Picture this: you are cruising through Dubai's hustling streets, confidently shifting gears, mastering the art of driving a manual. Be it upgrading for career opportunities, improving your driving skills, or increasing options for the type of vehicle you can drive, switching over to a manual driving license UAE is a surefire move toward empowerment.
Dubai's dynamic automotive culture is full of variety, from luxurious SUVs to economical manual transmission cars. However, with an automatic driving license UAE, you will be restricted to only one kind of vehicle. Once you switch to a manual driving license in Dubai, you will enjoy wider options since you will have the chance to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.
This process is not of adding one more skill to the basket but an opportunity to be embraced. Be it a short-term car rental or a monthly car rental Dubai, having a UAE manual driving license will save money and increase your options. Plus, manual cars are cheaper to maintain, offer better fuel efficiency, and provide better control; hence, many people prefer them.
In this guide, we take you through the step-by-step process of how to convert automatic license to manual in Dubai, and we will shed light on the requirements, costs, and tips for success. Now, let us begin our journey of transformation and take full advantage of Dubai's vibrant driving scene.
Automatic vs. Manual Driving License: The key differences
First, let us understand the difference:
- UAE Automatic Driving License: Allows driving of vehicles with automatic transmission only.
- UAE manual driving license: You will be in a position to drive both manual and automatic cars and thus have greater flexibility.
Whether you are planning to rent a car in Dubai or going for cheap alternatives like car rental Dubai monthly from Beno, this license opens your options wider.
Why upgrade to a manual driving license in Dubai?
Switching to a manual driving license Dubai comes with a score of benefits such as:
Wider Choices of Vehicle
- You can drive automatic and manual vehicles.
- Access a wider range of vehicles for rental or purchase.
- Manual cars are usually cheaper to rent compared to automatics.
Better Skills and Savings
- Gaining better control while driving by using manual gears.
- Save on fuel and maintenance, as manuals are much more economical.
Career Opportunities
A manual driving license in UAE is a must for some types of job employment, which include:
- Delivery services
- Taxi or ride-sharing jobs
- Logistics and transportation-related jobs
- Automotive Industry Jobs
How to convert the automatic license to manual Dubai?
Step 1: Check the eligibility
First, ensure that you fulfill the following criteria:
- Have an UAE automatic driving license.
- Be above 18 years old.
- Pass the medical fitness test.
Step 2: Enroll in RTA-Licensed Driving School
The applicants should take classes in a licensed Dubai driving school such as:
- Belhasa Driving Center
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Dubai Driving Center
Step 3: Apply for Enlistment in Manual Driving Training
Attend the selected licensed school and carry out the actions accordingly:
- Show your automated driving license along with an Emirates ID card.
- Complete the registration form and pay the fees.
Step 4: Complete Manual Driving Training
Training includes:
- Theory lessons - Understanding manual gear mechanics.
- Practical sessions - Hands-on driving experience.
- Mock tests - Preparing for the final exam.
The number of lessons depends on your skill level and adaptation speed.
Step 5: Pass the RTA Test
The test evaluates your ability to handle manual transmission. It includes:
- Theory exam (if required).
- Practical driving test in a manual vehicle.
Pro Tip - Practice a lot. Ensure clutch control is proper, and the gears shift seamlessly.
Step 6: Get your manual license
After successfully taking the test:
- Visit one of the RTA's customer happiness centers.
- Bring the result sheet.
- Pay the conversion fee and take your new driving license UAE.
Tips to Succeed in the Manual Driving Test
Master the clutch
- Learn to find your clutch's biting point.
- Do your practice first on flat roads; later on, move hilly.
Smoothen your gear shifts
- Listen to the engine for the timing of the most appropriate shifting.
- Practice on quiet roads to build confidence.
Build road confidence
- Begin in low-traffic areas and gradually tackle busier roads.
- Practice with a skilled manual driver by your side.
Costs involved in converting UAE driving license
The total cost of converting your UAE driving license automatic to manual depends on:
- Driving school fees
- RTA test fees (~AED 300 for the road test)
- License conversion fees
A budget of around AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 in total.
Having your automatic license converted to a manual in Dubai is an investment into driving versatility and career opportunities. Whether you are after better options for vehicles, saving on costs, or simply enhancing your driving expertise, changing to a manual driving license in UAE is something you will not regret.
Remember, practice and patience are your best companions on this journey. Soon, you will be confidently shifting gears and exploring Dubai's roads with newfound skills.
Good luck!
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