Motorcycles may not be too common in Dubai, but the city has its fair share of bike enthusiasts. Some prefer motorcycle for the style and performance, others like the convenience it offers. However, riding a bike is vastly different from driving a car. One needs proper training and practice to safely ride a bike in the city. It is why a motorcycle licence in Dubai is required even if you have a car driving licence.
This guide will help you understand the entire process of acquiring a motorcycle licence in Dubai.
How to get a Motorcycle Licence in Dubai
You must be 17 or older to be eligible for motorcycle licence application. To start the process, visit any of the registered Emirates driving institutes offering motorcycle courses and submit the application along with the required documents.
Driving Institutes in Dubai
The following institutes are authorised by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and are counted among the known Dubai driving licence schools that offer motorcycle riding courses.
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre
- Al Ahli Driving Centre
- Belhasa Driving Centre
- Dubai Driving Centre
Documents Required for Registration
The following documents will be required at the time of registration with the driving institute.
- Copy of Passport and residence visa page
- Copy and original Emirates ID
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor or company
- Two Photographs
- Eye Test Report
Eye Test Report
You will need an eye test report from a healthcare institute accredited by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). For the ease of the public, most driving institutes have eye test facility as well.
A list of authorised eye testing centres is available on the RTA website. The eye test is not much to worry about as RTA has listed some standard eyesight requirements. Unless you are colour blind, this test shouldn’t be a problem.
Registration Process to Get a Motorcycle Licence in Dubai
Here is an step by step guide to get licence in Dubai:
Getting Learner’s Permit
Driving Institutes have RTA counters to process the information as fast as possible. After you have cleared your eye test, you can proceed to open your traffic file. You will receive your learner’s permit along with an RTA handbook to guide you on traffic rules and regulations in Dubai.
Completion of Driving Course
Just like a car driving test, motorcycle test is divided into two parts: theory and practical.
Theoretical Test
You are required to attend 8 lectures on topics like traffic signs, rules & regulations, road safety and risk management. You can either take the lectures online via e-portal of your chosen institute or attend the classes in person. Each institute has its own rules when it comes to attendance and they may be subject to change.
After the lectures, you can book for the RTA theory test. The test has around 40 questions out of which you must answer at least 30 to pass the test.
Practical Test
If your application is for a new driving licence, you have to take 15 hours’ worth of practical classes. If you already hold a motorcycle licence from the list of accepted countries, your hours may be reduced to 8.
The practical session includes training in open ground, referred to as a yard test. After you have gone through the basics of a motorcycle and road navigation programme, the institute will allow you to book for official RTA road assessment test.
Interpreter Facility
Typically, you may not need an interpreter as classes are usually conducted in both English and Arabic. Most institutes now aim to expand their range to include other languages like Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Tamil and Chinese. If you require an interpreter, be sure to request one to the RTA when opening your traffic file.
RTA has its own Remote Interpretation System (RIS). A written application in your preferred language will be required and the service can cost up to AED 400.
Safety Gear for Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle has its own risk, and therefore, you are required to wear proper safety gear during the test. You can bring your own equipment or use the one provided by the institute.
You will need the following equipment:
- A fit helmet to protect against head injuries (brightly coloured ones are recommended)
- Clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Knee and elbow pads
- Full gloves and shoes with impact reinforcement
Fees Structure
The cost of Dubai motorcycle licence depends on the number of hours, type of shift and the driving institute you chose. We can make an approximation on fees by RTA, although they too tend to vary for each institute.
For instance, it will approximately cost AED 1500 or more to cover RTA fees excluding VAT:
- Issuance of learner permit for motorcycle – AED 100
- Opening of traffic file – AED 200
- Handbook manual – AED 50
- Eye Test – up to AED 180
- Miscellaneous fees – AED 20
- Knowledge Test – AED 220
- RTA internal test – AED 220
- RTA Road Test – AED 220
- Licence Issuance – AED 320
Now to add up the cost of driving institutes, including the cost of class lectures, internal assessment and practice tests. The total motorcycle licence fees will cost between AED 4000 to AED 5000.
If you hold a foreign license for two years, you can save up by opting for an 8-hour course instead of 15 hours or wait for limited discount packages often offered by these driving institutes. Check up with the institute for updated details on the courses.
Prices may skyrocket if you opt for exclusive packages. For instance, a training course in Emirates Driving Institute on a Harley Davidson motorcycle can cost over AED 15000.
Renewal of Motorcycle Licence in Dubai
Renewal of motorcycle licences is a simpler process. You can apply online via the RTA website or Dubai Drive mobile app. Additionally, you can also approach their customer centres across Dubai to complete the process.
If you are older than 21, you need to retake your eye test for the application. It cost around 100 AED for 21 years old or less and around AED 300 for the rest plus AED 20 as miscellaneous charges to renew the licence.
It’s best not to delay licence renewal in Dubai. A fine of 10 AED per month is imposed after the expiry of your licence, which can ramp up to a maximum of AED 500. Failure to renew your licence in 10 years will require you to retake the test.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I already own an RTA handbook and don’t want to purchase it?
The handbook is updated every 6 months, so to ensure everyone has the updated version, it is mandatory to purchase a handbook.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?
It normally takes two months to get your license provided that you pass your test in the first attempt. On average, including the retrials, you should be able to do it under 3 months.
Tips to Ace the Test
Stick to these tips to avoid common mistakes during practical test
- Follow the examiner’s instruction and avoid asking irrelevant questions
- Ride within the speed limit that is neither too fast nor too slow
- Check mirrors and use indicators when changing lanes
- Be alert and use judgement if the examiner requests a task
Now that you know all about how to get a motorcycle licence in Dubai, check out these different motorbike options available at affordable rates:
Stay tuned to the UAE’s best cars blog to find out more about traffic rules and regulations in Dubai.
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