Driving a vehicle in the United Arab Emirates necessitates a valid driver’s license, and the Emirate of Sharjah is no exception.
Obtaining a driving license in Sharjah involves a thorough process, including theoretical and practical training and exams, ensuring drivers are well-prepared for the roads.
The expenses associated with acquiring a driving license in Sharjah can fluctuate based on various factors, including the type of license sought, your driving background, the chosen driving school, and any supplementary training necessary.
The charges associated with securing a driving license in Sharjah can differ significantly based on factors like the driving school you select and the type of vehicle for which you’re seeking a license, be it a car or a motorcycle.
Sharjah Driving License Fees And Costs
The cost of obtaining a driving license in Sharjah depends on the driving school and the number of classes required.
It is advisable to estimate the expenses involved before applying for a license. Here is a breakdown of the approximate costs associated with obtaining a Sharjah driving license:
- File Opening: AED 200
- Vision Test: AED 100
- Theory Course: AED 600
- Practical Training:
- Automatic: AED 1,400 to AED 3,500
- Manual: AED 1,200 to AED 3,000
- Practical Tests:
- Parking Test: AED 300
- Assessment Test: AED 342
- Final Road Test: AED 300
It is important to note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the driving school and any additional requirements.
It is recommended to contact the driving school for precise information on fees and costs associated with obtaining a Sharjah driving license.
Driving License Tests In Sharjah
When obtaining a driving license in Sharjah, there are several tests that you will need to pass. These tests assess your knowledge, skills, and ability to drive safely.
Here are the main driving license tests in Sharjah:
Theory Test
This test evaluates your understanding of traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. It typically consists of multiple-choice questions that you need to answer correctly.
Parking Test
This practical test assesses your ability to park the vehicle accurately in designated spaces. It includes parallel parking, angle parking, and other parking maneuvers.
Assessment Test
This test evaluates your driving skills and ability to handle traffic situations.
An examiner will accompany you during a driving session, observing your vehicle control, lane discipline, signaling, and overall driving competence.
Vision Test
As part of the driving license process in Sharjah, you will need to undergo a vision test.
The vision test assesses your visual acuity and ensures that your eyesight meets the required standards for safe driving.
The vision test determines if you have adequate vision to drive safely and read road signs and signals.
Road Test
This is the last test in the licensing process. An examiner will assess your driving skills in various traffic conditions, including intersections, roundabouts, and highways.
You need to demonstrate safe driving practices, proper signaling, lane changes, and adherence to traffic rules.
Driving License Costs and Fees in Sharjah
To acquire a driving license in Sharjah, you must enroll in a driving school. The one you choose determines the cost of becoming a license holder.
However, people in the same school may find themselves paying different costs. After all, other factors determine the amount, including the number of classes one decides to pursue.
In other instances, some learners fail various tests and need to redo them. Consequently, one has to pay extra for these tests.
Nevertheless, you might need an average figure to know whether they are financially stable to start driving classes. Here is a simple summary.
- File opening costs AED 200 on average
- The theory course costs AED 600 on average
- Vision test costs AED 100 on average
Practical tests depend on the path you follow between automatic and manual
- Automatic costs between AED 1400 and 3500 on average
- On the other hand, manual costs between AED 1200 and 3000 on average
Regarding the practical tests, the average costs are as follows;
- Assessment test costs about AED 342
- Parking test costs about AED 300
- The final road test costs about AED 300
Let’s now look at some examples of driving schools in Sharjah and what they charge aspiring driving license holders.
Necessary Documents for Opening a Traffic File in Sharjah
Opening a driving license file is the administrative start of your journey to becoming a licensed driver. It serves as an official record with the traffic authority, documenting your eligibility, identity, health status, and progression through the driver education and testing process.
You needs a set of documents depending on your status.
Here’s a breakdown of the documents necessary under different circumstances;
Sharjah Visa Holder
If you are a holder of a Sharjah visa, you need the following documents;
- Certificate for an eye test
- Valid Emirates ID (photocopy)
- Valid passport (photocopy)
- Sharjah residence visa (photocopy)
- A personal photo
Sharjah Tenancy
If you are a tenant in Sharjah, you need the following documents;
- Certificate for an eye test
- Valid Emirates ID (photocopy)
- Valid passport (photocopy)
- Residence visa (photocopy)
- Sharjah’s tenancy contract
Non-Sharjah Visa
If you don’t own a Sharjah visa, these documents are needed.
- Certificate for an eye test
- Valid Emirates ID (photocopy)
- Valid passport (photocopy)
- Residence visa (photocopy)
- Employer’s No Objection Letter (NOC)
- Valid labor immigration computer card (photocopy)
- Chamber of Commerce (photocopy)
- Trade license (photocopy)
Best Driving School in Sharjah
Al Midfa Driving School
Consider this driving school if you want to learn how to drive safely. Its trainers are excellent, and they have been assisting people since 1990.
Its driving lessons are usually up to 30. They include 10 city training lessons, 15 assessment training lessons, and 5 parking lessons initially.
If you are an expat, you can pay up to AED 3242 to get a driving license. Some of the costs are the road test cost of AED 300, the assessment cost of AED 342, and the parking test cost of AED 300.
As for the license holders and GCC nationals, the total cost is around AED 850. The costs include AED 300 for the road test and fees for 5 road training lessons.
On the other hand, UAE Nationals pay up to AED 1400. The road test and its parking counterpart cost about AED 300.
Al Deyar Driving School
Ladies love this driving school since it has female instructors too. All its trainers and professionals ensure you get all the necessary skills.
The cost of one class in this driving school is between AED 25 and AED 35. That’s enough to calculate approximately what you will spend depending on the classes you pursue.
Sharjah Driving Institute
What’s the cost of this great driving school that has existed since 1992? The UAE nationals pay as follows
- Light vehicle (manual) charges AED 60 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, the total cost is about AED 1,200
- Light vehicle (automatic) charges AED 70 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, AED 1,400
- The motorcycle charges AED 40 per lesson, and since it has 5 classes, AED 200
- Heavy truck (manual) charges AED 150 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, AED 3,000
- Light bus (manual) charges AED 100 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, AED 2,000
- Heavy bus (manual) charges AED 150 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, AED 3,000
The expats pay as follows;
- Light vehicle (manual) charges AED 60 per lesson, and since it has 50 classes, the total cost is about AED 3000
- Light vehicle (automatic) charges AED 70 per lesson, and since it has 50 classes, AED 35000
- The motorcycle charges AED 40 per lesson, and since it has 25 classes, AED 1000
- Heavy truck (manual) charges AED 150 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, AED 3,000
- Light bus (manual) charges AED 100 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, AED 2,000
- Heavy bus (manual) charges AED 150 per lesson, and since it has 20 classes, AED 3,000
Al Shamsi Motor Driving School
It is one of the best Sharjah’s private driving schools. The cost depends on your category, and the institution has 3, including UAE nationals, GCC license holders, and expats (beginners).
As a GCC license holder, you will do 5 final training classes worth AED 577.5. The classes for expats beginners and UAE nationals are 30, costing AED 2415, and 10 costing AED 420, respectively.
Beginners’ expats pay AED 420 for the parking, AED 1155 for the assessment, and AED 840 for the final test. GCC license holders only need a final test that costs AED 577.
You need a parking lesson and a final test if you are a UAE national. Each of them cost AED 420.
What Is The Process For Obtaining A Driving License In Sharjah?
The process of obtaining a driving license in Sharjah involves several key steps. Individuals need to visit the registered driving centres in Sharjah to open a traffic file.
The driving center guides applicants through the procedures and documentation required to obtain a driving license.
Once the traffic file is opened, the next step is to undergo an eye test at a center approved by the Sharjah Traffic Department.
After passing the eye test, applicants must complete the required driving classes at the registered driving center.
Upon completing the driving classes, applicants must pass theoretical and practical tests set by the Sharjah Traffic Department.
Once all the tests are completed, the applicant can obtain their driving license from the relevant traffic authorities in Sharjah.
What Is The Penalty For Driving Without A Valid License In Sharjah?
If caught driving without a license in Sharjah, the penalty is a fine of Dh400. This applies to the first offence.
However, if the violation includes driving without a license and failing to submit the request to the authorities, an additional fine of Dh1,000 may be imposed.
Furthermore, accumulating black points is a separate system in Sharjah.
Is It Permissible To Drive A Car With Expired Registration In Sharjah?
It is important to note that driving a vehicle with expired registration is not permitted in Sharjah.
If you are caught driving with an expired registration, you may face penalties, including a fine of AED 500, 4 black points added to your driving record, and a confiscation period of 7 days for the vehicle.
However, a grace period of 30 days is available for renewing the registration if the insurance is still valid.
During this grace period, you can renew the registration without incurring any fines.
You must renew your vehicle’s registration within this grace period to avoid any legal consequences and ensure that you are driving in compliance with the law.
Does The UAE Provide A Grace Period For Driving Licenses?
When you undergo a test conducted by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in the UAE, a test certificate is issued to you.
It is important to note that this test certificate has a validity period of 30 days from the date of issue.
Within this 30-day validity period, it is necessary to complete the required transaction related to the test.
It is crucial to adhere to this timeframe and complete the transaction within the test certificate’s validity period.
Failing to do so may result in the need to retake the test or face potential delays and complications in the completion of the required transaction.
Is Obtaining A Driver’s License In Sharjah A Challenging Process?
Obtaining a driving license in Sharjah can be challenging for some, depending on their driving skills and familiarity with local traffic laws.
It involves several steps, such as enrolling in a driving school, taking theoretical and practical classes, and passing both theory and road tests.
However, an individual can successfully navigate this process with the right preparation, guidance from professional driving instructors, and a solid understanding of the rules of the road.
It’s important to remember that these regulations and tests are designed to ensure the safety of all road users.
