New learners, existing licence holders, and drivers exchanging or upgrading licences face different combinations of charges, even when the final card looks the same. This guide explains those differences in a structured way, based solely on current RTA and federal information, so you can match your situation to the correct fee set.
You will find: an overview of how the Dubai driving licence fee structure works; detailed breakdowns for new learners, renewals, replacements and transfers; Dubai driving licence exchange fees for exceptional countries; special permit costs for commercial and Safari/desert driving; and worked examples that show how individual items combine into a realistic total.
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How RTA Driving Licence Fees Are Structured in Dubai
RTA driving licence fees in Dubai are built from several standard components that recur across most services. For any new application or renewal, you usually see a combination of: a traffic file opening fee, a learning permit or application fee, test booking or test fees, licence issuance or renewal fees, and a mandatory Knowledge and Innovation fee. In many cases, you also need to add the Dubai driving licence eye test cost, as a valid electronic eye test is a basic requirement for most licence-related services.
For new learners, the first mandatory step is opening a traffic file, which costs 200 AED. Then you pay the Dubai learning permit fees, which depend on the vehicle type: 100 AED for motorcycles, light vehicles, and light automatic vehicles, and 200 AED for light buses, heavy buses, light equipment, heavy equipment, and heavy vehicles. A driving handbook manual costs 50 AED for all learners, and this RTA driving handbook fee appears again in some transfer and exchange processes.
Across almost all issuance, renewal, replacement and some special permit services, RTA adds a 20 AED Dubai driving licence Knowledge and Innovation fee. This is a fixed addition per applicable service, not a percentage. Licence issuance and renewal fees differ by age band: under-21s generally pay 100 AED, while applicants aged 21 and over pay 300 AED for the same service type, with an additional 20 AED fee.
Tests are charged separately. According to RTA, booking a theory or practical exam to obtain a driving licence costs 200 AED per appointment, and re‑booking an earlier appointment costs 300 AED. In specific cases, such as rehabilitation after certain violations, an RTA road test fee of 200 AED appears again, and Singapore licence exchanges involve a 400 AED instant knowledge test. Eye test fees at approved centres range from 140 to 180 AED, and additional charges apply if you use mobile eye-test trucks.
It is also important to distinguish core RTA driving licence application fees from training institute costs. Driving schools in Dubai set their own package prices for lessons, internal assessments and transport, which are not covered here. This guide focuses only on government charges payable to RTA or relevant authorities, so when you calculate the full cost of getting a driving licence in Dubai, you should add your chosen school’s fees separately.
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New Learners: Core Dubai Driving Licence Costs for the First Time
For this guide, a “new learner” is someone who does not hold a prior UAE licence in that vehicle category. You may be a first-time driver, or already hold a motorcycle licence, but are now applying for a light-vehicle licence; in each case, you start a new learning permit for that category. The Dubai driving licence charges for new learners are highly standardised and are drawn directly from RTA’s main driving licence service pages.
Training packages, lesson rates and internal school tests are separate and can vary widely between institutes. The sections below cover only the RTA and related government fees you must pay regardless of which school you choose.
Traffic File, Learning Permit and Handbook
Every new learner must open an RTA traffic file before starting training. The RTA traffic file opening fees are 200 AED for all new applicants, regardless of age or vehicle type. Without this file, you cannot register for classes, tests or any RTA driving licence application fees.
Learning permit fees then depend on what you intend to drive. For motorcycles, light vehicles and light automatic vehicles, the learning permit costs 100 AED. For larger categories such as light buses, heavy buses, light equipment, heavy equipment and heavy vehicles, the learning permit fee is 200 AED. These amounts apply per category, so a learner who later adds another category will pay the relevant learning permit fee again.
All learners must also purchase the official driving handbook manual, which costs 50 AED. This is a one-off charge per application set and is listed in several RTA service combinations, including certain transfers from other emirates and foreign licence exchanges.
Tests, Eye Test and Licence Issuance
Before booking theory or practical exams, learners need a valid eye test. The standard electronic eye test at RTA-approved centres costs between 140 and 180 AED. The exact amount depends on the clinic, but any result is uploaded electronically into RTA systems and is accepted for subsequent processes.
For exams, RTA charges 200 AED per theory or practical exam appointment to obtain a driving licence. If you need to re‑book an earlier appointment, the re‑booking fee is 300 AED. In some complex cases, a trainee may be referred to a special committee, and testing by this special committee costs 300 AED per assessment.
Once you pass all required tests, RTA charges licence issuance fees based on age. For new applicants under 21 years old, the Dubai driving licence fees are 100 AED for the licence plus 20 AED in Knowledge and Innovation fees. For customers aged 21 and above, the issuance fee is 300 AED plus the same 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. These amounts are the core government component of the cost of getting a driving licence in Dubai for the first time, excluding training-school costs and any repeated tests.
Changes and Transfers for Learners
Learners who decide to change their training transmission type must also pay an RTA fee. Changing the driving licence from manual to automatic, or from automatic to manual, costs 200 AED plus 20 AED in Knowledge and Innovation fees. This change essentially amends your permit category and may affect your training schedule with the institute.
If you move between emirates during training, RTA allows the transfer of a trainee's learning file from one emirate to another. The transfer of a trainee learning file between Emirates costs 200 AED and enables you to continue your training under the new Emirates-approved driving schools without restarting from zero.
The table below summarises the main mandatory RTA fees for new learners by vehicle category and age band, excluding tests that may be repeated and any school charges.
| Learner Type / Service | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Traffic file opening (all new learners) | 200 |
| Learning permit – motorcycle / light / automatic | 100 |
| Learning permit – light/heavy bus, equipment, heavy vehicle | 200 |
| Driving handbook manual | 50 |
| Eye test (all ages, approximate range) | 140–180 |
| Theory or practical exam booking (per booking) | 200 |
| Re‑booking a theory or practical exam | 300 |
| Licence issuance – new learner under 21 | 100 + 20 Knowledge & Innovation |
| Licence issuance – new learner 21 and over | 300 + 20 Knowledge & Innovation |
| Change manual/automatic learning permit | 200 + 20 Knowledge & Innovation |
| Transfer trainee learning file between emirates | 200 |
Existing Dubai Licence Holders: Renewal, Replacement and Category Changes
An “existing holder” is anyone who has, or previously had, a Dubai-issued driving licence in the RTA system. This includes drivers whose licences are valid, expired, withdrawn, or pending issuance after passing tests. Dubai driving licence renewal, replacement, and upgrade fees follow the same age bands as new issuances, but additional charges apply for delays or serious violations.
Licence Renewal and Delay Penalties
For standard renewal where the licence has expired by less than 10 years, renewal fees are: 100 AED plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees for drivers younger than 21, and 300 AED plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees for drivers aged 21 and over. In both cases, an electronic eye test is required and costs 140–180 AED at approved centres, which form a key part of the total RTA driving licence fees at renewal in Dubai.
If you delay renewal, the federal portal u.ae specifies a late renewal fine of 10 AED per month after a one‑month grace period from licence expiry for a Dubai driving licence. This is charged monthly until renewal is completed.
For very long delays where the licence has been expired for more than 10 years, RTA requires an evaluation process: 200 AED to open a training file, 100 AED for the learning application, 50 AED for the handbook manual, 200 AED RTA test fees, 500 AED delay fees for renewal, 300 AED licence renewal, 140–180 AED eye test and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.
Existing Dubai licence holders can also request a mobile eye-test truck. If you request the mobile truck for the eye test only, an additional fee of 500 AED applies. If you request the mobile truck for eye test, licence renewal and delivery together, the additional fees total 1,000 AED, on top of the core renewal fees and the 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation amount.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Licences
Replacing a lost or damaged driving licence is charged similarly to issuance, but without extra test or file-opening costs. For any licence holder younger than 21, the Dubai driving licence replacement fees are 100 AED plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. For customers aged 21 and over, the replacement fee is 300 AED plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. No additional eye test is usually required solely for replacement if the licence is still valid.
Adding a New Category to an Existing Dubai Licence
If you already hold, for example, a light-vehicle licence and want to add a heavy-vehicle category, RTA treats this as a category addition. The cost of adding a new vehicle category to a Dubai driving licence is 200 AED in new licence fees plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees, after you complete the required training and tests for that category. An electronic eye test is again required, at a cost of 140–180 AED, regardless of your age band.
Withdrawn or Cancelled Licences and Road Test Re‑Take
Drivers whose licences have been withdrawn or cancelled and who must retake the test face an extended fee set. According to RTA, such applicants must pay 200 AED for the RTA test, 200 AED for opening a training file, 100 AED for issuing a learning application, 3,000 AED for rehabilitation fees, an electronic eye test costing 140–180 AED, and 20 AED for Knowledge and Innovation fees. These amounts are in addition to any separate penalties or court-related measures tied to the original offence.
Licence Not Issued Within More Than One Year After Road Test
Where an existing Dubai learner passed the road test but the licence was not issued for more than 1 year, the RTA effectively restarts several steps. The listed fees are: 200 AED for opening a training file, 100 AED for issuing a learning application, 50 AED for the handbook manual, 300 AED for issuing the driving licence, 200 AED RTA test fees and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. This scenario illustrates why it is advisable to complete issuance soon after passing the road test to avoid repeating both procedures and costs.
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Transferring and Exchanging Driving Licences
Some drivers come to Dubai with existing driving experience, either from another emirate or from approved foreign countries. RTA provides structured transfer and exchange routes, each with its own Dubai driving licence transfer and exchange fees. These processes can significantly reduce or remove the need for full training, but they still involve mandatory government charges.
From Another UAE Emirate to Dubai
For drivers already holding a UAE licence from another emirate, a simple file transfer is possible. The transfer of a driving licence file between emirates costs 200 AED. This service moves your existing record into Dubai’s system, but by itself, does not issue a new card.
When you use the bundled RTA service to transfer and issue a Dubai licence, the total service fee is 570 AED. This Dubai driving licence transfer from another emirate package is broken down as follows: 200 AED for the traffic file, 300 AED for licence issuance, 50 AED for the handbook/manual, and 20 AED for the Knowledge and Innovation fees. The structure mirrors a new Dubai licence in terms of cost, but recognises that you are already a licensed driver in the UAE.
Exception Countries and Singapore
Drivers from RTA-defined “exception countries” can exchange their foreign licences for Dubai ones, subject to eligibility rules. For these applicants, the Dubai driving licence exchange fees are: 200 AED for opening a file, 600 AED for issuing the licence, 50 AED for the handbook/manual, 140–180 AED for the electronic eye test, and 20 AED for Knowledge and Innovation fees. No standard training is required, but RTA may set additional conditions in specific cases.
Singaporean licence holders follow a slightly different route. They must open a training file for 200 AED, pay 100 AED for issuing a learning application, 50 AED for the handbook manual, 400 AED for an instant knowledge test, 300 AED for issuing the driving licence and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. These drivers effectively complete an abbreviated learning and testing process tailored to Singapore’s status in RTA rules.
If a driver from the exception country wants to add a new category beyond what is on the exchanged licence, the fees for adding a new category are 200 AED plus a 140–180 AED eye test and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees, similar to a local category addition. The list of exception countries is defined by RTA and updated periodically, so applicants should always confirm their current eligibility and documentation on rta.ae before planning the cost of their Dubai driving licence exchange.
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Commercial, Safari and Desert Driving Permits
Certain driving activities in Dubai require additional permits beyond a standard private driving licence. Commercial driver permits and Safari/desert driving permits sit on top of the ordinary licence and have distinct fee structures. These are separate from both standard licence costs and any employer-related training expenses.
Commercial Driver Permits
A commercial driver permit is required for specific professional driving roles. According to RTA schedules, issuing a commercial driver permit costs 200 AED, and renewing it costs 200 AED as well. These Dubai commercial driving permit fees are payable in addition to your basic licence issuance or renewal fees, meaning that professional drivers must budget for both sets of charges when calculating their overall compliance costs.
Safari and Desert Driving Permits
For off‑road tourism and related desert activities, RTA operates a dedicated Safari driving permit system. Issuing a Safari (desert) driving permit involves several components: a 200 AED Safari learning permit fee, 200 AED practical test fees, 300 AED Safari driving permit fees, a 140–180 AED eye test and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. The Dubai Safari driving permit cost, therefore, combines both learning and testing elements with the final permit issuance.
Renewing a Safari (desert) driving permit is charged at 300 AED, plus 140–180 AED for the eye test and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. Separately, where a driver is only obtaining a driving learning permit for desert driving – without yet proceeding to a full Safari permit – the fee is 200 AED. Together, these amounts form the Dubai desert driving permit fees, which are particularly relevant for tour operators and off‑road guides.
Practical Cost Scenarios by Experience Level
The line items above often apply in combination. This section illustrates, with simple arithmetic, how typical RTA fee combinations by experience level look in practice. All examples exclude driving school training costs, assume tests are passed at the first attempt and are based solely on the official fees already described; actual totals may be higher if you repeat tests, change plans or if RTA revises its tariffs.
New Learner (Light Vehicle, Age 22) – First-Time Licence
Consider a 22‑year‑old learner applying for a light-vehicle licence in Dubai. Their core RTA fees could be: 200 AED traffic file opening, 100 AED light-vehicle learning permit, 50 AED handbook manual, 140–180 AED eye test, 200 AED exam booking (assuming a single theory/practical booking in this simplified example), 300 AED licence issuance and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.
This results in an indicative total range of 1,010–1,050 AED in government charges (depending on the exact eye test cost), before any training institute fees or additional exam attempts. Someone asking “How much does it cost to get a driving licence in Dubai for the first time?” should therefore understand that this figure is only the government component, with school fees and possible re‑test fees added on top.
Existing Dubai Licence Holder (Age 25) – On-Time Renewal
For a 25‑year‑old driver renewing on time, the cost of the Dubai driving licence renewal is simpler. The standard renewal fee is 300 AED plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees, and the eye test at an approved centre costs 140–180 AED. The total RTA charges for an on‑time renewal are therefore around 460–500 AED, depending on the eye-test provider.
If the same driver renews late, a 10 AED per month late renewal fine is added after a one‑month grace period following licence expiry. For example, renewing six months after expiry would add approximately 50 AED in late fines (months two to six), on top of the baseline renewal and eye‑test fees. If the delay exceeds 10 years, the separate evaluation and delay fees listed earlier apply instead of the simple monthly fine.
Exception Country Licence Holder – Licence Exchange
A driver from an RTA exception country who is eligible for direct exchange faces a clearly defined fee set. They must pay 200 AED to open a file, 600 AED for licence issuance, 50 AED for the handbook manual, 140–180 AED for the electronic eye test and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. The resulting Dubai driving licence exchange cost ranges from 1,010 to 1,050 AED in government charges, depending on the eye-test fee.
Singaporean licence holders should plan for the following: 200 AED training file opening, 100 AED learning application, 50 AED handbook, 400 AED instant knowledge test, 300 AED licence issuance, and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. The precise totals and any additional conditions should always be checked directly with RTA before applying.
The table below summarises these typical RTA fee combinations by experience level.
| Experience Level / Scenario | Main RTA Components (AED) | Approx. Gov Fee Range (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| New learner, light vehicle, age 22 (first-time licence) | 200 traffic file + 100 learning permit + 50 handbook + 140–180 eye test + 200 exam + 300 issuance + 20 K&I | 1,010–1,050 |
| Existing holder, age 25, on‑time renewal | 300 renewal + 20 K&I + 140–180 eye test | 460–500 |
| Exception country holder, direct licence exchange | 200 file + 600 issuance + 50 handbook + 140–180 eye test + 20 K&I | 1,010–1,050 |
| Safari permit applicant (already licensed driver) | 200 Safari learning permit + 200 practical test + 300 Safari permit + 140–180 eye test + 20 K&I | 860–900 |
K&I = Knowledge and Innovation fees. These example combinations demonstrate how separate line items aggregate; users should adapt them to their own category, age and number of test attempts.
After Licensing: Labour Registration, Visas And Tax Compliance
Securing the trade licence is a significant milestone. However, several critical steps follow before you can fully operate: labour registration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), obtaining residence permits for investors and staff, and ensuring Corporate Tax and Economic Substance compliance.
MOHRE Establishment Card And Work Permits
For labour and work permit purposes, a newly licensed mainland company must register with the MOHRE and obtain an Establishment Card. The MOHRE’s official service description explains that the Establishment Card requires a valid trade licence and submission of establishment details, including owners, authorised signatories, specimen signatures, business activity and location.
The MOHRE further notes that owners, partners, service agents and authorised signatories must hold a MOHRE‑issued personal identification number before an Establishment Card is issued. Once the Establishment Card is in place, the company can apply for work permits and labour contracts for employees through the MOHRE’s channels. For a mainland business setup without a local sponsor, this step ensures that you can legally employ staff directly under your own company rather than relying on third‑party staffing arrangements.
Residence For Investors, Partners And Staff
In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) issues a Green Residence permit (partner/investor) for up to five years without requiring an employer or guarantor, subject to eligibility criteria. According to the GDRFA, investors and partners must present a passport valid for at least six months, a personal photograph, the partner/memorandum of association or investment contract, and a valid trade licence. The guidance also refers to minimum paid share capital thresholds. For example, an investment share of at least AED 1 million for specified legal forms, though investors should always check the current thresholds and conditions on the official portal before applying.
Dubai also offers long‑term Golden Residence options. The GDRFA’s published criteria state that Golden Residence (investor/public investments) is generally valid for 10 years, renewable without a traditional sponsor, where minimum investment value conditions are met (for example, total investments of at least AED 2 million for company investors, as noted by the GDRFA). These documents must be supported by certified financial reports, a valid trade licence, company bank statements and tax registration.
A Golden Residence (entrepreneurs) category is also available for qualifying entrepreneurs with approved innovative or technology‑based projects, usually based on nomination by competent bodies such as the Dubai Future Authority. In addition, a specific visit visa exists to explore business opportunities in Dubai without requiring a sponsor or host in the UAE, available as a single or multiple‑entry visa through the GDRFA.
For day‑to‑day residence, the company itself generally acts as the sponsor for the owner’s and employees’ residence visas, once the trade licence and the MOHRE Establishment Card are in place. After the investor or partner obtains residence, they may, in turn, sponsor eligible family members, subject to the usual requirements.
At the federal level, the UAE’s Golden Visa system, administered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), provides 5‑ or 10‑year residence permits to qualifying investors, entrepreneurs and specialised talents without a traditional sponsor, with automatic renewal if conditions remain met, supporting long‑term business continuity.
Corporate Tax And Economic Substance
The UAE’s Corporate Tax regime applies to businesses and individuals conducting business activities under a commercial licence in all emirates, including mainland companies. Corporate Tax applies to tax periods starting on or after 1 June 2023. The Federal Tax Authority’s Corporate Tax general guide explains that standard mainland businesses are subject to Corporate Tax at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on taxable income exceeding that threshold.
Resident juridical persons such as LLCs and other mainland entities must comply with Corporate Tax registration and filing obligations as set out in the FTA guidance. The FTA’s registration guide states that taxable persons are required to file a tax return and pay any due tax within nine months after the end of the relevant tax period. The FTA is responsible for the administration, collection and enforcement of federal taxes and has conducted public awareness campaigns across all emirates to explain Corporate Tax obligations.
Separately, the UAE’s Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) apply to certain mainland and free zone businesses that carry out “relevant activities”, as defined in ESR guidance on the FTA website. Where ESR applies, entities must demonstrate adequate substance in the UAE and file ESR notifications and, where required, economic substance reports. While not every mainland company will fall within ESR’s scope, investors should review their activities and group structure against the ESR criteria to determine their obligations.
Compliance, Sector Approvals And Intellectual Property
Beyond the core licensing, labour, immigration and tax steps, ongoing compliance with sector‑specific regulations and intellectual property protection is essential for sustainable operations. These aspects can significantly affect the cost and timeline of a mainland business setup without a local sponsor.
Sector‑Specific Regulation And Approvals
The Ministry of Economy highlights that mainland companies must comply with applicable sectoral regulations in addition to commercial licensing rules. Activities in areas such as health, transport, real estate, education, financial services or tourism may require additional approvals, permits or inspections from specialised authorities before or after licence issuance. For example, a health clinic will interact with health regulators, and a real estate brokerage may require approvals from real estate regulatory agencies.
Some activities are designated as strategic and fall under licensing frameworks that may require UAE participation or specific conditions. Typical examples include oil and gas–related services, defence-linked activities, security services and certain types of telecommunications or transport operations. In these cases, foreign investors cannot assume automatic 100% ownership; approvals from the competent authorities and compliance with any participation requirements are necessary. Investors should review the relevant emirate-level activity lists and secure the required written approvals or no-objection certificates before proceeding.
Protecting Intellectual Property And Using Official Portals
If your mainland company creates intellectual property—such as software, creative content, or other original works—you may wish to register those rights in the UAE. Different types of intellectual property are registered with different authorities. Trademarks are registered with the Ministry of Economy, while copyrights and related rights are handled by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth.
Registering intellectual property with the competent authority can support enforcement in the event of infringement and strengthen the company’s asset base when raising investment or entering partnerships.
FAQ
How much does it cost to get a driving licence in Dubai for the first time?
For a typical new learner over 21 applying for a light-vehicle licence, core RTA fees usually include: 200 AED traffic file, 100 AED learning permit, 50 AED handbook, 140–180 AED eye test, 200 AED exam booking, 300 AED licence issuance and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. This gives an indicative government fee range of around 1,010–1,050 AED, excluding any driving school training costs and any additional exam attempts. Motorcycle and heavy-vehicle learners pay different learning permit fees (100 or 200 AED), but most other components are similar.
What is the Dubai driving licence renewal cost for existing holders?
If your Dubai licence is still within 10 years of expiry, renewal for drivers under 21 costs 100 AED plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees, and for drivers 21 and over it costs 300 AED plus 20 AED. In both cases, you must add an eye test costing 140–180 AED at an approved centre, or optional mobile truck fees if you choose that service. The total RTA charges for an on‑time renewal for a driver over 21 are therefore around 460–500 AED.
What is the late renewal fine for a Dubai driving licence per month?
Once the one‑month grace period after licence expiry has passed, u.ae confirms a late renewal fine of 10 AED per month is charged until you renew. This fine is added to the standard renewal and eye‑test fees and is separate from the 500 AED delay fee that applies when a licence has expired for more than 10 years. Very long delays may also trigger additional requirements, such as reopening a training file and retaking a test.
How much are Dubai driving licence exchange fees for the exception countries and Singapore?
For most RTA exception countries, exchange fees are 200 AED for file opening, 600 AED for licence issuance, 50 AED for the handbook, 140–180 AED for the electronic eye test and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. Singaporean licence holders instead pay 200 AED for a training file, 100 AED for a learning application, 50 AED for the handbook, 400 AED for an instant knowledge test, 300 AED for licence issuance and 20 AED for Knowledge and Innovation. All applicants should confirm their country’s current status and exact steps on www.rta.ae before applying.
What is the cost of adding a new vehicle category to a Dubai driving licence?
For an existing Dubai licence holder adding a new driving category, RTA charges 200 AED in new licence fees plus 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees once you complete the required training and pass the tests. You also need an electronic eye test, which costs 140–180 AED. Drivers from the exception countries who add a new category after exchanging their foreign licence pay the same 200 AED, 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation and 140–180 AED eye-test combination.
What are the typical Dubai commercial driving permit fees and Safari desert permit charges?
Issuing or renewing a commercial driver permit costs 200 AED each time, in addition to your underlying licence issuance or renewal costs. For a Safari (desert) driving permit, the main RTA charges are 200 AED for the Safari learning permit, 200 AED for the practical test, 300 AED for the Safari permit itself, 140–180 AED for the eye test and 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. Separately, obtaining a desert driving learning permit alone costs 200 AED.
How much does the Dubai driving licence eye test cost, including mobile truck services?
At RTA-approved eye-test centres, the standard electronic eye test costs between 140–180 AED and is required for most issuance, renewal and some special permit processes. If you request an eye‑test mobile truck only, an additional fee of 500 AED applies for the mobile service on top of the basic eye‑test charge. Requesting a mobile truck for eye test, licence renewal and delivery together adds 1,000 AED in service fees, plus the usual renewal and Knowledge and Innovation amounts.
Explained by
Omar Al Qasem
Government Services Consultant at EGSH
Omar Al Qasem has extensive experience in legal consulting and government services in Dubai, including the management of one of the emirate’s major government service centres. He has worked across key roles in government relations, operations, and strategic service delivery, building strong professional connections with multiple Dubai authorities and leading entities.
This article is intended to provide general information based on official UAE sources, and does not constitute personalised legal advice. Before acting, applicants should verify the current rules and fees directly with the relevant authority or an authorised service centre.
