Driving in the UAE: Complete Guide + Countries with Valid Driving Licenses

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its smooth highways, advanced road infrastructure, and strict traffic regulations. Whether you're planning to rent a car for a short stay or become a permanent resident, understanding the driving rules in the UAE is essential — especially when it comes to your license validity.

This guide covers everything you need to know in 2025 about driving in the UAE, including license conversion, international permits, penalties, and the countries whose licenses are recognized.

Can Foreigners Drive in the UAE?

Yes — but it depends on your visa status and the country that issued your driving license.

A. Tourists & Visitors

• Hold a driving license from a recognized country (see table below)
• Carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license
• Provide a certified translation of your license if it's not in English or Arabic

You can use your license for rental cars and car-sharing services such as ekar or Udrive, but always check the rental agency's specific requirements.

B. Residents & Expats

Once you receive your UAE residence visa, you are no longer permitted to drive using your foreign license — even if it was previously valid as a tourist. Instead, you must either:

• Convert your existing license (if eligible), or
• Enroll in a driving school and pass all RTA tests

Driving with a tourist-accepted license after becoming a resident is illegal and can lead to fines or legal action.

Countries Whose Licenses Are Valid in the UAE (2025)

If you are from one of the following countries, you can:

• Drive as a tourist without the need for an IDP (in most cases)
• Convert your license to a UAE license without a driving test (once you become a resident)

Region	Countries with Accepted Licenses
GCC	Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Europe	Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Asia & Oceania	Australia, China (with translation), Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea
Americas	Canada, United States
Africa	South Africa

These countries meet UAE road safety and testing standards, allowing license conversion without additional road testing.

How to Convert a Foreign License to a UAE License (for Residents)

If you're from a recognized country and now hold a valid UAE residence visa, you can apply to convert your foreign license. No driving test is required if you're eligible.

Documents Required:

• Original driving license (from your home country)
• Legal translation (if not in English or Arabic)
• Emirates ID
• Passport + UAE visa page copy
• Passport-size photographs
• Eye test results from an RTA-approved optician

Approximate Fees:

Service	Cost (AED)
Eye Test	140–180
License Issuance	600–750
File Opening	200–300
License Translation	100–250 (if required)

Steps:

1. Get your eye test done at an approved optician.
2. Visit an RTA customer service center or Happiness Center.
3. Submit your documents and pay the fees.
4. If approved, your UAE license will be issued — often the same day.

What If Your Country Is Not on the Recognized List?

You'll need to follow the full RTA driving school process, including:

• Theoretical lessons
• Parking yard test
• Road test
• Final evaluation

The full course can cost anywhere from AED 4,500 to AED 7,500, depending on your driving experience.

Tourists: How Long Can You Drive on a Foreign License?

• Tourists can typically drive in the UAE for the duration of their visa, which is usually between 30 and 90 days.
• License must be in English or Arabic; if not, carry an IDP
• Must have a full license (not a learner's or provisional license)
• Insurance coverage is mandatory
• Rental companies may still require both an IDP and national license, even if UAE laws don't.

Can You Use a UAE License Abroad?

Yes. A UAE-issued license is valid for short-term driving in over 100 countries. However, for long-term stays, you may be required to convert your license in the country you're moving to.

Country	UAE License Validity
United Kingdom	Up to 12 months
France	Up to 12 months
Germany	Up to 6 months
United States	Varies by state
Canada	Varies by province
Australia	Up to 3–6 months
New Zealand	Up to 12 months
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman	Fully accepted
South Africa	Short-term visits only

To avoid issues, it's always smart to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your UAE license when traveling abroad.

Driving Without a Valid License in the UAE

Driving without a valid license, or using a foreign license after becoming a resident, is a serious offense. Penalties include:

• AED 5,000+ fine
• Vehicle impoundment (up to 60 days)
• 24 black points on your record
• Possible deportation for severe or repeated violations

Driving in the UAE: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road

Driving in the UAE offers a high level of comfort, speed, and convenience — but it comes with strict rules, especially around licensing. Whether you're here for a few days or settling in long-term, the key is compliance:

• Tourists should ensure their home license is valid in the UAE or carry an IDP.
• Residents must convert their license if eligible or complete the RTA training program.
• Driving without proper documentation can lead to severe penalties — don't take the risk.

Ready to drive in the UAE?

If you're looking to convert your license, find insurance, or simply get the best driving tips in the UAE — Insure Now is here to help.
Contact us or explore our platform at InsureNow.ae for expert assistance, car insurance quotes, and local driving support.
Drive safe. Drive smart. Drive legally in the UAE.