Residents who wish to drive safari vehicles, trams, and vehicles of special nature need a special driving permit

It is required of all vehicle owners in Dubai to have a current driver's licence. A special driving permit is also required for citizens who work as drivers for an organisation or who want to operate safari vehicles, trams, or other unique types of vehicles.

Your Emirates ID number must be shown to obtain any kind of special driving permit. An electronic criminal record certificate from Dubai Police is another need if you're looking for a safari driving permit.

Eligibility

Tram driving permit

You must be employed by a firm that owns or runs trams to be qualified to apply for a tram driving permit. A certificate proving your completion of the Competency Management System-designed tram driving training course under the close observation of the contractor, owner, or operator must be presented. Furthermore, your valid UAE driver's licence must be at least five years old and you must be at least 25 years old. In order to receive certification that you are medically fit for employment, you must also produce a valid medical test result.

Safari driving permit

You might be able to apply for a safari driving permit if you are employed by a travel agency that arranges safari excursions and are at least 21 years old. Initially, you must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your business. Next, a legitimate certificate attesting to your completion of the "Tourist Guide Training Programme" must be shown. Before you may apply, your UAE driver's licence must also be at least two years old. Your legitimate medical test results from one of the approved facilities must attest to your medical fitness.

Occupational driving permit 

This special driving permit is available to drivers of heavy vehicles and buses, as well as private drivers of light vehicles that work for residents or citizens of Dubai. They must have legitimate test results from one of the recognised hospitals attesting to their medical fitness.

Driving permit for vehicles of special nature

Applying for a driving permit for a vehicle of a specific kind is possible if you work for a corporation and are required to drive on business property. However, you must pass the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) practical exam and the examination on traffic signs before submitting an application for this permit. A valid permit is also required for a training and inspection location associated with speciality works. Furthermore, you have to provide legitimate eye exam results attesting to your excellent vision. The fact that this special driving permit is not valid for usage off the company's property is insignificant.

Application process:

By completing the following steps on the RTA website, you can apply for a special driving permit: 

Use your UAE Pass account or your RTA account to log in. 

After being sent to the webpage, you'll be prompted, "Do you have an RTA account?" 

Choose 'Yes' or 'No' based on whether you already have an account. 

Enter all necessary data, including your password and login. 

After setting your password and username, log in and select Dashboard. 

Select "Licencing."

Enter details like your number plate number, code, and category. 

Press "Submit." 

Make the necessary fee payments. 

One of the three authorised driving institutions is where you can also submit an application for a special driving permit. 

Present the necessary documents, including a letter of clearance from your employer, a medical certificate, a certificate from Dubai Economy and Tourism attesting to your completion of the Tourist Guide Training Programme, and a criminal record certificate from Dubai Police (if you're applying for a safari permit), at the driving school of your choosing. 

Make the necessary fee payments.

The cost incurred when applying for your safari driving permit:

- Dh200 for safari learning permit fees.

- Dh200 for practical test fees.

- Dh300 for safari driving permit fees.

- Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

The costs to get an occupational driving permit:

- Dh200 for occupational permit fees.

- Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

Breakdown of the cost of getting tram driving permit:

- Dh500 for tram learning permit fees.

- Dh500 for tram driving permit fees.

- Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

For the driving permit for vehicles of special nature, following fees are applicable:

- Dh200 for learning driving permit for vehicles of special nature fees.

- Dh200 for knowledge test fees.

- Dh200 for practical test fees.

- Dh300 for driving permit for vehicles of special nature fees.

- Dh20 or more for knowledge and innovation fees.

To prepare for your medical test, you need to arrange between Dh200 and Dh700. The cost varies according on the hospital.

Validity

Special learning permits:

While other permit types are only good for three months, the tram learning permit is valid for six months.

Special driving permits:

Specialised driving permits have a two-year validity, whilst other sorts of licences, such occupational driving permits, safari driving permits, and tram driving permits, have a one-year validity.