The UAE classifies driving licences into 10 categories, each linked to a specific vehicle type. Category 2 (light vehicles) is the most common for residents and covers sedans, SUVs, and small trucks. Category 3 covers heavy trucks and requires at least one year of Category 2 experience. All categories are governed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), with fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 300.
Quick Reference: All UAE Driving Licence Categories
Full table: categories 1–10, vehicle type, min age, prerequisites, fee
| Category | Vehicle Type | Min Age | Prerequisite | Notes |
| 1 | Motorcycles (2 or 3 wheels) | 17 | None | Includes scooters up to 250cc |
| 2 | Light vehicles (cars, SUVs, small trucks) | 18 | None | Most common category; equivalent to EU Category B |
| 3 | Heavy vehicles & large trucks | 20 | 1 year Cat. 2 | Covers buses up to 30 passengers |
| 4 | Buses (30+ passengers) | 21 | Cat. 3 licence | Commercial passenger transport |
| 5 | Light trailers (≤750 kg) | 21 | Cat. 2 licence | Non-commercial towing |
| 6 | Heavy trailers (>750 kg) | 21 | Cat. 3 licence | Commercial towing and haulage |
| 7 | Light forklifts (commercial areas) | 20 | None | Warehouse and logistics vehicles |
| 8 | Heavy forklifts | 21 | Cat. 7 licence | Industrial and port operations |
| 9 | Special motorcycles / competition | 18 | Cat. 1 licence | Off-road and competition use |
| 10 | Adapted vehicles for people of determination | 18 | Medical assessment | Mobility-modified vehicles |
UAE Driving Licence Category 2 – Light Vehicles
Category 2 is the standard UAE driving licence for private vehicles. It covers:
- Sedans and hatchbacks
- SUVs and 4x4 vehicles
- Small pickup trucks (single cab)
- Vans up to a certain weight threshold
Minimum age: 18 years
Prerequisites: None — Category 2 is the entry-level licence for car drivers
Issuance fee: AED 300 (age 21+) or AED 100 (under 21)
Validity: 10 years for UAE nationals; tied to residency visa for expats
For expats: If your home country uses European classification, Category B is the direct equivalent of UAE Category 2. A Category B holder from the EU, UK, US, or other approved countries can exchange their licence for a UAE Category 2 without a driving test.
How to apply for Category 2:
- Open a traffic file at an RTA-approved driving institute (AED 200)
- Pass an eye test at an RTA-approved centre (AED 140–180)
- Complete theory classes and pass the RTA theory test
- Complete yard and road lessons
- Pass the final RTA road test
- Collect your licence (AED 300)
UAE Driving Licence Category 3 – Heavy Vehicles
Category 3 covers heavy vehicles including large trucks and buses carrying up to 30 passengers. It is required for professional truck drivers and heavy transport operators in the UAE.
Minimum age: 20 years
Prerequisite: A valid Category 2 licence held for at least 1 year
Use cases: Long-haul trucks, construction vehicles, buses up to 30 passengers, large delivery vehicles
Who needs it: Logistics companies, construction firms, and government fleet operators typically require employees to hold Category 3.
UAE Driving Licence Category 4 – Large Passenger Buses
Category 4 authorises the driver to operate buses designed for more than 30 passengers.
Category 4 authorises the driver to operate buses designed for more than 30 passengers.
Minimum age: 21 years
Prerequisite: Category 3 licence
Use cases: Public bus drivers (RTA buses, intercity coaches), school buses above 30 seats, charter buses
School bus drivers in the UAE require Category 4 if the bus carries more than 30 children, plus a separate school transport permit issued by the relevant emirate's transport authority.
Category 5 — Light Trailers
Category 5 covers non-commercial towing of trailers up to 750 kg — caravans, boat trailers, and
similar. You only need a Category 2 licence, and the minimum age is 21.
UAE Driving Licence Category 6 – Heavy Trailers
Category 6 permits the towing of trailers exceeding 750 kg, used primarily in commercial haulage and logistics.
Minimum age: 21 years
Prerequisite: Category 3 licence
Difference from Category 5: Category 5 covers light trailers up to 750 kg for non-commercial purposes (caravans, boat trailers). Category 6 is for commercial heavy trailer operations.
Category 7 — Light Forklifts
Category 7 covers forklifts used in commercial areas such as warehouses and logistics facilities. No
prerequisite licence is required, and the minimum age is 20. This is the entry point for anyone
working in warehouse or light industrial environments.
Category 8 — Heavy Forklifts
Category 8 covers heavy forklifts at ports, large warehouses, and manufacturing sites. Category 7 is
required first, and the minimum age is 21. Most relevant to workers at places like Jebel Ali Port, Abu
Dhabi industrial zones, or large manufacturing operations.
Category 9 — Special and Competition Motorcycles
Category 9 covers motorcycles used for competition or special off-road purposes. A Category 1
licence is required first, and the minimum age is 18. This category is primarily relevant to motorsport
participants and off-road riders rather than everyday commuters.
Category 10 — Adapted Vehicles for People of Determination
Category 10 covers mobility-modified vehicles — hand controls, adapted pedals, wheelchairaccessible setups where the driver operates the vehicle. Unlike every other category, Category 10
requires a medical assessment confirming you can safely operate a modified vehicle before testing
begins. Minimum age is 18.
Applications go through the RTA in Dubai or the Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi. The
vehicle modifications required must match the outcome of the medical assessment.
What is UAE Driving Licence Category B?
There is no Category B in the UAE's official licence system. Category B is a European licence
classification for light motor vehicles — the UAE equivalent is Category 2.
If you hold a Category B from the EU, UK, US, or another RTA-approved country, you can exchange it
for a UAE Category 2 without retaking a road test. Bring your original foreign licence, Emirates ID,
and a valid eye test result to an RTA Customer Happiness Centre. The approved country list is
published on the RTA website and updated periodically, so it is worth checking before you apply.
How to Add a Category to Your Existing UAE Licence
You can add a new category via the TAMM platform in Abu Dhabi or the RTA website in Dubai, after
passing the relevant road test for that category
Documents required
- Original UAE driving licence
- Original Emirates ID
- Eye test result, not older than six months
Steps
- Submit your application and documents online or at a Customer Happiness Centre
- Enrol in the training programme for the new category at an approved institute
- Pass the category-specific road test
- Pay the AED 200 fee
- Receive your updated licence
UAE Driving Licence Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Open a traffic file AED 200 | AED 200 |
| Learner's permit — motorcycles and light vehicles |
AED 100 |
| Learner's permit — heavy vehicles and buses | AED 200 |
| Licence issuance (under 21) | AED 100 |
| Licence issuance (21 and over) | AED 300 |
| Adding a new category | AED 200 |
| Safe driving guide | AED 50 |
| Eye test | AED 140 to 180 |
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