How to Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence to a UAE Licence (2026 Guide)
Introduction
Every year, thousands of expatriates move to the UAE for work and business opportunities. One of their first questions is, "Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a UAE licence without taking driving tests?"
The good news is that residents from many approved countries can exchange their existing licence through the RTA process without completing theory or road tests, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. In fact, Dubai replaced more than 58,000 foreign driving licences in 2025 under its exchange system, highlighting how common and streamlined the process has become.
This guide explains who is eligible, the required documents, estimated costs, and the complete step-by-step process for converting a foreign driving licence in the UAE.
Table of Contents
Can You Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence in the UAE?
Who Is Eligible for Licence Exchange?
Countries Eligible for UAE Driving Licence Conversion
Documents Required
Step-by-Step Process
Eye Test Requirements
Fees and Estimated Cost
How Long Does the Process Take?
What Happens If Your Country Is Not Eligible?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Can You Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence in the UAE?
Not everyone needs to attend driving classes or road tests. The UAE allows residents from approved countries to exchange their valid foreign licence for a UAE driving licence through a simplified process. Eligibility depends primarily on whether your licence was issued by a country recognized by UAE authorities.
Who Is Eligible for Licence Exchange?
Generally, you should:
Hold a valid foreign driving licence
Be a UAE resident with valid identification
Belong to an eligible country approved for licence exchange
Complete the required eye test
Submit the required documents
If your country is not on the approved list, you will usually need to follow the standard UAE licensing process through an approved driving institute.
Countries Eligible for UAE Driving Licence Conversion
Before starting the application, check the latest RTA or UAE-approved country list. Eligible residents can exchange their licence without theory or road tests, while applicants from non-approved countries generally need training and examinations. The approved list includes GCC countries and many European and other nations, but it changes over time.
Documents Required
Prepare the following:
Original foreign driving licence
Emirates ID
Passport and residence visa copy (where applicable)
Passport-size photograph (if required)
Certified translation if the licence is not in Arabic or English
Eye test certificate from an approved center
Having all documents ready helps avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Check whether your country qualifies for direct licence exchange.
Step 2: Complete an Eye Test
Visit an approved eye test center. The fee commonly falls around AED 140–180, depending on the provider.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Upload or submit the required documents through the relevant RTA service or customer center.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Complete the applicable licence issuance and processing payments.
Step 5: Receive Your UAE Licence
If everything is in order, many applicants receive their UAE driving licence the same day, while some applications may require additional verification.
Eye Test Requirements
The eye test is a mandatory part of the conversion process. It confirms that applicants meet the required vision standards for safe driving and can be completed at approved centers before submitting the application.
Fees and Estimated Cost
Although fees may vary depending on services and updates, many applicants should budget approximately:
Eye test: around AED 175
Licence issuance and related fees: around AED 870
Total estimated cost: approximately AED 1,000
Always verify the latest official fees before applying.
How Long Does the Process Take?
For eligible applicants with complete documentation, the process is often very fast. Many people report receiving their UAE licence on the same day, and some experiences indicate completion in less than 30 minutes at service centers when everything is ready, though processing times can vary.
What Happens If Your Country Is Not Eligible?
If your country is not included in the approved exchange list, you generally cannot directly convert your licence. Instead, you must enroll at an approved driving institute, complete the required training, and pass the necessary tests before obtaining a UAE driving licence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without checking eligibility
Submitting expired licences
Forgetting certified translations when required
Skipping the eye test
Uploading incomplete documents
Avoiding these issues can save time and reduce processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange my licence without a driving test?
If your country is on the approved exchange list and you meet the requirements, yes.
Will my original licence be returned?
In some cases, authorities return the original licence, while in others it may be retained depending on applicable rules and bilateral agreements.
Can tourists exchange their licence?
The exchange process is generally intended for eligible UAE residents rather than visitors.
Conclusion
Converting a foreign driving licence to a UAE licence can be a straightforward process for eligible residents. The key is to verify your country's eligibility, prepare the correct documents, complete the required eye test, and follow the official application steps. Taking a little time to prepare can help you obtain your UAE driving licence quickly and avoid unnecessary delays. If you need professional guidance or driving training, First Driving Centre can help make the process even smoother and support you in driving confidently on UAE roads.
Related: Car Driving Course – FAQ (Licence Conversion)
About the Author
junaidh M is an Digital Marketing Strategist focused on web design, seo content analyst, and Digital Advertising Specialist with 2+ years of experience creating businesses that grow online across industries such as marketing, edtech, real estate, B2C, B2B, food industries, retailers, and health care. He specializes in crafting strategic, engaging, and conversion-focused content that helps brands improve online visibility, attract qualified leads, and establish industry authority. Having worked with clients across India and UAE.
