How To Get An International Driving License In The UAE

You’ll have a selection of transportation when you visit other countries. With the convenience of ride-hailing apps adding more options, getting around anywhere is easier. But there is still something to be said for the convenience of driving yourself in a foreign city. You can drive yourself anywhere in the GCC using your UAE driving license. Ensure that all your paperwork is up to date and that your car’s vehicle history check has not revealed any major issues before you hit the road.

But what if you want to drive in a country where the UAE driving license is not accepted? You will need to first get an international driving license (IDL). The processes are slightly different from those for getting or renewing your drivers’ license in the UAE.

When you intend to drive in a foreign country, you need to apply for an IDL in the UAE. An IDL is a legal requirement for international journeys. It is valid for one year. The document is an internationally recognized legal translation of your driving license allowing law enforcement outside of the UAE to read your license in their local language. As your driving credentials, the IDL is a crucial element in case of a road accident or emergency.

An application for your IDL is easy enough with multiple portals.

Where Can You Apply for an International Driving License?

You can apply for your UAE international driving license online or in person.

You can apply through the following:

• Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE)
• Affiliate members of ATCUAE
• Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) offices
• Dnata office in Sheikh Zayed Road
• Emirates Post offices

You can apply to any of the ATCUAE branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ajman, Dubai, Sharjah, RAK, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and the Western Region. You can also get an IDL through the Ministry of Interior’s app on iTunes and Google Play.

How to Apply for an International Driving License in the UAE

To apply for your UAE IDL, you need to prepare the following documents:

• An accomplished IDL form
• 2 passport-size photos
• Emirates ID
• A copy of your UAE driving license
• A copy of your passport and residency

Once you have all of your documents, you can pick which entity to apply for an IDL. You can complete an online application in about five minutes, but issuance times vary with different entities.

The issuance for online applications made through the ATCUAE takes about three to five working days. Over-the-counter applications, however, are done within half an hour. At RTA offices, you could get your IDL within two hours.

The fee for an IDL is AED 170 plus VAT. If you choose to have your IDL delivered, expect delivery fees to apply. For example, if you apply at the RTA, the standard delivery fee is AED 20, delivery within two hours is AED 50, and delivery within the day is AED 35. Processing takes about five minutes on the RTA website.

What Countries Require an IDL?

One of the many benefits of your international driving license is its wide acceptance from Albania to the UK.

Your UAE-issued international driving license is valid in these countries:

• Australia
• Albania
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Belize
• Brunei
• Belgium
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• China
• Denmark
• Egypt
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Iceland
• Italy
• Ireland
• Japan
• Kenya
• Malaysia
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Russia
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• Turkiye
• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

This is only a partial list of countries where the UAE international driving license is valid; more countries accept UAE IDL. Ultimately, you can go on a trip to any country for business or leisure and have the freedom to drive your own vehicle.

Whether you’re up for the challenges of driving on the busy streets of Hong Kong or look forward to the winding picturesque roads of Italy, driving abroad will come with some challenges. Your experience will become especially challenging when you have to drive on the other side of the road, which is not something you’re used to doing.

Tips for Driving in Foreign Countries

It’s important to not only learn the local traffic rules but to be familiar with the country’s driving culture. If you’re renting a car instead of taking your vehicle with you, you should also be aware of whether rental companies have more automatic or manual transmission vehicles. When you’re used to automatic instead of a stick shift, you may end up getting a driver or needing to take public transportation.

Here are some tips to ensure you have a pleasant driving experience on foreign roads.

Understand the local traffic rules and signs

Can you overtake a vehicle on the right? What do you do when a crosswalk doesn’t have a stop sign? Traffic rules and signs will vary with each country. About a third of the world requires motorists to drive on the left-hand side of the road. The 34% (including the UAE) drive on the right-hand side. If you’ve been used to this side of the road, driving on the “wrong” side will take some adjustment.

The key is to follow the flow of traffic and to avoid distractions on the road. If you’ll do a lot of driving on foreign roads, it might be helpful to refresh your knowledge with a driver’s ed class.

Learn the terrain

One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to familiarize yourself with the country’s terrain. Snowy and icy roads, gravel roads, steep grades, and other terrain types present driving challenges. In learning the terrain, you’ll know what driving skills to apply and if you should find other routes.

Be aware of local wildlife

Careful driving isn’t restricted to ensuring your safety and other people on the road. It’s also about keeping an eye out for wildlife that might be crossing the road. In some cities in the US and Australia, local wildlife (e.g., deer, kangaroo, elk, etc.) could dart into highways at certain times. Signs may be posted to keep you alert, so pay attention to these warnings.

Know the driving culture

Finally, drivers tend to be more assertive in countries like Italy and conservative in places like Japan. Avoid the shock and practice patience by learning the local culture on the roads. Naturally, it’s always best to follow the local traffic rules and regulations.

Whether you’re going on a vacation or have business to take care of, driving on foreign roads is doable with your own vehicle. Gather your documents, choose an entity to apply to, and get your IDL.

Find out how to check a second-hand car in Dubai to go with your international driving license today.