IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
Oct 17th 2016, 9:47 am
#1
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IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
I am moving to Abu Dhabi in January. I'd like to buy a car there but will want to hire one for a month or two first until I settle in.
Do I need to get an International Driving Permit in the UK before I leave, or can I just use my existing license?
And how long can I stay using my UK licence before switching it for a local one?
Thanks!
Do I need to get an International Driving Permit in the UK before I leave, or can I just use my existing license?
And how long can I stay using my UK licence before switching it for a local one?
Thanks!
Oct 17th 2016, 9:55 am
#2
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
If you don't have a residence visa then you can drive on a UK licence. A IDP wouldn't harm tho. If you have a residence, however, you need to get a UAE licence to be able to drive. This is easy, just the case doing an eye test. Can be done in a day.
Oct 17th 2016, 12:16 pm
#3
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
Its really easy, i wouldn't fret about it. No need to bring the paper copy with you. BUT the moment you have a resident visa card you cannot drive on your license and will get in big trouble if you have a crash.
Jam25mack, mine was done in 20mins. Oh remember it need translating to arabic.
Jam25mack, mine was done in 20mins. Oh remember it need translating to arabic.
Oct 17th 2016, 3:16 pm
#4
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
Its really easy, i wouldn't fret about it. No need to bring the paper copy with you. BUT the moment you have a resident visa card you cannot drive on your license and will get in big trouble if you have a crash.
Jam25mack, mine was done in 20mins. Oh remember it need translating to arabic.
Jam25mack, mine was done in 20mins. Oh remember it need translating to arabic.
I'm trying to get as much sorted as possible before I leave because my first week's there will confuse the hell out of me
Oct 17th 2016, 5:22 pm
#5
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
The licence needs translation by a legal translator here in Abu Dhabi. There are loads around - best ask when you arrive.
Oct 18th 2016, 5:33 am
#6
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
Don't bother with the IDP. I got one in UK for here and never used it. Got one here for South Africa and never used it.
Pissing money away quicker than Iggle in a gay brothel.
Pissing money away quicker than Iggle in a gay brothel.
Oct 19th 2016, 8:47 am
#7
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
Haha. OK. Thanks. Good to know. I won't bother with the IDP then.
Oct 19th 2016, 9:54 am
#8
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
hamdam street is the best bet. But i heard there is a translator in the office now. I am not 100% sure. It cost 100 AED, and all he did was copy the wording from my emirate ID.
Oct 21st 2016, 10:44 am
#9
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
Translations into Arabic are much cheaper in the Gulf than in the UK !
Oct 23rd 2016, 12:29 pm
#10
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Re: IDP (International Driving Permit) for UK citizens in UAE
I would get an IDP. I needed one to rent in AD although some of my colleagues did not. It depends on the company you use.
Also, if you decide to travel somewhere else, like Australia, you will need one and for the sake of under £7 it's sensible.
Also, if you decide to travel somewhere else, like Australia, you will need one and for the sake of under £7 it's sensible.
