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Apply for a New/Renewing/Amending Special Driving Permit

This service enables you to obtain all types of Special Driving Permits (Safari, Tram, Special Nature, and Occupational).

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Eligibility
Safari Driving Permit: Individual customers, citizens and residents, who have a driving licence issued in the UAE, and work at a tourism company that organises safaris.Tram Driving Permit: Individual customers, citizens and residents, who have a driving licence issued in the UAE, and work for a company that owns or operates trams.Occupational Driving Permit: Heavy vehicle and bus drivers, and personal drivers of light vehicles.Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature: Corporate employees whose jobs require driving within the premises of their companies.Amend Safari Driving Permit Data: Individual customers (citizens and residents) who have a Safari Driving Permit issued in the emirate of Dubai, and work for tourism companies that organise safaris.
Required documents

For all types of permits

  1. Valid Emirates ID
Service fees

For the Safari Driving Permit

To Issue the Driving Permit

  • 200 AED Safari Learning Permit fees
  • 200 AED Practical test fees
  • 300 AED Safari Driving Permit fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Renew the Driving Permit

  • 300 AED Safari Driving Permit renewal fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Amend the Driving Permit

  • 100 AED Driving Permit amendment fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Renew the Learning Permit

  • 200 AED Safari Learning Permit fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.


For the Occupational Driving Permit

To Issue the Driving Permit

  • 200 AED Occupational Permit fees
  • Medical test fees vary according to the hospital
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Renew the Driving Permit

  • 200 AED Occupational Permit fees
  • Medical test fees vary according to the hospital
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.


For the Tram Driving Permit

To Issue the Driving Permit

  • 500 AED Tram Learning Permit fees
  • 500 AED Tram Driving Permit fees
  • Medical test fees vary according to the hospital
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Renew the Driving Permit

  • 500 AED Tram Driving Permit renewal fees
  • Medical test fees vary according to the hospital
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Renew the Learning Permit

  • 500 AED Tram Learning Permit renewal fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.


For the Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature

To Issue the Driving Permit

  • 200 AED Learning Driving permit for Vehicles of Special Nature fees
  • 200 AED Theory test fees
  • 200 AED Practical test fees
  • 300 AED Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Renew the Driving Permit

  • 300 AED Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature renewal fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

To Renew the Learning Permit

  • 200 AED Learning Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature renewal fees
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.
Process time
  • Website: 3 minutes
  • Driving Institutes: 5 minutes
  • Accredited Hospitals: 15 to 20 minutes
Website
Driving Institutes
Accredited Hospitals

Centre

Region

Contact number

JTS Medical Center

Jumeirah 1

04-3799954

Apple International

International City

04-4227533

Zulekha Hospital

El Nahda

600524442

Zulekha Medical Centre

Al Qusais

600524442

Iranian Hospital

Al Bada

04-3440250

Armada One Day Surgical Centre DMCC

JLT

04-3990022

Aster Snapper Hospital

Sonapur

04-3766888

Amala MedicalL Centre L.L.C

Al Quoz

04-3219548

Tadawi Health care

Deira

04-2038888

Al Tadawi Specialised Hospital

Umm Ramool

04-2309999

Emirates National Oil Co. Ltd. (ENOC) LLC

Oud Metha

04-3134591

Northwest Clinic Day Surgical L.L.C

Umm Suqeim

04-3842000

O H M C Occupational Medicine Centre

Nad Al Hamar

04-2662441

Dr. Ismail Polyclinic

Al Karama

04-3376808

Medi Sense Clinic

Al Quoz 3

04-3809803

Unicare Medical Centre (Branch)

Al Hudaiba

04-3529292
Process

Through Website

Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature

To Issue the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative adds the driver(s) to the drivers’ list by entering the Emirates ID number.
  3. The company representative applies for a Driving Learning Permit.
  4. The company representative settles the required fees.
  5. The company representative books the theory and practical tests appointment for the driver(s) and settles the required fees.
  6. After passing the tests, the company representative settles the fees to issue the Special Driving Permit or adds category to the Permit for the driver(s) who passed the tests.
  7. The Permit is issued, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.

To Renew the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative selects the driver(s) to renew their permits.
  3. The company representative settles the required fees once the requirements are fulfilled.
  4. The Permit is renewed, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.

To Renew the Learning Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative settles the renewal fees of the learning permits that have expired or are about to expire.
  3. The Permit is renewed, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.


Safari Driving Permit

To Issue the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative adds the driver(s) to the drivers’ list by entering the Emirates ID number.
  3. The company representative applies for a Driving Learning Permit.
  4. The company representative settles the required fees.
  5. The company representative books a practical test appointment for the driver(s) and settles the required fees.
  6. After passing the practical test, the company representative settles the fees to issue the Special Driving Permit for the driver(s) who passed the test.
  7. The Permit is issued, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.

To Renew the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative selects the Permit to be renewed.
  3. The driver is transferred to the Department of Economy and Tourism to complete the training program for the tourist guide.
  4. If the Permit has expired more than 10 years ago, the driver is required to undergo a Safari Driving evaluation test.
  5. The driver applies electronically for a Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai Police.
  6. The company pays the renewal fee for the driver(s) whose Permit has expired or is about to expire.
  7. The Permit is renewed and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.

To Amend the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative selects the driver by entering his Emirates ID and verifies his information.
  3. The company representative submits the application to amend the Safari Driving Permit.
  4. The company representative settles the required fees.
  5. The Permit is amended, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform or SMS.

To Renew the Learning Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative settles the renewal fees of the learning permits that have expired or are about to expire.
  3. The Permit is renewed, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.


Tram Driving Permit (for companies operating trams only)

To Issue the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative adds the driver(s) to the drivers’ list by entering the Emirates ID number.
  3. If the driver has a valid medical test result, the required fees are paid and a Learning Permit to drive the tram is issued.
  4. If the driver doesn’t have a valid medical test result, the driver is referred to one of the accredited hospitals to undergo the medical test, then the required fees are paid and a Learning Permit to drive the tram is issued.
  5. After passing the tram driving training program designed according to the Competency Management System under direct supervision of the company operating the tram, the Permit is issued and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform or via SMS.

To Renew the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative selects the driver(s) to renew their permits.
  3. The company representative settles the required fees.
  4. The Permit is renewed, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.

To Renew the Learning Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative settles the renewal fees of the learning permits that have expired or are about to expire.
  3. The Permit is renewed, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.


Occupational Driving Permit

To issue the permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative adds the driver(s) to the drivers’ list by entering the Emirates ID number.
  3. If the driver has a valid medical test result, the required fees are paid and the Occupational Driving Permit is issued.
  4. If the driver doesn’t have a valid medical test result, the driver is referred to one of the accredited hospitals to undergo the medical test, then the required fees are paid and the Occupational Driving Permit is issued.
  5. Once the Permit is issued, the driver receives it through SMS and the company receives a copy through the registered email. The company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.

To Renew the Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative selects the driver(s) to renew their permits.
  3. If the driver has a valid medical test result, the required fees are paid and the Occupational Driving Permit is renewed.
  4. If the driver doesn’t have a valid medical test result, the driver is referred to one of the accredited hospitals to undergo the medical test, then the required fees are paid and the Occupational Driving Permit is renewed.
  5. Once the Permit is renewed, the driver receives it through SMS and the company receives a copy through the registered email. The company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.


Through Driving Institutes (for Safari Permits)

To Issue the Permit

  1. After ensuring that the customer meets all the conditions of the service, he receives an NOC to apply for the Tourist Guide Training Program (Safari) at the Department of Economy and Tourism, in order to obtain a Safari Driving Permit.
  2. The customer passes the Tourist Guide Training Program at the Department of Economy and Tourism.
  3. The customer applies electronically for the criminal record certificate from Dubai Police and submits it at the institute.
  4. The customer settles the required fees.
  5. The customer receives an electronic copy of the receipt and Permit to his registered email, and an SMS to his registered mobile number with a link to download electronic copies of the receipt and Permit.

To Renew the Permit

  1. After ensuring that the customer meets all the conditions of the service, he receives an NOC to apply for the Tourist Guide Training Program (Safari) at the Department of Economy and Tourism, in order to obtain a Safari Driving Permit.
  2. The customer passes the Tourist Guide Training Program at the Department of Economy and Tourism.
  3. The customer applies electronically for the Criminal Record Certificate from Dubai Police and submits it at the institute.
  4. The institute employee verifies the eye test results electronically.
  5. The customer settles the required fees.
  6. If the Permit has expired more than 10 years ago, the driver is required to undergo a Safari Driving evaluation test.
  7. The customer receives an electronic copy of the receipt and Permit to his registered email, and an SMS to his registered mobile number with a link to download electronic copies of the receipt and Permit.

To Amend the Permit

  1. The customer submits the application to amend the Safari Driving Permit.
  2. After checking that the customer meets all the terms and conditions for the service, the sponsor's details are updated in the customer's traffic file and driving licence.
  3. The customer settles the required fees.
  4. The permit is amended, and the customer can have a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform or SMS.

To Renew the Learning Permit

  1. The company representative logs in to the Special Driving Permits Management platform through RTA website.
  2. The company representative settles the renewal fees of the learning permits that have expired or are about to expire.
  3. The Permit is renewed, and the company representative can download a copy anytime through the Special Driving Permits Management platform.


Through accredited hospitals (for occupational permits)

  1. The customer applies for the service through the accredited hospitals.
  2. The customer settles the required fees.
  3. The customer receives an electronic copy of the receipt at his registered email, and an SMS at his registered phone number with a link to download an electronic copy of the receipt.
  4. The customer undergoes the comprehensive medical examination:
    • If the customer doesn’t pass the medical test, he must undergo the required medical treatment and retake the examination.
    • If the customer passes the medical test, he receives an electronic copy of the Permit at his registered e-mail, and an SMS at his registered phone number with a link to download the Permit.
Average waiting time
  • Website: Instantly
  • Driving Institutes: 10 minutes.
Validity

Special Learning Permits

  • Tram Learning Permit: 6 months.
  • Other types of permits: 3 months.

Special Driving Permits

  • Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature: 2 years.
  • Other types of permits: 1 year.
What you will get

Electronic Special Driving Permit.
Terms and conditions

For the Safari Driving Permit

  • The customer must be a tourism company employee.
  • The customer must be 21 years old and above.
  • The customer must have held a UAE valid driving licence for at least 2 years.
  • The customer must have valid eye test results.
  • The customer must pass the training program for tourist guide by the Department of Economy and Tourism.
  • The customer must pass the safari driving test.
  • The customer must have a criminal record certificate from Dubai Police (electronically).

For the Occupational Driving Permit

  • The Emirates ID must be valid.
  • The customer must be medically fit (has valid medical test results from one of the accredited hospitals).

For the Tram Driving Permit

  • The Emirates ID must be valid.
  • The customer must be 25 years old and above.
  • The customer must hold a valid UAE driving licence and have at least 5 years of driving experience.
  • The customer must pass the tram driving training programme designed according to the Competency Management System under direct supervision of the company operating the tram.
  • The customer must be medically fit (has valid medical test results from one of the accredited hospitals).

For the Driving Permit for Vehicles of Special Nature

  • The Emirates ID must be valid.
  • The customer must be 18 years old and above.
  • The customer must pass the theory and practical tests.
  • The customer cannot use the permit outside of the site.
  • The customer must have a valid permit for a training and inspection site related to works of special nature.
  • The customer must have valid eye test results.
FAQs
  • Question 1: What are the details pertaining to driving violations in the desert?

Answer 1: For details about driving violations in the desert without a permit, the customer is requested to check with the Department of Economy and Tourism or Dubai Police (Department of Tourism Security).

  • Question 2: Does the light bus driver need to apply for the occupational permit?

Answer 2: Heavy vehicles and heavy bus drivers need to apply for this permit, but not light bus drivers.

  • Question 3: If the light vehicle driver is under the company sponsorship, does he need to apply for the occupational permit?

Answer 3: No, light vehicle drivers under the company sponsorship don't need this permit. Only light vehicle drivers under personal sponsorship need to apply for this permit by visiting one of the accredited hospitals.

  • Question 4: How can the company renew the occupational permits for its drivers?

Answer 4: After passing the medical test in one of the accredited hospitals, the driver can renew the permit in the hospital, and the company can renew it through the website.

  • Question 5: Can the customer who holds a driving licence from another emirate apply for an occupational driving permit?

Answer 5: Yes, the occupational driving permit is mandatory for drivers as per UAE Federal Traffic Law. The company can add the drivers and apply for the service.

  • Question 6: If the customer has a special driving permit, can he use it to drive for more than one company?

Answer 6: No. According to the laws and regulations, the customer who has a special driving permit can only drive for the company under which he's registered.

  • Question 7: Do citizens need to obtain the tour guide certificate in order to get the safari permit?

Answer 7: No, the tour guide certificate isn't required for citizens.

  • Question 8: What’s the validity of the medical test issued by the accredited hospital?

Answer 8: The medical test validity is 11 months. If it’s expired, the customer can't have the permit issued nor renewed.

  • Question 9: Does the customer need to have a driving permit to drive a forklift within a construction site, or is the driving permit for vehicles of special nature sufficient?

Answer 9: The driving permit for vehicles of special nature is sufficient to drive a forklift within a construction site.

  • Question 10: Is the driving permit for vehicles of special nature sufficient to drive the forklift outside the construction site?

Answer 10: No, the customer needs to have the light equipment driving licence to drive forklifts outside the construction site.

  • Question 11: When did the Occupational Driving Permit become mandatory?

Answer 11: In 2009 with the issuance of the Minister of Interior Resolution No (776) of 2009 amending Certain Provisions of Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. (21) of 1995 on Traffic, Articles 111-116 .

  • Question 12: Does the law cover drivers from other emirates?

Answer 12: The law covers all occupational drivers working in the United Arab Emirates. RTA issues permits for occupational drivers working in the emirate of Dubai. Drivers working in other emirates must check with the relevant licensing authorities.

  • Question 13: Is it necessary to obtain a permit in case the customer is passing through the emirate of Dubai?

Answer 13: Professional drivers in the emirate of Dubai who meet the requirements must obtain a professional driving permit, which qualifies them to practise the profession of driving vehicles or buses according to the driving licence category. This isn't related to entering, passing through, and exiting the Emirate, which requires permits from other entities.

  • Question 14: Can the customer renew the Safari Driving Permit if the driving licence is expired?

Answer 14: No, the driving licence should be valid.

  • Question 15: Where can the customer view his permit?

Answer 15: The customer can view his permit on RTA website dashboard.

  • Question 16: Is it possible to use a light vehicle Driving Licence for safari driving?

Answer 16: Yes, it's possible for personal use only. However, the individual isn't allowed to engage in tourist transport activities for desert safari tours without working for a tourism company and obtaining a Safari Driving Permit.
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