Today’s current trend of ‘killing off’ the manual gearbox is a crying shame to many of us. The Roads and Transport Authority have come up with an ingenious way to keep manual vehicles on the road even if you have an automatic UAE driving license.
Starting this October, automatic UAE driving license holders can have it converted for free to a manual one. This will allow drivers the ability to enjoy the traditional stick shift that requires a little more attention compared to an automatic.
Hold on, is it really that simple? Not exactly.
The service is only available for those who currently hold a light motor vehicle license, and if you do want to have it converted, you will have to complete a test.
Just a simple test in order for the RTA to check your ability to handle a stick-shift. Phew, no need to go back and do countless lessons.
Should you fail the test, instructors will detail your weaknesses and suggest ways to improve before undertaking another test. Still, that is a lot easier than doing the whole process all over again to get your manual license.
Currently, UAE residents who already have a manual license are legally allowed to drive both automatic and manual vehicles. Whereas residents who currently own an automatic license are only allowed to drive an automatic.
Don’t have your UAE driving license yet? Check out our handy guide here!
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Silvia S14
February 26, 2020 at 3:54 pmif you are having an automatic license issued also in Abu Dhabi, then it’s easier if it’s from Dubai and now you are in Abu Dhabi then you will have to request to shift your traffic file (600 AED), go to Mussafah from 8 am to 1 pm, Licensing department and submit request.
If an automatic license issued in Abu Dhabi, go to the licensing department: eye test, then opening the manual gear file. All total around 300 dirhams. Then go to Emirates driving school to open another file there (200-250 AED). They will conduct the parking test for you if you pass they will send you for the final test with Trafic Department (probably another 200AED). And finally, you can get the manual gear driving license.
Christopher Milbourne
Author February 27, 2020 at 10:08 amThanks for the update Silvia!
Jamsheer
January 28, 2020 at 10:04 amHow to convert to manual licence in abudhabi
Christopher Milbourne
Author January 28, 2020 at 10:08 amYou’ll have to check with the licensing department in Abu Dhabi in regards to changing your automatic for a manual license.
Muhammad Fayaz Khan
January 18, 2019 at 2:14 amI have an automatic lisence i need maunal how much time after i can apply for maunual
biju
August 7, 2018 at 5:38 pmI have light vehicle automatic license of al ain issued on 12 August 2016.
Can I change this to manual license?
If change what is the procedure?
Jafar
June 5, 2018 at 1:42 pmHow to convert to manual licence in abudhabi
Salam Waddah
June 10, 2018 at 10:08 amYou need to go to a driving school and attend at least 20 classes and do a road test again.
Jafar
June 5, 2018 at 1:40 pmI have abudhabi automatic Since Last april I want convert to automatic.
Salam Waddah
June 10, 2018 at 10:09 amYour automatic license is already automatic.
Sultan Mehmood
May 28, 2018 at 7:59 pmAssalam o alikum
I have light vehicle automatic license of al ain issued on 28 August 2017.
Can I change this to manual license?
If change what is the procedure?
Waqas
October 21, 2017 at 9:24 pmHello sir my driving license of fujahra i want to convert in manual license please guide me