 3: Driving Classes

Depending on your experience:

No license: 40 classes

Expired foreign license: 20 classes

Valid foreign license: 10 classes

Exempt countries: 0 classes

3.4 Step 4: RTA Theory Test

The theory test includes:

Traffic signs

Road rules

Hazard perception

Prepare using the RTA mobile app.

3.5 Step 5: Yard Test (Parking Test)

This includes:

Slope

Parallel parking

Garage parking

Angle parking

Emergency braking

3.6 Step 6: RTA Road Test

This is the final test. It lasts 10–12 minutes where the examiner checks:

Lane discipline

Indicator usage

Speed limits

Roundabout rules

3.7 Step 7: Collect Your License

If you pass, you get your UAE Driving License on the same day.

UAE Driving Test Tips (Pass on First Try)

Passing the Dubai RTA test can be difficult for many beginners. Here are proven driving test tips many learners use:

✔ Use indicators every time you change lanes

RTA examiners fail candidates for the smallest mistakes.

✔ Maintain safe distance (2–3 seconds rule)

✔ Follow speed limits

Speeding is the most common RTA fail reason.

✔ Don’t brake suddenly

✔ Stay calm and avoid panic

Examiners observe your confidence level.

✔ Practice roundabouts well

Dubai has many roundabouts, especially in non-main areas.

✔ Listen carefully to instructions

If unsure, politely ask the examiner to repeat.

Car Prices in Dubai (New & Used Cars)

Dubai is known for affordable car prices due to zero taxes and large car markets.

5.1 New Car Prices (Average)

Toyota Corolla: AED 75,000 – 90,000

Honda Civic: AED 85,000 – 110,000

Nissan Altima: AED 95,000 – 120,000

Toyota Camry: AED 100,000 – 130,000

SUVs (RAV4, Sportage): AED 110,000 – 150,000

Luxury Cars (Mercedes, BMW): AED 180,000 – 350,000

5.2 Used Car Prices

You can find used cars starting from:

Small cars: AED 8,000 – 20,000

Sedans: AED 15,000 – 35,000

SUVs: AED 25,000 – 60,000

Top websites to check:

Dubizzle

YallaMotor

CarSwitch

Car Insurance in Dubai (Costs & Types)

Car insurance is mandatory in Dubai.

6.1 Types of Car Insurance

Third-Party Insurance (Cheapest)

Covers damage to other vehicles only.

Comprehensive Insurance (Recommended)

Covers your car + third party.

6.2 Car Insurance Cost

Small cars: AED 900 – 1,600 per year

Sedans: AED 1,400 – 2,500 per year

SUVs: AED 2,000 – 3,500 per year

Luxury cars: AED 4,000 – 10,000 per year

Factors affecting price:

Age of driver

Driving history

Car model

No-claim discount

Salik in Dubai (Toll System Explained)

Salik is Dubai’s automatic toll system.
Every time your car passes a Salik gate, AED 4 is charged.

7.1 How to Get a Salik Tag

Purchase from petrol stations or online

Cost: AED 100 (AED 50 credit included)

7.2 Salik Locations (Popular Gates)

Al Garhoud Bridge

Al Maktoum Bridge

Sheikh Zayed Road

Airport Tunnel

Jebel Ali

You can recharge your Salik account online or through the mobile app.

RTA Fines in Dubai (Updated List)

Dubai takes road safety seriously, and RTA fines can be high.

Common RTA Fines

Speeding: AED 600 – AED 3,000

Using mobile while driving: AED 800

Not wearing seatbelt: AED 400

Jumping red signal: AED 1,000 + 12 black points + car impound

Wrong parking: AED 200

Blocking traffic: AED 500

To check your fines:

RTA website

Dubai Police app

Smart kiosks

Renting a Car vs Buying a Car in Dubai (Which is Better?)

Both options are common in Dubai, but each has pros and cons.

9.1 Renting a Car in Dubai

Many expats prefer renting a car during their first months in Dubai because it’s easy and flexible.

Renting a Car – Advantages

No maintenance cost

No insurance renewal

No registration fees

Easy monthly plans

Good for short stays

Renting Cost

Small cars: AED 1,200 – AED 1,800 per month

Sedans: AED 1,800 – AED 2,500 per month

SUVs: AED 2,800 – AED 4,000 per month

Top Car Rental Companies

Moosa Rent a Car

Thrifty

Hertz

Dollar

Speedy Drive

9.2 Buying a Car in Dubai

Buying is better for long-term residents.

Buying a Car – Advantages

One-time investment

No monthly rental fees

You own the car

Better for families

Buying a Car – Disadvantages

Maintenance cost

Insurance cost

Registration fees

Car depreciation

Renting vs Buying: Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose Renting if:

✔ You are new in Dubai
✔ You are on a short-term contract
✔ You don’t want long-term commitments

Choose Buying if:

✔ You plan to live 3+ years
✔ You want to save money long term
✔ You need a car daily

Conclusion: Driving in Dubai Is Easy and Affordable When You Know the Rules

Driving in Dubai gives you freedom, convenience, and comfort. Whether you want to apply for a UAE driving license, learn RTA test tips, understand car prices, manage Salik, or choose between renting vs buying a car—this complete guide helps you make the right decision.

Dubai has some of the safest roads in the world. Follow the rules, keep your Salik topped up, check RTA fines regularly, and drive responsibly.