andrewpops

My wife exhanged her UK license for a UAE one last week in Abu Dhabi - 400 Dhs, much argument by the good lady and an hour later, we had a UAE driving license.

I was told that as soon as you get residency, you must get a UAE driving license. The UK/international driving license combo will not be valid after this.

jvr20

That's what i heard too - so I got mine done here in Sharjah, cheaper though only paid 190 (+15 for typing)

That said, it's impossible to hire a car now

If you have residency then not only do they want a UAE licence, but in order to be covered by the hire company insurance they often require a local licence that has been valid for a whole year!

(though for non-residents, a foreign licence/IDP is fine - yet another illogical UAE contradiction!)

Heart of gold

I paid 150 Dhs last July for my international permit, wasn't charged for typing though - Its still valid until July 17th - But dont need it anymore

Miss Eck

I think I used my Dubai licence in Ireland last year. Not been back to the UK since I moved here - going at the end of July and will use the Dubai licence then or may even get an International one as my other international one has expired.

So how do they track you for the fines? and how would you make payment? Can it be done online? Not that I intend to go speeding around!

larnie

We arrived here 4 weeks ago from NZ. We could not rent a car without a International Driving Permit which we got online from NZ but it took 3 weeks so make sure you get an IDP before you come.

thb

For those in the UK coming to Dubai who want to drive must get the international driving licence. This is very very easy to get in the UK, just take your driving licence to your local post office, pay them £6, then five minutes later (quicker if the blokey doing it hasn't had a heavy evening the night before) you're in possesion of the licence.

Meow

So if you get one of those temp UAE licences, does that allow you insure a car?

I still don't have residency, but want to buy a car shortly.

Thanks

Madam Medusa

i don't think you can buy a car without residency...i remember I had to wait for delivery of mine until I got the residency stamp...

MM, xx

mythic

the hire company will take your addy, and foreward any fines, be carefull not to tell plod you are a visitor, he will fine you on spot, 30 quid for average speeding, one you leave country it will cost to much to pursue,

Miss Eck

I presume he would have to catch me first?

Miss Eck

Yep MM is right, you need your residency before you can purchase your car. Have you been here since Feb?

mythic

oh they dont chase speeders anymore, looking for the ciggies easy money

Miss Eck

damm ... I love a good car chase

Amazing Grace

My husband has been in Al Ain for a week and obtained his IDL in Austria before he left. I am at home in UK and hoping to travel to AA later in the year. I asked at my local PO about the IDL and was told that no they didnt do them but to contact either the RAC or the AA........... Royal Automobile Association and the Automobile Association for those who dont know. It is very very easy to do it this way and when I applied for one for Malaysia four years ago it was only GBP4. Perhaps although I would not have thought so it could depend on the part of the UK you are in if your post office does it or not.

twistopher

Not sure how the lady in Abu Dhabi paid 400 Dhs - i got mine yesterday and paid 200!! Very strange.
One word of warning - if you have a UK licence, you must get the paper copy translated into Arabic before you get there, or they'll send you away (lots of places on Hamdan street near Starbucks). I believe they can do it for you in Dubai. The British Embassy does not do it, despite that piece of uselessadvice from frozen-faced lady at Reception.
However, with the right documents it's a very simple process (especially at lunchtime when it's deserted).