Understanding the Driving License Process in Sharjah
Getting a driving license in the UAE is an important life step for many residents. Particularly for families living in Sharjah, it’s essential for both partners to hold a driving license to facilitate daily activities like commuting to work or transporting children to extracurricular activities. This article outlines the experience of obtaining a driving license through the Sharjah Driving Institute (SDI) and shares valuable insights for new applicants.
Locations for Opening a Driving License File
In Sharjah, two convenient locations serve as centers for opening a driving license file:
- Nassiriya: Located in downtown Sharjah, it is home to many privately-owned driving schools licensed under SDI.
- Wasit Area / Muroor: This area is widely recognized as the traffic RTO (Regional Transport Office).
While you have options, your choice may be influenced by your proximity to these locations and the availability of driving schools.
Overview of the Sharjah Driving Institute (SDI)
The Sharjah Driving Institute operates under the police department, making it the sole authority for licensing in the emirate. Unlike Dubai, where applicants have a broader choice of driving schools, Sharjah primarily relies on SDI. In the Nassiriya area, you’ll find 20 to 25 privately owned driving schools, which are supported by SDI.
Although these schools compete for business, they are required to follow the regulations set forth by SDI. This structure is somewhat similar to the Indian driving school system, where the driving instructor typically owns the vehicle used for training.
Steps to Obtain a Driving License
Opening the Driving License File
The process began on December 9, 2024, when the family chose to open the driving license file at the Nassiriya location, a mere kilometer from their residence. The requirements to open the file included:
- Eye Test Cost: 100 AED
- File Opening Fee: 240 AED
- Theory Class and Test Fee: 682 AED
To complete the eye test, it is necessary to have a mobile phone with the UAE Pass app and the Emirates ID. Payment for services can be made via card, which streamlines the process.
Theory Classes
Candidates have the option to attend theory classes either online or in person. In this case, the wife opted for in-person attendance. She attended a three-hour theory session on December 15, 2024, and impressively passed the test with 100% marks.
Temporary Driving License
After passing the theory test, a temporary driving license is issued, equipped with the UAE traffic file number. However, it is crucial to note that you cannot legally drive with this temporary license.
Practical Training and Tests
Practical training commenced on December 17, 2024, focusing on parking skills. The wife had one hour of yard parking classes each day, leading up to the parking test scheduled for December 28. Official tests, including parking and final assessments, occur at the Wasit/Muroor SDI headquarters.
This headquarters boasts facilities comparable to those in Dubai—spacious, well-maintained grounds, and attentive staff make for a positive training atmosphere.
Overcoming Challenges
During her initial attempt at the parking test, the wife unfortunately did not pass. While it was disheartening, she realized the need for further training. After a quick discussion, they decided to transfer her file from Nassiriya to the Wasit location for a better learning experience.
File Transfer Process
To transfer the driving license file, the following steps were taken:
- Request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous driving school, confirming no outstanding fees.
- With the NOC in hand, they successfully opened the file at the Wasit driving school in the same evening.
This process was straightforward, and the friendly staff at the previous school made it uncomplicated.
Achieving Success
After a week of classes at the new location, the wife finally passed the parking test on January 5, 2025. This achievement was celebrated with a significant sense of relief and accomplishment.
Online Portal Access
Similar to the Dubai driving school experience, the Sharjah Driving Institute provides access to a web portal. This online platform allows students to track payments, monitor progress, and stay updated on their training schedule.
Conclusion
Obtaining a driving license in Sharjah involves several steps, including opening a file, attending theory and practical classes, and successfully passing various tests. The experience may vary between individuals, but for those seeking to drive in the UAE, it is a crucial and rewarding journey.
By sharing personal experiences and the detailed process one family navigated, new applicants can better prepare for their own driving license journey. Whether you’re based in Sharjah or planning to relocate, understanding these steps can help ensure a smoother and more informed transition into driving life in the UAE.
