Apart from the road and public transport network, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai oversees driving licence processes, parking rules and regulations. It is mandatory for all car owners to hold a valid driving licence in the Emirate. Similarly, all drivers who drive safari vehicles, trams, vehicles of special nature or are employed as a driver at an organisation, are required to obtain an RTA special driving permit.
Holding a special driving permit by RTA Dubai is mandatory. Let’s find out how you can apply for RTA special driving permit, the documents required and other important details.
RTA SPECIAL DRIVING PERMIT
Here are all the important details that you need to know when applying for a special driving permit:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR RTA SPECIAL DRIVING PERMIT?
The eligibility for RTA special driving permit is detailed as under:
SAFARI DRIVERS
Residents and citizens who already hold a valid UAE driving licence and are employed at a safari tourism company are eligible to apply.
TRAM DRIVERS
Citizens and residents working with a tram operator and holding a UAE driving licence can apply.
OCCUPATIONAL DRIVERS
Light vehicle drivers employed by people living in Dubai as well as bus and heavy vehicle drivers are eligible to apply for RTA special driving permits.
DRIVERS OF SPECIAL NATURE VEHICLES
Corporate drivers who drive vehicles within the premises of their organisation.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR RTA SPECIAL DRIVING PERMIT
The required documents for RTA special driving permit include Emirates ID number for all types of special driving permits. However, for safari driving permit, you will also need to submit E-criminal status investigation certificate from Dubai Police
WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY FOR SPECIAL DRIVING PERMIT IN DUBAI
For all types of special driving permits in Dubai, you can apply via RTA Dubai official website. Here we have detailed steps on how to apply for RTA special driving permit:
- Browse the RTA official website and log in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform
- Add the driver (s) to the driver’s list by entering the Emirates ID number
- Apply for the learning permit
- Pay the required service fees
- Complete the training requirements (if any applicable)
- Book a practical test appointment and pay the fees for the test
- Once the test is cleared, pay the fees to issue special driving permit
- The special driving permit is issued and can be downloaded anytime via the Special Driving Permits Management platform.
It is worthwhile to note that the employer representative hiring the driver is required to apply on the potential driver’s behalf.
For desert driving permit, you can apply via the following driving institutes in Dubai:
- Belhasa Driving Institute
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre
- Al Ahly Driving Centre
- Eco Drive Driving Institute
The process of obtaining a RTA desert driving licence in Dubai is seamless through the above listed driving institutes.
For occupational driving permits, you need to head to the following RTA accredited hospitals:
Location: Dubai Health Authority – Uptown Centre, El Muhaisnah
Contact details: 04-5024701
Location: Dubai Health Authority – Jafza Area, Jebel Ali
Contact details: 04-5023203
Location: Dubai Health Authority, Jumeirah Lake Towers
Contact details: 04-5024944
Location: Al Tadawi Medical Centre, Deira
Contact details: 04-2038888
Location: Zulekha Hospital, El Nahda
Contact details: 600524442
Location: Zulekha Centre, Bani Yas Road
Contact details: 600524442
Location: Zulekha Centre, Al Qusais
Contact details: 600524442
Location: Iranian Hospital, Al Bada
Contact details: 04-3440250
Location: JTS Medical Centre LLC, Jumeirah
Contact details: 04-3799954
Location: Canadian Hospital, Hor El Anz East Abu Hail
Contact details: 04-7072222
Location: Unicare Medical Centre, Al Jafiliya
Contact details: 04-3529292
Location: Apple International Polyclinic, International City
Contact details: 04-4227533
Here are the steps you have to follow when applying for occupational driving permit at any of the above-mentioned medical facilities:
- Head to one of the hospitals and approach the relevant desk to apply for a RTA special driving permit.
- Pay the required fees.
- An e-receipt will be sent via Email and SMS on the provided contact details with a link to download the receipt.
- A medical exam is conducted.
- If the medical test is not cleared, the applicant must undergo the suggested treatment and then repeat the exam.
- If the medical exam is cleared, an e-copy of the driving permit is sent via Email and SMS with a link to download it.
RTA SPECIAL DRIVING PERMIT SERVICE FEES
Here is a breakdown of RTA special driving permit service fees:
- Safari learning permit: AED 200
- Safari driving permit: AED 300
- Occupational driving permit: AED 200
- Medical test fee for occupational driving permit vary, depending on the medical facility you choose
- Tram learning permit: AED 500
- Tram driving permit: AED 500
- Learning permit for vehicles of special nature: AED 300
- Driving permit for vehicles of special nature: AED 300
- Knowledge and Innovation fees on each permit is AED 20+
VALIDITY OF RTA SPECIAL DRIVING PERMIT IN DUBAI
The tram learning permit remains valid for six months, whereas other learning permits are valid for three months.
The special driving permits issued for vehicles of special nature remain valid for two years. Whereas, all the other special permits issued remain valid for a year.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Following terms and conditions apply that you should be aware of prior to applying for a special driving permit in Dubai:
Terms and conditions applicable on safari driving permit:
- A resident applying for a safari driving permit should be sponsored by a tour operating company.
- The applicant’s age must be 21 years or above.
- A valid UAE driving licence having a validity of minimum two years.
- Valid eye test results from one of the RTA approved eye testing centres in Dubai.
- The applicant must clear the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s training program for Safari tourist guide.
The only term and condition that applies for obtaining occupational driving permit is that the applicant must have valid medical test results indicating that he is fit for the job. Also, the medical test should be from one of the above-listed medical facilities.
The terms and conditions applicable on tram driving permit are as under:
- Applicant’s age must be 25 years or below.
- A valid UAE driving licence is mandatory that has a validity period of minimum five years.
- Passing the tram driving training program is mandatory. This program is designed by Competency Management System in the supervision of the tram operator/owner.
- The applicant must be medically fit and have cleared the medical examination from one of the above-listed accredited hospitals.
To acquire a driving permit for vehicles of special nature, following terms and conditions should be met:
- It is mandatory for the applicant to pass the practical and traffic signs’ test.
- The driving permit should not be used outside the premises of the organisation.
- The applicant should hold a valid permit training location and inspection for special nature work.
- All medical examinations should be cleared from one of the RTA accredited hospitals.
Here we end our guide on how to apply for a special driving permit in Dubai through RTA. Besides, since obtaining a special driving permit requires you to hold a Dubai driving licence, you may even opt to buy a car for personal use. You can browse these used cars for sale in Dubai and pick the one that fits your budget and requirements.
Stay tuned to the popular auto blog of the UAE for more information on driving rules and regulations across all the Emirates.
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