Driving legally in the UAE starts with understanding how the driving licence system works. The UAE driving license categories list explains how licenses are issued by category, with each one allowing you to operate specific vehicles under defined legal conditions.
This guide outlines the full list of UAE driving license categories for 2026, including vehicle types, minimum age requirements, fees, and key rules for residents to know before applying.
- Overview of the UAE driving license system
- UAE driving license categories explained
- Minimum age and eligibility requirements
- Fees and application process
- Manual vs automatic licences
- Key rules and penalties
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of the UAE driving license system
The UAE driving licence framework is structured around eight numbered categories, each linked to specific vehicle types. Applicants must meet minimum age limits, pass required tests, and comply with category-specific rules.
As of 2026, updates introduced under the Federal Decree-Law on Traffic Regulation affect age eligibility, bus classifications, and provisional driving conditions for younger drivers.
UAE driving license categories explained
Each driving licence category permits the operation of a defined group of vehicles. Below is a simplified explanation of what each category allows.
Category 1 – Motorcycles
This category allows drivers to operate two- or three-wheeled motorcycles. Applicants must pass theory and road tests and meet the minimum age requirement.
Category 2 – Light vehicles
Category 2 covers private light vehicles such as sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs up to 3.5 tonnes. This is the most common licence held by UAE residents.
As of 29 March 2025, the minimum age for this licence has been reduced to 17 years.
Category 3 – Heavy vehicles
This category applies to trucks and heavy commercial vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes. Drivers must usually hold a Category 2 licence for at least one year before applying.
Category 4 – Light buses
Category 4 licences cover buses designed to carry 9 to 14 passengers. These vehicles are often used for private transport, school shuttles, or small group transfers.
Category 5 – Light trailers
This category allows drivers to tow light trailers weighing up to 750 kg. Eligibility typically requires holding a valid Category 2 licence.
Category 6 – Heavy buses
Category 6 applies to heavy buses carrying 15 or more passengers, including large public and private transport vehicles. Additional medical checks and training are required.
Category 7 – Light forklifts
This is a commercial licence for operating forklifts and light mechanical lifting equipment. Approved training through licensed centres is mandatory.
Category 8 – Heavy forklifts and machinery
Category 8 licences apply to heavy forklifts and industrial or construction machinery. Prior experience with Category 7 equipment is often required.
Minimum age and eligibility requirements
Minimum age and experience requirements vary by licence category and vehicle type.
As of 2026:
- Motorcycles and light vehicles can be licensed from the age of 17
- Heavy vehicles require a minimum age of 20
- Buses, trailers, and heavy machinery require a minimum age of 21
Drivers under 18 may be subject to provisional conditions, including driving-time restrictions during the early licensing period.
Fees and application process
Driving licence costs vary by emirate, category, and whether you are applying for a new licence or adding a category.
Typical costs include:
- Traffic file opening fee
- Learner permit fee (around AED 100 for light vehicles; higher for heavy categories)
- Theory and road test fees
- Mandatory eye test (usually AED 140–180)
- Licence issuance fee (lower for under-21 drivers)
Payments are made via official platforms such as RTA (Dubai), TAMM (Abu Dhabi), or the Ministry of Interior portal.
Manual vs automatic licences
UAE driving licences may include a transmission restriction.
If your licence is marked automatic only, you may not legally drive manual vehicles. As of late 2024, the RTA has simplified the upgrade process. Drivers now only need to pass a dedicated road test, with no additional theory or parking assessments required.
Key rules and penalties
Driving a vehicle outside your licensed category can invalidate insurance and result in fines or legal action.
As of 2026:
- New drivers under 18 may face night-driving restrictions between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
- Learner permits must be used within their validity period to avoid cancellation of the file.
- Penalties for driving without a valid licence or outside permitted categories have been tightened, with fines of up to AED 50,000 and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders.
Key takeaways
The UAE driving licence system includes eight clearly defined categories, each linked to specific vehicle types and eligibility rules. Minimum age now starts at 17 for light vehicles, while buses and heavy machinery require higher age thresholds. Fees, tests, and restrictions vary by category, so it is important to plan ahead before applying for or upgrading a licence.
FAQs
Yes, provided your licence does not specify “automatic only.” If restricted, you must pass a manual road test to remove the limitation.
You must meet the age and experience requirements, pass the relevant tests, submit the required documents, and pay the applicable fees through the traffic authority.
If a learner permit expires without test completion, the traffic file may be cancelled. Reopening the file usually involves additional fees.
Residents from recognised countries can convert their valid foreign license via RTA without full training; some pay for tests or qualifications depending on the origin of their license.
