The road regulations in the different emirates of the UAE vary, so drivers must be aware of the rules in each place they drive. In Dubai, drivers must follow the guidelines set by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). One of these guidelines is that all drivers must enroll in an accredited driving school in the city before they can obtain a license.
Reputable driving schools in Dubai provide instruction to local residents. Those who successfully complete the comprehensive training program will be awarded a Dubai driver’s license, proving their roadworthiness, particularly for those over 21. Those aged 18 to 21 are given a provisional driver’s license, which allows them to sharpen their skills under a slightly supervised framework.
To make your decision-making process easier, you should thoroughly research the top driving schools in Dubai. There is a wide range of options available to prospective drivers, both established institutions and new entrants.
Belhasa and Emirates Driving Institute are two of the most well-known driving schools. As your training progresses, you will reach a critical milestone: a comprehensive driving test. This test is a multi-faceted assessment that includes both theoretical comprehension and practical driving skills.
To help you make an informed choice from this wide range of options, let’s take a closer look at some of Dubai’s top driving schools:
Belhasa Driving School
The Belhasa Driving Centre is a prestigious driving school that has elevated its status among the elite driving institutions in Dubai. Led by the visionary Mr. Saif Ahmed Belhasa, this facility is a model of forward-thinking driving education in the heart of Dubai.
It is a comprehensive hub that caters to a variety of vehicle categories, including light motor vehicles, motorcycles, buses, trucks, shovels, and forklifts. It has an impressive fleet of over 650 light cars, which provides optimal training for aspiring drivers.
Belhasa Driving Centre is known for its 1:1 instructor-to-student ratio, which ensures a tailored and effective learning experience. It also provides e-classes.
Additionally, Belhasa Driving Centre offers exclusive VVIP course packages that allow you to master your driving skills on premium cars such as Mercedes and Range Rover. These upscale packages are divided into Business Class and First Class courses, promising a truly elevated learning journey.
Locations and Timings
Al Quoz 4
- Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 7 AM to 11 PM
- Contact: +971 (4) 5091200
Al Wasl Branch
- Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM
- Contact: +971 (4) 324 3535
Jebel Ali
- Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 7 AM to 4 PM
- Contact: +971 (4) 8817171
Nad Al Hamar
- Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 7 AM to 11 PM
- Contact: +971 (4) 2895908
In addition, Belhasa Driving Centre has a wide network of branches, including Bur Dubai Musalla, Bur Dubai Raffa, Deira Nakheel, Deira Naif, Rashidiya, Al Karama, Hor Al Anz, Satwa 1, Satwa 2, Khaleej Center, Al Quasis, Dubai International City, Marina Walk, and more. For added convenience, the Belhasa Driving Centre app (BDC Dubai) is available on both Google Play and Apple Store.
Belhasa Driving School Fees
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fee structure for light vehicle courses, presented in a clear table format:
| Course | Regular | Night | Friday | Shift | Silver | Gold |
| 20 Hours | AED 5078.25 | AED 5478.25 | AED 5878.25 | AED 6678.25 | AED 8678.25 | AED 10678.25 |
| 15 Hours | AED 4583.25 | AED 4883.25 | AED 5183.25 | AED 5783.25 | AED 7283.25 | AED 8783.25 |
| 10 Hours | AED 3983.25 | AED 4183.25 | AED 4383.25 | AED 4783.25 | AED 5783.25 | AED 6783.25 |
Fees are subject to change; please refer to the official website for the most current information.
If you are interested in learning to drive luxury cars, the Business Class Package costs AED 11,170 for 10 hours of instruction, while the First Class Course costs AED 17,500 for 10 hours of instruction. Experience unparalleled driving education that meets your individual requirements.
Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)
The Emirates Driving Institute (EDI) has been a dependable place to learn to drive since its inception in 1991, with the endorsement of the AA Driving School in the United Kingdom. As a leading driving school in Dubai, EDI has trained over 500,000 students on their journey to becoming confident drivers.
EDI, with a team of around 500 qualified instructors, offers a variety of driving courses to fit your schedule and vehicle preferences. To make your learning experience even smoother, EDI provides a convenient bus service that covers key locations throughout Dubai. The institute has both male and female instructors to accommodate everyone’s needs, ensuring a comfortable environment for all learners.
As you gear up to obtain your driving license, EDI presents options for cars, motorbikes, and even heavy-duty vehicles like buses and trucks. EDI’s training centers, which are spread across more than 40 branches in the emirate, particularly the ones in Al Qusais, Al Quoz, and the exclusive Platinum Driving Course branch in Jumeirah, are shining examples of learning.
EDI stays ahead of the curve by providing a user-friendly mobile app that gives you easy access to their services right from your fingertips. Additionally, they embrace modern training techniques by having a state-of-the-art driving simulator facility.
Locations and Timings
- Locations: Al Quoz, Al Qusais, and Jumeirah (for Platinum Driving Course)
- Timings: Monday – Thursday: 8:15 AM – 10 PM, Friday: 7:15 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4 PM
- Contact: +971-4-263-1100
To make things even easier, you can download the EDI mobile app from the Google Play Store and App Store, which will give you easy access to their range of services and driving courses.
Emirates Driving Insitute Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the fee structure for different types of regular training courses. Please note that prices for weekend, night, and shift training may vary slightly from these rates:
| Course | Beginner | 15 Hours(2 TO 5 Years Old License) | 10 Hours(Over 5 Years Old License) |
| Regular Price – Auto Gear | AED 4905 | AED 4285 | AED 3765 |
| Fixed Price – Auto Gear | AED 9800 | AED 9350 | AED 9080 |
| Regular Price – Manual Gear | AED 4745 | AED 4165 | AED 3685 |
| Fixed Price – Manual Gear | AED 11,600 | AED 11,150 | AED 10,700 |
Fees are subject to change; please refer to the official website for the most current information.
Dubai Driving Centre
Dubai Driving Centre, founded in 2003, is a well-established authority in driver education. With years of experience, this driving school sets itself apart from newcomers. As a proud RTA-approved institution, it provides a variety of vehicle training services.
Dubai Driving Centre is even more appealing due to its adoption of modern convenience. Its comprehensive online services bring learning right to your fingertips. Through its online portal, you can easily register, take e-learning sessions, and prepare for theory tests.
This driving school offers discounts and special packages catering to different eligibility criteria. For all the details, simply visit its official website.
Location and Contact Details
Port Rashid
- Address: Jumeirah Rd, Dubai
- Contact Number: +971-4-345-5855
Al Khail
- Address: Near Al Khail Gate, Al Qouz Industrial Area 3
- Contact Number: +971-4-404-8000
Al Quoz
- Address: Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Near Al-Naboodha Automobiles, Dubai
- Contact Number: +971-4-323-6000
Training Timings
Regular Training Timing: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday Training Timing: 7 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM
Night Training Timing: 8 PM to 11 PM
Dubai Driving Centre Fees
The following table shows the different types of courses offered at the Dubai Driving Centre, their total hours, and the associated fees for both regular and specialized sessions:
| Course Type | Total Hours | Regular Course Fees | Sundays/Nights/Shifts Course Fees |
| Light Vehicle Manual/Automatic | 20, 15, 10 | AED 3,835 / 3,220 / 2,620 | AED 4,405 / 3,640 / 2,890 |
| Royal VIP | 20, 15, 10 | AED 25,000 / 21,000 / 17,000 | AED 25,000 / 21,000 / 17,000 |
Fees are subject to change; please refer to the official website for the most current information.
Galadari Motor Driving Centre (GMDC)
Galadari Motor Driving Centre (GMDC) is a certified and authorized driving institution in Dubai that complies with the RTA’s directives.
GMDC is a leading provider of driving education and offers a variety of comprehensive driving courses for different vehicle categories, including light vehicles, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, forklifts, and shovels.
Additionally, for those seeking a more adventurous experience, GMDC offers specialized advanced courses for defensive driving and off-roading enthusiasts.
The institute recognizes and respects the diversity of its students by offering courses in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Urdu, and Hindi.
Location and Timing
Al Qusais Main Office
- Address: Al Qusais Industrial Area 4, Dubai
- Timings: Saturdays to Thursdays 8:00 am to 10:00 pm | Fridays 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Contact Number: +971-4-267-6166
Muhaisnah Office
- Address: Al Hathboor Building – Beirut Street, Dubai
- Timings: Saturdays to Thursdays 8:00 am to 10:00 pm | Fridays 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Contact Number: +971-4-267-6166
Al Quoz Office
- Address: Near Al Quoz Mall, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai
- Timings: Saturdays to Thursdays 8:00 am to 10:00 pm | Fridays 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Contact Number: +971-4-404-3400
And that’s not all – there are several more outlets of this driving school, offering services ranging from registration facilities to specific theory courses.
These outlets include Al Nahda, Al Karama, Al Tawar, International City, Al Raffa, Souq Extra, Silicon Oasis, Bur Dubai, Abu Hail, Al Aweer, Naif, Satwa, and many others.
In this digital age, convenience is just a fingertip away. The driving school has created a mobile app, available for download on both Google Play and the Apple Store, to help you on your journey to becoming a skilled driver.
Galadari Motor Driving Center Fees
Below, you’ll find a detailed fee structure for various training hours and shifts for an average light vehicle course:
| Hours | Level | Regular Training | Shift Training | Friday Classes |
| 20 Hours | Beginner | AED 2000 | AED 2800 | AED 3000 |
| 15 Hours | Customers with a 2 to 5 years old license | AED 1500 | AED 2100 | AED 2250 |
| 10 Hours | Customers with over 5 years old license | AED 1000 | AED 1400 | AED 1500 |
| 4 Hours | Additional Hours | AED 400 | AED 560 | AED 600 |
Fees are subject to change; please refer to the official website for the most current information.
This is the basic fee structure for the general light vehicle course. Please note that additional fees will apply for various tests and services, such as the RTA road test, theory test, eye test, evaluation test, and driving license issuance. Additionally, a 5% VAT will be added to the above-mentioned fees at the time of payment.
In addition, the school offers VIP courses at a premium rate, providing intensive training that is tailored to the customer’s schedule. These courses range in price from AED 15,000 for those with valid licenses for more than 5 years to AED 22,000 for beginners, depending on the individual’s prior driving experience. Dubai Driving Centre is the place to go for expert driving instruction.
Tips for RTA Driving Test
Tips for RTA Theory Test
- Thoroughly study the RTA handbook.
- Consider taking mock theory tests. Refer to the RTA website for details.
- Utilize the RTA mobile app for practice theory tests.
- Learn and memorize common road signs; also, attempt online traffic sign tests.
Tips for the RTA Road Test in Dubai
- Dress Appropriately: Proper attire gives a positive impression to the examiner.
- Avoid Sunglasses: Examiners might observe your eye movements, so avoid wearing sunglasses.
- Listen to the Examiner: Always follow the examiner’s instructions and avoid arguing.
- Mind the Basics: Before starting, adjust the seat, mirrors, and fasten your seatbelt. Ensure your passengers also buckle up.
- Check the Handbrake: Ensure the handbrake is engaged and the gear is set correctly before starting.
- Maintain Appropriate Speed: Drive within speed limits, neither too fast nor too slow, but confidently.
- Entering Main Road: Abide by the 3-second rule at stop signs even if the lane appears clear.
- Maintain Safe Distance: Always keep a two-second distance between your car and the one ahead.
- T-Junction: Stop for 3 seconds at the STOP line before turning onto a main road from a T-Junction. Accelerate steadily while adhering to speed limits.
- Braking: Avoid harsh braking; drive at a comfortable pace.
- Navigating Roundabouts: Only enter when the road is clear from the left. Always signal right when exiting.
- Parking: It’s a vital part of the test. Follow the examiner’s instructions and avoid parking in front of entrances, exits, or bus stops.
Via Dubizzle
