If you are someone who lives in Dubai and are turning 21 or has just turned 21, chances are that you are already planning to apply for a driver’s license. However, from July 1 onwards the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority have made a big change to the validity of the new driver’s license. Yes, as of July 1, new driver’s licenses in the UAE are no longer valid for 10 years but only for two years. Take a look!
New Drivers Licenses Only Valid For Two Years
According to the Dubai RTA’s new rule, new driver’s licenses applied by people in the emirate are no longer valid for 10 years. Yes, implementing the new federal law, driver’s license validity is now only for two years from July 1. Yes, this has been done to monitor driving behaviours better on the roads. This is applicable to UAE citizens, GCC nationals, and other nationalities aged 21 years and above. However, it’s worth noting that once the new license expires, this renewal will be valid for 10 years for Emirates and GCC nationals, who are aged 21 years and above. However, other nationalities will get an extension of five years.
Why Has This Been Done?
At this point, one should know that those who are aged less than 21 years whether they are GCC nationals, UAE citizens, or nationals from other countries, the initial validity of the driving licence is just one year. Reducing this validity from 10 years ensures that traffic participants are safe. Not to mention, the validity of a driving license has also been reduced for motorists with certain chronic illnesses. This has been done to ensure that the motorists on the road are in perfectly healthy condition and have good eyesight.
Also Read: UAE Travellers Are Preferring To Travel Now & Pay Later; Find Out What It Is
How to Apply For A Driver’s License
In case you are thinking of applying for a driving license in the UAE, you must attend a driving course at an authorised driving school. Once you pass the theory test at the driving school or the roads and transport authority, you must pass the practical driving test by the RTA. Then, you must submit the required documents and fees to the Dubai RTA. Besides being of appropriate age, one should have a valid residency visa in Dubai and they must have passed a medical fitness test.
So, if you are also planning to get a driving license soon, make sure to keep these important guidelines in mind.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Images are for representative purposes only)
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