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Driving

How to Exchange Your Chinese Driving License in the UAE

Using a Chinese driving licence in Dubai. This origin is not on RTA’s any-nationality exchange list.

A Chinese car licence is not on Dubai RTA’s published any-nationality exchange table. Residents usually open a traffic file and pass the theory and road tests through an RTA-approved institute. Checked on Dubai RTA on 2026-10-31. Other emirates are not covered. Not legal advice.

Last updated 2026-10-31

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Dubai RTA and a Chinese licence

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority publishes a table of countries eligible for licence exchange. Chinese licences are not on that any-nationality list as checked 2026-10-31.

If you become a Dubai resident, you typically open a traffic file, complete an eye test, and pass the theory and practical road tests through an approved driving institute. Do not assume a direct exchange.

Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates are separate. Confirm the authority that issued your Emirates ID residence.

Source: Dubai RTA exchange service.

How it works

  1. Confirm your residence is processed for Dubai licensing.
  2. Check that a Chinese licence still is not on RTA’s exchange table.
  3. Open a traffic file and book theory and road tests through an RTA-approved institute.
  4. Keep only facts from RTA or your institute — not from a broker flyer.

Who this helps

  • People becoming residents with a Dubai traffic file / Emirates ID path.
  • Holders of a full foreign car licence from the country named on this page.
  • Not a guide for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates.

Examples

Dubai only

These lines follow Dubai RTA. Other emirates use different licensing authorities.

Emirates ID path

RTA’s online exchange flow uses Emirates ID / UAE Pass and an eye test. Confirm the current steps on RTA.

Where this was checked

Checked 2026-10-31 against the Dubai RTA exchange service page. Not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not according to RTA’s any-nationality exchange table checked on this date. Expect theory and road tests unless RTA updates the list.

No. This page is Dubai RTA only.

Visitors and residents differ. This page is for residents seeking a UAE licence through Dubai RTA.

On Dubai RTA’s exchange a driving licence service page.

Dubai RTA service page, 2026-10-31.

Sources

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