If you are reading this chances are you are tired of just driving yourself around and want to earn money as a professional driver. Maybe you are picturing yourself picking up tourists at Dubai Mall, dropping kids off at school without a single late mark or cruising VIPs in a blacked-out Lexus. Whatever the dream, a professional driver’s license is your entry pass. The paperwork can feel tricky at first. With the right guidance it is easy.
This guide explains the license, who needs it, required documents, and step by step instructions to save time and money.
What Exactly Is a Professional Driver’s License?
A professional driver’s license is a whole different level. Your normal car license gets you from home to the mall. This one proves you are trained to drive people for work and keep them safe on the road.
In Dubai, the RTA issues it as a Driver Permit and links it to the company you work for. Could be a taxi service, a school or a tourism outfit. It stays valid for one year and if you switch employers you have to update it.
In Abu Dhabi, the Integrated Transport Centre follows the same idea. They check that you meet safety standards before approving you.
The simplest way to picture it is this. Your regular license lets you drive. A professional license lets you drive for a living.
Who Needs a Professional Driver’s License in the UAE
You do not need this license for family errands or casual driving. It is only required when your job puts you behind the wheel for paid work. Anyone who drives passengers or goods as part of their employment needs it. That includes:
- Taxi drivers and ride service drivers
- School transport drivers and supervisors
- Tourist van and minibus drivers
- Company drivers who move goods or handle deliveries
Most applicants are expats who already have driving experience in the UAE and want a stable job in transport. Many Emiratis apply as well especially when they plan to open or manage a transport service.
Basic Requirements to Apply for a Professional Driver’s License
Before you start the application make sure you meet the required conditions. These rules follow Dubai’s standards which are the most detailed. Abu Dhabi has a few differences but the core requirements stay the same.
Age Rules You Must Meet
- Taxi and limousine drivers must be aged 21 to 65
- School bus and tourist van drivers must be 25 or older
- Female school transport supervisors must also be 25 or older
Abu Dhabi allows light vehicle professional driving from age 18,but anything involving passengers or heavy vehicles requires a minimum age of 21.
Driving Experience You Need
You must already hold a valid UAE license in the same category. Light vehicle for taxis, heavy vehicle for trucks. Most employers look for at least one to two years of driving experience in the UAE. If you have too many black points expect a mandatory remedial training course before your application moves forward.
Health and Safety Checks
A medical fitness certificate from an RTA approved clinic is required. They check your eyesight, blood pressure and overall health to make sure you can drive safely for long hours. School bus drivers need an additional psychological test and basic English assessment. You also need a clean criminal record which you can get through the police app in your emirate.
Required Documents for a Professional Driver’s License
You need a full set of documents before your application even gets checked. Either you or your company must submit the following:
- Emirates ID
- Passport and valid residence visa with a driver job title
- Passport photos with a white background
- Current UAE driving license
- NOC from your sponsor if you are shifting companies
- Medical fitness report
- Criminal record clearance
- Eye test report from an approved center
Always scan everything in clear, high quality. Any blurry document can delay or block your application.
Step by Step Guide to Apply for a Professional Driver’s License
Most of the process is online and your company handles the bulk of it through their RTA account.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Get Sponsored
You cannot apply on your own. A company taxi service, school or tour operator must sponsor you. They create a “Driver File” in the RTA system using your Emirates ID.
Step 2: Choose Your Driver Category
- Your sponsor selects the right category for your work:
- Taxi Driver
- School Bus Driver
- Luxury Vehicle Driver
- Tourist Transport Driver
Other categories may apply depending on the type of vehicle or service you will be driving professionally.
Step 3: Complete Required Training
You must attend courses at an RTA approved institute such as Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari or Belhasa. This makes sure you meet all professional driving standards before your license is issued.
| Category | Training Hours | Approx. Cost (AED) |
| New Taxi Driver | 20 to 24 hours | 2,000 to 2,500 |
| School Bus Driver | 8 to 12 hours | 800 to 1,200 |
| License Renewal (any category) | 4 to 8 hours | 600 to 900 |
Training
Training includes:
- Theory classes covering road rules and customer service
- Simulator sessions
- Practical road driving with an instructor
Step 4: Pass the Tests
- Theory Test: 30-40 multiple choice questions. Study the RTA handbook or app which has free practice tests.
- Road Test: Required for some categories like new taxi drivers or heavy vehicle drivers.
If you fail you must wait seven days, pay the fee again and retry.
Step 5: Medical and Psychological Assessment
Complete this step after finishing your training. The clinic sends your medical and psychological test results directly to the RTA for review.
Step 6: Pay Fees and Get Your Permit
Final fees include:
- Permit issuance: AED 200
- Knowledge fee: AED 20
- Innovation fee: AED 20
Your company usually pays. You receive the digital permit via SMS or email. Print it and keep it in the vehicle.
How Quickly You Can Get Your License
The license is usually ready in 5 to 10 working days. All documents must be complete. Tests must be passed.
How to Renew Your Professional Driver’s License in Dubai
Renewal is simple. Start about 30 days before your current permit expires:
- Your company logs into the RTA system
- Complete a quick medical check
- Pay AED 200 for the permit and AED 830 for training
No full course is needed unless the license has expired for more than two years.
Cost Breakdown for a New License in Dubai
| Item | Cost (AED) |
| Training and Tests | 2,000 to 2,500 |
| Medical | 320 to 500 |
| Eye Test | 100 |
| Permit Fee | 200 |
| Photos and Prints | 50 |
| Total | 2,670 to 3,170 |
Typically your company covers the training and test fees. You might pay for the medical check and photos.
What Professional Drivers Advise for a Faster License Process in Dubai
- Get your NOC early. Companies can be slow.
- Book morning test slots. Less traffic, cooler and easier to focus.
- Use the RTA app for theory practice. It is accurate and free.
- Be honest on your application. Everything gets checked.
- Join WhatsApp groups for your training institute. Drivers share useful test tips.
- Stay alert for medical and psychological tests. Do not go hungover or tired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your License Process
- Forgetting the NOC. Your file can be stuck for weeks.
- Expired medical certificate. You must redo the check.
- Choosing the wrong category. The application must start over.
- Black points not cleared. This causes delays.
- Applying without company sponsorship. The application is rejected.
Get Your Professional Driver’s License Easily with Safer Driver Dubai!
It is not a walk in the park but it is manageable. Thousands of drivers complete this process every month. Once you have your permit you are ready for a steady job, good income and a role in keeping the city moving.
While you are going through the application, training and tests, Safer Driver Dubai makes getting around the city simple. Our verified drivers provide safe and reliable transport daily, weekly or monthly. You can attend appointments, training or tests without worrying about traffic or parking. The process becomes smoother and stress free.
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FAQs
Who needs a professional driver’s license?
Anyone driving passengers or goods for work, like taxi drivers, school bus drivers, tour van drivers or company vehicle operators must have it.
Can I apply for a professional driver’s license without a company sponsor?
No. You must be sponsored by a company. Applications without sponsorship are automatically rejected by the RTA.
How long will the license process take?
If all documents and tests are in order then the process usually takes five to ten working days to get the permit.
What if I fail a test?
If the test fails, wait seven days before trying again. Pay the fee again. Good preparation helps you pass.
Can I use a verified driver while applying?
Yes. Services like Safer Driver Dubai provide professional drivers which help you move safely across the city during training or appointments.
