Motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular in the UAE. Due to the rise in the number of motorcycles, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made it mandatory for motorbike riders to hold a driving license specifically for motorcycles. Holding a driving license for a car is not sufficient to be allowed to drive a motorbike. Therefore, it is essential to obtain a motorbike license in the UAE to drive a motorcycle legally.
Whether you are a motorbike enthusiast who dreams of riding in the region’s desert or cruising on its vast roads, or if you simply need an easy daily commute, you must obtain a motorbike license as per the RTA regulations. Motorcycles are commonly used for package deliveries in the UAE, making it imperative to have a proper license.
In order to get a motorbike license, you need to prepare for theoretical and practical courses and pass the test to ride a motorbike in the UAE with a license safely. Therefore, we have compiled an extensive guide to help you understand the criteria and processes involved in acquiring a motorbike license in the UAE.
Eligibility to Get a Motorbike License
To obtain a motorbike license in Dubai, you must be at least 17 years old. Even if you already have a driving license, you will still need to apply for a motorbike license separately. If you have a valid license from another country, you will need to apply for a UAE license. However, if your country is one of the accepted countries in GCC, you will require only a few hours of training as compared to a beginner.
Essential Documents Required
The following documents are required to apply for a motorcycle driving license in the UAE.
- An Emirates ID (original and copy)
- Residence visa
- Copy of passport
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor
- Two passport-size photographs
- Eye test report
Additionally, if you have a license from another country, you must also provide:
- Valid motorcycle driving license from another country (original and copy).
- Translate the license into English or Arabic language from the translation agency if it is in another language.
Registration Process for Getting a Motorbike License
Once you have collected the essential documents, start the registration process with our step-by-step guide.
Eye Test Report
Firstly, get your eyes tested by an authorized RTA-approved optician. Most driving institutes also have an eye test facility, so you can get it done after registering an application for a motorbike license.
Learner’s Permit
After you have cleared your eye test, you can apply for a learner’s permit from RTA-approved driving institutes. The institute will open a traffic file in your name and hand over a driving guide on traffic rules and regulations in Dubai. It’s important to note that the learner’s permit is valid for three months in the UAE, so you have to prepare for the tests during this time to acquire the original driving license.
Theory Lectures
You have to register for the driving course, which contains topics on road safety, road signs, and rules and regulations. You are supposed to attend 8 hours of lectures to prepare for the theoretical test. For that, you can either enroll yourself in online classes or attend lectures in person.
Theory Test
After you have completed the lectures and are well prepared, you need to enroll for the RTA theory test. The test consists of 40 questions, and you are required to answer at least 30 questions to pass it.
Practical Training
The practical training consists of 15 hours of classes as a beginner. However, if you are older than 21 or have a foreign license, then you are required to take only 8 hours of classes. The training includes vehicle balance, parking, and driving skills. You are supposed to get yard test training, which means open-ground driving and parking skills.
Practical Test
After thoroughly preparing for practical training and going through basic motorbike driving skills, enroll for practical tests. In this step, you finally have to demonstrate your motorcycle driving skills by following what you learned in the training program. If you pass the RTA road test, you can successfully obtain a motorcycle driving license.
Generally, driving license training and courses are available in English and Arabic. However, if you want to get training in another language, the institutes also offer the facility of choosing an interpreter. For this, you have to issue an application to RTA at the time of opening a traffic file. Also, it is essential to note that it costs extra charges of up to AED 400 to request an interpreter.
Fee Structure of Registration
The cost of registering for a motorbike license varies depending on driving schools. However, the general expectation is around 1500 AED by RTA.
- The learner permit costs AED 100.
- Traffic file opening AED 200
- Eye test AED 120
- RTA theory tests AED 220
- RTA road test AED 220
- License issuance AED 320
Additionally, the driving lectures and classes cost from 3,000 AED to 5,000 AED, depending on the number of classes, shifts, and the institute you choose. Conversely, an individual who already has a valid driving license from another country can swap their license in Dubai for just AED 870.
Driving Institutes
Make sure to enroll in an RTA-approved driving school to pass a driving license test in the UAE. The following are some of the authorized driving institutes you can apply to.
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Belhasa Driving Center
- Galadari Driving School
- Bin Yaber Driving Institute
- Dubai Driving Center
We hope you find this blog informative and find all the essential information regarding the motorbike driving license. By following this comprehensive guide, you can obtain a motorcycle license hassle-free and experience a thrilling ride in Dubai on your motorbike stress-free.
Also Read: How to Buy a Used Bike in the UAE
