For Canadians or residents who are considering traveling or migrating to Dubai, one basic question you might ask yourself is whether you can drive in Dubai with your Canadian license. As a global city, there are many visitors from around the world, and work-related and leisure travel, along with large numbers of expatriates, and driving is common. In the following article, you will find out whether your license issued in Canada remains valid in Dubai, under what circumstances you are allowed to drive with it, and how to exchange your license for a UAE one, if needed.
Getting to Drive in the States Using a Canadian Driving License as a Foreign Visitor
If you have come to Dubai for tourism purposes, you are free to drive within the city with your Canadian driver’s license only. However, there are certain conditions you need to fulfill:
International Driving Permit (IDP)
You will also need an IDP if you have one from Canada in addition to your Canadian driver’s license. The IDP is actually an official translation of your Canadian license and it is mandatory to drive a car in Dubai. It is not difficult to get an IDP from your automobile association in Canada before visiting Dubai.
Rental Cars
All the car rental service providers in Dubai permit tourists to rent a car with a Canadian license plus an IDP. As it is always wise to consult the specific organization that offers cars for hire, it is advisable to consult the rental company of your choice with regards to the guidelines on hiring a car.
Insurance Requirements
When hiring a car, be sure to ensure that all the documents signed state clearly that you have comprehensive insurance; this is mandatory in Dubai. Obviously, every rental company will offer this choice.
Being a Resident Driver in Dubai
If, of course, you are planning to relocate to Dubai and become a resident, then the scenario transforms. The use of the license issued in Canada can legally be exercised by a resident of the UAE depending on the conversion of the driving license policies. Here’s what you need to know:
License Validity
After getting your UAE residency visa, it is unlawful to use the Canadian driving license, or even an International Driving Permit. People are obliged to have a UAE driving license.
Canadian License Conversion
Fortunately, Canada is one of the countries that make it possible to exchange Canadian licenses for a UAE driving license without sitting for further tests or practical lessons. Here’s the process for converting your Canadian license into a UAE driving license:
Documents Required
Below are some of the necessary documents that will be required when applying for your permit at Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai):
- Your actual and/or current driver’s license issued to you from Canada
- Photocopy of your passport and valid residency visa
- Documents which are also required include a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the employer or sponsor.
- Passport-sized photographs
- A report of an eye test from an appointed clinic by the RTA
Application Process
You should take all the documents to the nearest RTA office or an authorized driving school. Some of the fees are standard, and others depending on a specific service, and on average, you get your UAE driving license back on the same day.
Medical Requirements
Applicants for the job must take an eye test before they can be considered for any position. The test makes sure that you will have a vision that will qualify you to drive on UAE roads safely. It is a very simple process since LASIK can be done at any clinic or optician that is recognized by the RTA in Dubai.
The Necessary Measures When It Comes to Driving in Dubai
Road Rules
The rules of the road are strictly complied with in Dubai, so everyone needs to study them. For example, speeding is fought with speed cameras and fines for other infringements, such as using a mobile phone without a hands-free system or not fastening a seat belt, can also be very severe. To avoid being fined, always observe and adhere to the various traffic signs and signals.
Traffic Fines
Drinking and driving is a serious offense in Dubai. Currently, the law forbids drink driving in Dubai, and anybody caught under the bar will be severely punished through fines, imprisonment, or deportation. You should always be able to adhere to and observe relevant laws when driving.
Toll System
Salik is a form of toll system used in Dubai, whereby fees are charged and debited once one is passing through the toll gates. Although using the Salik system is entirely optional, you would have to make sure that your car is registered with this system if you are driving in Dubai to avoid the fines.
Desert Driving
If you plan to drive into the desert located a few kilometers from the city, then be careful since off-road driving can be really challenging and dangerous. It is recommended to get off-road driving training or get an off-road driving service for those who are not trained.
Conclusion
All in all, it is possible to drive in Dubai with a Canadian license to some extent, depending on whether the person is a tourist or a resident in this country. Here are some of the things that a tourist needs to know: You can drive in the country using your Canadian license provided you have an International Driving Permit. However, once you have become a resident, you are required to take the Canadian license and exchange it for the UAE driving license. It is also simple, and Canada is among the countries that benefit from easy license conversion in Dubai.
Therefore, pointing out that your document has to be legal can afford you an opportunity to drive a vehicle in Dubai irrespective of whether you are a tourist or a resident of Dubai.
