Have you reached the legal age and are all set to hit the roads of Dubai and explore the Emirates on your own? Before taking out your vehicle, the first step is to obtain a driving licence and learn the intricacies of driving. Learning driving could not be much easier with top driving schools in Dubai offering courses for everyone.
A driving licence is mandatory to drive in Dubai, without it you can face severe consequences in the form of a hefty penalty. Get your driving licence, let’s explore what the driving schools in Dubai have to offer.
List of Best Driving Schools in Dubai
Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced driver looking to polish your driving skills, these top driving schools in Dubai cater to everyone’s needs. We have covered everything in detail to help you get started in your driving journey. Here are our top picks:
1. Galadari Motor Driving Centre
Learn driving from the biggest driving school in Dubai, Galadari. With over 20 years of expertise and over 60 branches, Galadari is certified and licenced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai. The best part is you can enrol in their courses at a reasonable price.
Considering Dubai’s multicultural environment, the institute caters to different backgrounds by providing courses in multiple languages.
Facilities
Do you have kids that restrict you from going out and learn driving? Galadari has got your back! The driving school offers the top facilities to support you in your driving journey. Here are some of the main facilities:
- Waiting lounge
- Kids playroom
- Cafe and kiosk
- Mosque
- People of determination facilities
Offered Courses
Galadari offers a range of basic and advanced driving courses for multiple vehicles listed below:
- Car
- Motorcycle
- Heavy truck
- Light bus
- Heavy bus
- Forklift
- HME
- Defensive driving
- Offroading
- Refreshment course
Branches
Galadari covers the entire Dubai by having driving centres that are easily accessible. Among the 60+ driving centres, here are the three main offices and centres:
| Branch | Location | Opening Hours | Contact Information |
| Al Qusais Main Office | Al Qusais, Industrial Area 4, Dubai, UAE | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Sunday) | +971 600 595956 |
| Muhaisnah Test Centre | Al Habtoor Building, Beirut Street, Muhaisnah 4, Dubai, UAE | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (every day) | +971 600 595956 |
| Al Quoz Main Office | Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai, UAE | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Sunday) | +971 600 595956 |
Registration Charges and Course Fees – Car
| Charge Type | Cost (Automatic and Manual Gear) | |
| Opening a file (Learner’s Permit + Handbook) | AED 769 | |
| Valid file transfer from another centre | AED 346.50 | |
| Eye test | AED 142.50 | |
| Evaluation test (only for students who have a valid Licence from their home country) | AED 315 | |
| Lecture class | AED 420 | |
| Theory lecture class | AED 210 | |
| Theory test | AED 293.50 | |
| Assessment road test | AED 157.50 | |
| Smart Yard Assessment Test | AED 0 | |
| RTA Smart Yard Test | AED 293.50 | |
| Road test (all vehicle categories) | AED 293.50 | |
| Issuing a new driving licence for one year | AED 120 | |
| Issuing a driving licence for more than one year | AED 320 | |
| Licence service charges | AED 105 | |
| Adda new category to driving licence | AED 220 | |
| Driver sticker | AED 5.25 | |
| Learning permit renewal | AED 162 | |
| RTA re-test | AED 293.50 | |
| File re-opening fees | AED 446 | |
| Course for Beginners | 20-hour Normal Course | AED 2200 |
| 20-hour Shifts Course | AED 2800 | |
| 20-hour Sunday Course | AED 3000 | |
| Course for or 2-5 years valid National licence holders | 15-hour Normal Course | AED 1650 |
| 15-hour Shifts Course | AED 2100 | |
| 15-hour Sunday Course | AED 2250 | |
| Course for valid 5 years National Licence holders | 10-hour Normal Course | AED 1100 |
| 10-hour Shifts Course | AED 1400 | |
| 10-hour Sunday Course | AED 1500 | |
Registration Charges and Course Fees – Motorcycle
All registration charges are the same as those for cars. The only difference in fees is as follows:
| Charge Type | Fees | |
| Assessment road test | AED 105 | |
| Course for Beginners | 20-hour Normal Course | AED 2000 |
| 20-hour Sunday Course | AED 2200 | |
| Course for the holder of home country licence | 10-hour Normal Course | AED 1000 |
| 10-hour Sunday Course | AED 1100 | |
Note: Please refer to the Galadari Driving School’s website for information regarding other vehicle fee structures. Also, the RTA fees are subject to change.
2. Emirates Driving Institute Dubai (EDI)
Let’s learn driving from one of the oldest driving schools in Dubai. Emirates Driving School has been in operation for 33 years and has a skilled workforce of over 500 driving instructors. Whether you want to learn car or bike driving or want to take advanced heavy vehicle courses, EDI is an ideal choice.
Committed to offering the highest quality training, the institute has been awarded multiple times by different authorities including RTA.
Facilities
Undertaking training at EDI could not be more convenient with these in-house facilities:
- Spacious training yard
- Solo training yard
- RTA knowledge test practice
- Well-equipped lecture hall
- Facility of e-lectures
- Simulator training
- Children’s play area
- Mosque
- Dedicated ladies area
- Cafeteria
- Eye test facility
- Free transport facility
- Workshop and petrol station
Offered Courses
Whether you own a car or a light bus, are a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, EDI offers a range of courses tailored to your needs.
- Car
- LMV Driving Course
- Platinum Driving Course
- Gold Excellence Course
- Youth Driving Course
- Affordable Driving Course
- Golden Visa Driving Course
- Motorcycle
- Heavy Truck
- Heavy Bus
- Light Bus
- Light Forklift
- Heavy Forklift
- Course for People of Determination
- Defensive Driving Course (Advanced)
- Desert Driving (Advanced)
- Skill Refresher Course (Advanced)
Branches
Emirates Driving Institute has over 40 branches and 2 main driving centres in Dubai. Here are the complete details about the main centres:
| Branch | Location | Opening Hours | Contact Information |
| Al Qusais Main Centre | Al Qusais 1, Al Qusais (main centre) Dubai, UAE | 08:15 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Friday) and 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (Saturday) | +971 4 263 1100 |
| Al Quoz Main Centre | Industrial Area 3, Al Quoz (main centre), Dubai, UAE | 08:15 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Friday) and 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (Saturday) | +971 4 263 1100 |
Course Fees – Car
The fee varies depending on the type of vehicle. Here are the fees to learn car driving at EDI:
| Courses | 20 Hours (Beginner) | 15 hours (2-5 years valid National licence holders) | 10 hours (Over 5 years National Licence holders) | |
| Regular Training | Normal Package (Limited Training and Tests) | Automatic Gear: AED 4406.25 | Automatic Gear: AED 3891.75 | Automatic Gear: AED 3345.75 |
| Manual Gear: AED 4301 | Manual Gear: AED 3818.25 | Manual Gear: AED 3314.25 | ||
| Fixed Package (Unlimited Training and Tests) | Automatic Gear: AED 8335 | Automatic Gear: AED 7952 | Automatic Gear: AED 7723 | |
| Manual Gear: AED 9866 | Manual Gear: AED 9483 | Manual Gear: AED 9100 | ||
| Night Training | Normal Package | Automatic Gear: AED 4511.25 | Automatic Gear: AED 3965.25 | Automatic Gear: AED 3377.25 |
| Manual Gear: AED 4406.25 | Manual Gear: AED 3891.75 | Manual Gear: AED 3345.75 | ||
| Fixed Package | Automatic Gear: AED 8335 | Automatic Gear: AED 7952 | Automatic Gear: AED 7723 | |
| Manual Gear: AED 9866 | Manual Gear: AED 9483 | Manual Gear: AED 9100 | ||
| Weekend Training | Normal Package | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 5036.25 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 4332.75 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 3534.75 |
| Fixed Package | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 9865 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 9492 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 9119 | |
| Shift Training | Normal Package | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 5246.5 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 4479.75 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 3597.75 |
| Fixed Package | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 10610 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 10238 | Automatic & Manual Gear: AED 9865 | |
Course Fees – Motorcycle
| Course | Cost |
| 20-hour training | AED 14451.30 |
| 10-hour training | AED 9713.20 |
3. Eco Drive Driving Institute
Redefine safe driving with Eco-Drive at a reasonable cost. Learn driving from an institute that values sustainability and eco-friendly environment practices. People recommend Eco Drive for the friendly staff, easy-to-learn lessons and value for money.
Offered Courses
Enrol in your desired vehicle course from the below list:
- Car
- Motorcycle
- Heavy Bus
- Heavy Truck
- Heavy Forklift
Branches
Eco-Drive has a main head office and 28 branch offices located in different parts of Dubai. Here are the details about the head office:
| Branch | Location | Opening Hours | Contact Information |
| Head Office | Dubai Industrial City, Dubai, UAE | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Sunday) | +971 60 059 5959 |
Course Fees
Here is the detailed fee structure for different courses offered at Eco-Drive:
| Course Type | Training Hours per Week | Cost |
| Car | ||
| Regular | Up to 6 hours | AED 3678 |
| Flexi | Up to 14 hours | AED 4278 |
| Lumpsum – Automatic | Up to 10 hours | AED 7645 |
| Lumpsum – Manual | Up to 10 hours | AED 7845 |
| VIP | Up to 56 hours | AED 11950 |
| Motorcycle | ||
| Regular | Up to 6 hours | AED 3080 |
| Flexi | Up to 14 hours | AED 3680 |
| Lumpsum | Up to 10 hours | AED 5090 |
| Heavy Bus | ||
| Regular | Up to 6 hours | AED 3880 |
| Lumpsum | Up to 10 hours | AED 9199 |
4. Dubai Driving Centre
Established in 2003, Dubai Driving Centre has been providing high-quality driving lessons with a focus on safety and innovation. The driving school is offering international standard driving courses. The best part is the e-learning services that make it convenient to attend lectures from the comfort of your home.
Offered Courses
The driving schools offer driving courses for multiple vehicles to meet everyone’s needs. Here is the list of courses offered:
- Light Motor Vehicle
- Motor Cycle
- Heavy Vehicle Truck
- Heavy Vehicle Bus
- Light & Heavy Forklift
- Light Bus
Branches
Dubai Driving Centre has 21 branches widespread in Dubai. The offered courses vary depending on the branch. Here are the details about the main branch of this driving school in Dubai:
| Branch | Location | Opening Hours | Contact Information |
| Port Rashid | Jumeirah Road, Dubai, UAE | 07:30 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 07:30 am to 05:00 pm (Sunday) | +971 4 345 5855 |
Course Fees
Find all the details below:
| Category | Total Hours | Regular Course Fees | Fridays/Shifts/Nights Course Fees |
| Light Vehicle | |||
| Light Vehicle (Manual and Automatic) | 18, 23 and 28 | AED 120 per hour | AED 150 per hour |
| Light Bus | 28 | AED 150 per hour | AED 180 per hour |
| Motorcycle | 16 and 23 | AED 120 per hour | AED 150 per hour |
| Royal VIP | 18, 23 and 28 | Starting from AED 17000 | Starting from AED 17000 |
| Forklift | 24 | AED 120 per hour | AED 150 per hour |
| Heavy Vehicle | |||
| Heavy Bus | 28 | AED 160 per hour | AED 220 per hour |
| Heavy Truck | 28 | AED 160 per hour | AED 220 per hour |
| Heavy Forklift | 24 | AED 160 per hour | AED 220 per hour |
Extra Fees
Here are the extra fees charged by RTA and Dubai Driving Centre:
| Category | Fee | |
| File Opening (All Vehicle Categories) | AED 740 | |
| Learning Permit | Light Vehicle | AED 100 |
| Heavy Vehicle | AED 200 | |
| Knowledge Handbook | AED 50 | |
| Theory Training (Per hour) | AED 50 | |
| Innovation Dirham | AED 10 | |
| Knowledge Dirham | AED 10 | |
| Internal Test Fees | AED 290 | |
| Knowledge Test (All Categories) | AED 290 | |
| Final Test (All Categories) | AED 290 | |
| Licence Issuance | For More than 1 Year | AED 420 |
| For 1 Year | AED 220 | |
| Evaluation Test (Light Vehicle) | AED 100 | |
| Initial Driving Assessment Test (All Categories) | AED 100 | |
5. Excellence Driving School
Excel your driving skills at Excellence Driving Institute – a school that simplifies complex road concepts. Built on the philosophy of ‘human first’, this driving school is well-renowned in Dubai.
Offered Courses
Similar to other institutes, this driving school offers the following vehicle driving courses:
- Car
- Motorcycle
- Heavy Bus
- Heavy Truck
- VIP Course
Branches
Excellence Driving School has 22 branches and 3 centres in Dubai. Here are all the details of the three main test centres:
| Branch | Location | Opening Hours | Contact Information |
| Al Qusais | Al Qusais Industrial Area 5, Dubai, UAE | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Sunday) | +971 60 051 5154 |
| Jumeirah Port Views | Shop number 1 & 2,Al Wasel Port Views Building 1, Dubai, UAE | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Sunday) | +971 60 051 5154 |
| Al Quoz | Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai, UAE | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Sunday) | +971 60 051 5154 |
Course Fees
| Course Type | Training Hours per Week | Cost |
| Car | ||
| Regular | 10 hours | AED 2972 |
| 20 hours | AED 3865 | |
| Flexi | 10 hours | AED 3393 |
| 20 hours | AED 4705 | |
| Lumpsum | 10 hours | AED 8032 |
| 20 hours | AED 8715 | |
| Motorcycle | ||
| Regular | 10 hours | AED 2972.25 |
| 20 hours | AED 3812.25 | |
| Flexi | 10 hours | AED 3392.25 |
| 20 hours | AED 4652.25 | |
Disclaimer: All the service and course charges discussed above are subject to change. It is advised to verify the charges with the service provider first before booking any course.
FAQs
Here is what you need to consider when choosing a driving school:
– Expertise
– Reviews and testimonials
– Licence from relevant authorities such as RTA
– Facilities
– Cost
– Courses Curriculum
The process of getting a driving licence may seem daunting to you. But with proper steps and the guidance of a qualified instructor, the process becomes quite easy. The process starts from opening a file in a driving institute licenced by RTA to taking tests and lessons.
The specific requirement may vary depending on the choice of school. However, the common essential documents are listed below:
– Emirates ID
– 2 passport-size photographs
– Copy of valid passport
– Copy of Dubai residence visa
– Copy of eye test report
– No objection certificate from the sponsor is necessary in some cases
These driving schools in Dubai are ideal for beginners and experienced driving enthusiasts. Enrol in one of their courses as per your needs and start your journey to obtaining a driving licence in Dubai. Explore Dubai on your favourite vehicle with confidence!
Are you from Sharjah? Then Sharjah Driving Institute is a go-to choice for all your driving needs.
