Guides

---

You need an eye test?????

The way some drivers try to reverse down Sheikh Zayed Road (2nd largest cause of death in the UAE) you will be surprised to hear that an eye test is a MUST before you get a UAE driving license!

Driving is a dangerous pastime in Dubai so be warned. A car or any other vehicle is a lethal weapon and you or someone else could be injured or even killed – easily.

Don’ts for driving in Dubai

Don’t tailgate
Don’t go over the speed limit (there are cameras everywhere!)
Don’t jump traffic lights
Don’t let your children loose in the car – if you can’t control them, how can you control your car
Don’t use your mobile phone or be distracted
Don’t try to read the adverts that are dotted up and down the main highways – Dubai Marina Mall has a particularly distracting screen
Don’t reverse on main roads/roundabouts etc even if you see someone else being this stupid

Other don’ts – YOU tell us

BUT, before we get ahead of ourselves if you have a Resident’s Visa then you need (compulsory) an RTA Driving License.

If you don’t have a Resident’s Visa then you can only drive a hire car – and even then it depends on your nationality but that’s a story for another day!  Our Dubai Sherpa Guides will also cover buying a car –  you need a resident’s visa. Check back soon.

[IMAGE OF DRIVING LICENSE]

And for this you need an EYE TEST.

For under AED 50 (pegged to US Dollar so divide AED 50 by USD 3.67) you get a bit of paper, usually hand scribbled, saying that your eyesight is ok.

Where do you go? Any self-respecting optician (and I’ve yet to find a shop which gives you a proper full eye examination – try Moorfield Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City) has a plaque outside their front door like this – [IMAGE]

This plaque means the little bit of paper is acceptable to the RTA (Roads & Transport Authority).

So, armed with your AED 50 and your two eyes explain to the shop assistant that you need an eye test for your driving license. They will understand immediately and if not, leave and find another optician who understands!

The very very simple test involves one hand over your right/left eye and read the usual card. You will probably be asked if you wear glasses/contact lenses.

You will receive a bit of paper – keep it safe – signed and stating that your eyesight is good.

Now, even before you go to the optician get more of these little passport photos (white background please) as you will need 2 for this procedure. One to give to the shop which they will attach to the certificate and one to give to RTA when you eventually get there!

This is all well and good for transferable licenses! BUT that’s yet another story. See [LINK]

 

---

« Back to Dubai Sherpas