RTA proposed no driving license for select expat categories in UAE

Regulating the registration permits of old vehicles, and linking registration and licence fees of vehicles to engine capacity are among other ideas.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in an attempt to further reduce congestion on roads in Dubai, is mulling several proposals, including regulating the issuance of driving licences to select categories of expats.

In a letter by the authority to an Arabic newspaper, the RTA said it has identified means that could help alleviate the traffic problem in the emirate, especially during office hours.

Regulating issuance of driving licences, regulating the registration permits of old vehicles, linking registration and licence fees of vehicles to engine capacity and annual consumption of fuel and annual distance travelled, modifying registration fees for environment friendly vehicles, and incentives to e-vehicles are the ideas on the table that may be implemented after consultation with at the federal level, the RTA letter stated.

Among sustainable solutions that may be implemented within the emirate include encouraging the public to use public transport, improving the vehicle rental market, adjusting start times of schools and offices to reduce the burden on the roads, the letter further added.

Motorist aged 65 in Dubai undergo medical screening from September 1st

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing medical testing procedures for motorists aged 65 and above who wish to renew their driver licenses, a senior official said.

They will now be required to undergo medical screening at public and private hospitals and clinics approved by the RTA in Dubai as of September 1 this year.

Jamal Assada, Director of Drivers Licensing at RTA’s Licensing Agency, said: "The introduction of this initiative stems from the keenness of the RTA to achieve the highest traffic safety levels for road users at top-class international standards."

He added that the implementation of the new procedure will start from September 1 this year for motorists aged 65 and above.

"The test is intended to verify if motorists are free from diseases that may impact their driving abilities to the extent of posing risks to road users," he said.

Validity

The validity of the renewed driver license will be 3 years only instead of 10 years, Assada added.

"There will be an online link with the approved hospitals and clinics enabling them access to the online licensing system of the RTA to judge the medical condition of applicants for driver license renewal,” said Assada.

“Introducing the medical fitness as a precondition for the renewal of driver licenses reflects RTA’s commitment to the life of motorists and road users comprising pedestrians and vehicles."

The renewal of driver licenses service will be available through RTA’s Call Centre (8009090), Website and app on smart phones/devices (RTA Dubai).

UAE introduces new rules for expat driving licences

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior issued Ministerial Decree for the year 2017 amending the Implementing Regulations of the Federal Law for the year 1995 regarding traffic laws.

Under the new law, Emiratis will have to renew their driving license every 10 years and expats every five years.

Other than amendments to driver's licenses, the law also says that motorists are not allowed to drive a motorbike without proper license and permit. The same goes for electric scooters, tricycles and quad bikes.

The law emphasised that electric scooters or and quads are for entertainment purposes only and as such allowed only in the the desert - with proper licensing.

Driving licences can be obtained by adult UAE citizens/residents after training from an authorized driving school in Dubai. If you are 18-21 year of age, you can apply for a probationary licence.
Criteria
If you have never driven before or have a driving licence that is not on the approved list of 36 countries then you must undergo training.
Documents Required
Passport (original & copy) with residence stamp, No-Objection Certificate from employer & 8 photos.