Driving Licence in Dubai for Indian

Can I drive in Dubai with an Indian license? The same question may arise to you while planning to visit Dubai from India for any of the purposes. Some countries allow Indians to drive vehicle in foreign country with an Indian driving license. Before travelling to Dubai, it is important know whether an Indian driving licence valid in Dubai.

Is Indian driving licence valid in Dubai or UAE

No, Indian driving licence is not valid in Dubai or UAE to drive any type of vehicle. Indians need International Driving Permit to drive any vehicle in Dubai. You need to get it from parent RTO for which you have an Indian driving license before visiting Dubai.

International driving licence for Dubai

If you have visited UAE or Dubai and wish to explore it, you can use public transport or rent a vehicle. An Indian requires a valid driving licence to rent and drive a vehicle in foreign country. It is called International Driving Licence or International Driving Permit (IDP).

Consequences of driving vehicle in Dubai without valid DL

The specific consequences can vary depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the UAE authorities involved Indians caught driving without an international licence in the UAE may face penalties such as heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, or even detention. Your private vehicle will be towed away to the police stations. In worst case scenarios, you may have to face conviction.

Also, if you’re driving without an IDP, the insurance won’t pay for any damages. So in case of an accident, you’ll have to cover all damages by yourself.

Need for international driving licence in Dubai for Indian

Following are the advantages of IDP in Dubai for Indian:

• It allows Indians to hold private vehicle in any country or jurisdiction that recognises the IDP
• Drive and rent a car on Dubai roads
• It can also help as a person’s identity proof
• No additional driving tests are required in abroad
• A person can claim insurance for an accident in Abroad if he/ she possess an International driving licence

Eligibility criteria for IDP in India

Following is the eligibility criteria to get International Driving Permit in India:

• Hold valid Indian permanent driving licence.
• Must possess a valid Indian passport and a UAE Visa
• Make sure your address on the passport and driving license must be same

Validity of International Driving Licence in Dubai

The validity of an International Driving Licence is 1 year from the date of issue or the existing validity of the domestic driving licence , whichever is earlier. 

Where to apply for International Driving Licence

You have to apply for IDP at your parent RTO, where you hold a domestic driving license.

Fees for International Driving Licence

The fees for international driving licence is Rs. 1000.

Documents required for International Driving Licence

Following are the documents required to apply for International Driving Permit in India:

• Forms 4A and 1A for medical fitness
• Photocopy of Valid Permanent driver’s licence
• Photocopy of Indian passport and visa
• Copy of air tickets for verification
• Passport sized photographs

How to apply for International driving licence

Following are the steps to apply for International Driving Licence:

• Filling of the online form  
• Upload documents
• Paying RTO fees for IDP
• Processing at RTO
• Issue of IDP

For states where it needs to visit RTO ,you have to visit repective RTO after online process for submission and verification of documents. You can get your International Driving Licence within a week.

Categories of International driving permit

As per the 1949 convention, categories for which international driving permit is valid.

Category type	Description
A	Motor cycles (L1 and L2), with or without a side-car, invalid carriages and three-wheeled motor vehicles with weight not exceeding 400 kg
B	Motor vehicles with permissible maximum weight not exceeding 3500 kg (7700 lb) and not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat in Category M1
C	Motor vehicles used for the carriage of goods with permissible exceeds maximum weight 3500 kg (7700 lb)
D	Passengers vehicles having more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat
E	Motor vehicles of category B, C, or D, as authorized above, with other than light trailer.

Dubai Visa Requirements for Indians

Apply for International Driving License Delhi

Dubai Business visa for Indian

FAQs

Can an IDP be issued to a NRI?

No, IDP can be issued to those who are a citizen of India.

Who issues and approves International Driving Licence in India?

You can get all International Driving Licences in India through RTO of respective states.

Can I drive in Dubai with an Indian driving licence on a tourist visa?

No. Indian driving licences aren’t valid in Dubai when you’re on a tourist visa. To legally drive, you must hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your valid Indian licence.

Is an Indian driving licence valid in Dubai for renting a car?

No. Car rental companies require valid Indian driving licence
and International Driving Permit (IDP) in Dubai.

How can I apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) from India?

You can apply for an International driving pPermit (IDP) from India through the Parivahan by visiting your respective RTO.