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Driver Jobs in Dubai & All United Arab Emirates with Apply Online Now!

Looking to become a driver in Dubai—or anywhere in the UAE—and want everything in one place? This guide walks you through job types, eligibility, licensing, visas, salaries, day-to-day realities, and exact steps to apply across all seven emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain). You’ll also find a clean list of official application links at the end.

1) The Driver Job Landscape in the UAE

Driving roles in the UAE span multiple industries and vehicle categories. The most common options include:

  • Taxi driver (public taxi fleets) — government-regulated fleets (e.g., DTC in Dubai, ITC-regulated operators in Abu Dhabi). Often commission-based with performance incentives.

  • Limousine / Chauffeur (RTA/ITC permitted) — hotel and VIP transport, typically with higher customer-service expectations and grooming standards.

  • Ride-hailing captain — working with app platforms and partner limousine/taxi companies (e.g., RTA-card or ITC-permit required depending on emirate).

  • Delivery / Courier driver — e-commerce and food delivery (3-ton vans, bikes/scooters for riders), with per-drop earnings and bonuses.

  • School bus / Staff bus / Heavy bus driver — requires heavy bus license and specific safety training/permits.

  • Company (light-vehicle) driver — corporate fleets, facility management, FMCG distribution, or personal/family driver roles.

  • Truck / Heavy vehicle driver — logistics, construction, oil & gas; requires heavy vehicle categories and medical fitness.

Each emirate regulates professional driving under its respective transport authority (e.g., RTA in Dubai, ITC in Abu Dhabi, RAKTA in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah Taxi under Sharjah Asset Management), with local rules for permits and operator licensing. For Dubai Government roles (including at RTA), official postings appear on Dubai Careers. Dubai Careers

2) Basic Eligibility & Age Requirements

Minimum age depends on the vehicle class:

  • Light vehicle (car): typically 18+ to hold a driving licence; some professional roles prefer 21+.

  • Heavy vehicle / bus: 20–21+, depending on category and emirate.

  • Taxis/limousines: operators often set 25+ for insurance and fleet policy reasons (varies by company).

Federal guidance outlines licence categories and age requirements; always verify the specific class you need before applying.

Other common requirements:

  • Valid UAE driving licence in the correct category (or eligibility to obtain/exchange one).

  • Medical fitness and background checks.

  • Knowledge of local traffic laws and city routes; basic English is commonly required, Arabic is a plus.

  • For professional passenger transport (taxi/limousine/school bus), an additional permit/card from the transport authority is typically mandatory. Abu Dhabi, for example, outlines permit steps via ITC (see §7).

3) Getting or Exchanging a UAE Driving Licence

You must either learn and test in the UAE or exchange an eligible foreign licence if your country is recognized for direct conversion.

  • Apply for/learners & licence services in Dubai are administered by RTA (licensing & testing through approved schools). Use RTA’s official licensing pages to understand current steps, documents, and tests.

  • Exchanging a foreign licence: RTA maintains the recognized list for exchangeable countries (varies and can change). If you qualify, you’ll save time by converting instead of re-testing. Check RTA’s licensing pages for the current status. Emirates Driving Institute

  • Federal portals (e.g., MOI) also provide category/age guidance; follow the emirate authority where you intend to live/work.

Tip: Even if exchange is possible, professional driving (taxi/limousine/school bus) still requires a separate authority permit and often employer sponsorship.

4) Visa & Work Permit (MOHRE)

If you’re not a UAE national, you’ll need a work permit and residency visa, typically sponsored by your employer (taxi/franchise company, limousine operator, logistics firm, etc.). The UAE Government portal explains work permits for the private sector and the overall process (pre-approval, medical test, Emirates ID, stamping). Always use official channels and avoid third-party “agents” unless they’re directly authorized by the employer.

5) Salary & Earning Models (What to Expect)

Pay structures vary widely by role and operator:

  • Taxi/limousine: Usually commission-based on trips plus potential guarantees/allowances. Peak hours, airport rotations, and good ratings/complaints record can affect take-home pay.

  • Ride-hailing captain: Commission + incentives/bonuses; requires an approved operator/permit.

  • Delivery drivers: Often per-drop with fuel/vehicle arrangements varying by company (some provide vans, others use owner-operated vehicles).

  • Bus/heavy vehicle: Typically fixed salary + overtime + accommodation/transport/food where provided.

Because figures change due to market demand, fuel policies, and company performance, confirm current packages in the official posting or offer letter.

6) Day-to-Day Realities & Benefits

  • Shifts: Taxi/ride-hailing often uses daily/hourly shifts; buses and company drivers follow rostered schedules aligned to routes or sites.

  • Accommodation/Transport: Many fleet operators offer accommodation and transport to depot; check the contract.

  • Insurance & Leave: You’re typically covered by health insurance as per UAE law and get annual leave; public holidays may involve work with compensatory off or pay, depending on the role.

  • Penalties & Fines: Traffic fines and accident liabilities are taken seriously. Some companies deduct at-fault damages; read your policy.

  • Training: Expect induction on customer service, navigation apps, vehicle checks, RTA/ITC rules, and cashless systems.

7) How to Apply — Step by Step (All UAE)

Below is a general application workflow you can follow no matter which emirate you target. Specific portals for each emirate are listed in §10 and in the Official Apply Links section.

Step 1 — Confirm Licence & Permit Path

  1. Identify the vehicle category you need (light vehicle, heavy bus, heavy truck, etc.).

  2. If you’re new to the UAE, check whether your foreign licence is exchangeable; if not, enroll with an RTA-approved or relevant emirate driving school. Emirates Driving Institute

  3. For professional passenger transport (taxi/limousine/school bus), note you’ll also need an authority-issued driver permit (e.g., ITC in Abu Dhabi has a defined process for taxi/private taxi permits). Home

Step 2 — Prepare Documents

  • Passport & residence visa page (or entry permit if newly arrived).

  • Emirates ID (if issued) or EID application form.

  • UAE driving licence (or eligibility/exchange paperwork).

  • NOC (No-Objection Certificate) if required (e.g., switching sponsor).

  • Recent photos meeting authority specs.

  • Updated CV highlighting local driving experience, languages, customer service, and accident-free record.

Step 3 — Choose Target Employers/Authorities

  • In Dubai, start with Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) for taxi roles, or browse Dubai Careers for government entities (including RTA-related posts). DTC recruits via its Recruitment Management System (RMS) and has a dedicated careers portal. dubaitaxi.ae

  • In Abu Dhabi, professional taxi/limousine permits go through ITC; review the official permit steps first, then apply to franchise operators (e.g., National Taxi—Abu Dhabi Branch, Tawasul).

  • In Ras Al Khaimah, check RAKTA careers to submit your CV for driver roles under public transport/taxi services.

  • In Sharjah, Sharjah Taxi hires under Sharjah Asset Management (SAM) — use the SAM careers portal.

Step 4 — Apply Online (Use Official Portals)

  • Create an account, upload documents, and complete assessments if required.

  • For Abu Dhabi taxi/limousine permits, create your driver profile as outlined by ITC before or alongside operator applications.

Step 5 — Attend Assessments & Interviews

  • Driving tests, route knowledge, customer service and English communication are commonly assessed.

  • Medical fitness and background checks are standard.

Step 6 — Offer, Visa & Onboarding

  • When you receive an offer, your employer typically sponsors your work permit and residency. Track the work-permit stages on the UAE Government portal overview.

  • Complete induction training and obtain the driver permit card (RTA/ITC/other authority) as applicable.

8) Dubai Focus: DTC, RTA & Government Roles

  • Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) is part of Dubai’s RTA ecosystem. DTC’s official site and RMS portal host open driver recruitment (taxi, limo, school bus, etc.). Keep an eye on “Join our Fleet.” dubaitaxi.ae

  • RTA governs licensing, testing, and professional permits in Dubai. If you’re switching job categories (e.g., from light vehicle to bus), check RTA’s licensing requirements and training path.

  • Dubai Careers (dubaicareers.ae) lists official Dubai Government roles across entities (including RTA). Filter for “Driver/Chauffeur/Transport” to find non-taxi government driver posts (pool vehicles, messengers, VIP drivers). Dubai Careers

9) Abu Dhabi Focus: ITC Permits & Operators

  • Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility/ITC) regulates taxi/private taxi and limousine services in Abu Dhabi. The permit-to-drive steps include creating a driver profile, uploading your UAE licence, and obtaining initial approval through their LES system. This is your roadmap before joining franchise fleets.

  • After/alongside permit steps, apply to franchise operators (e.g., National Taxi – Abu Dhabi Branch, Tawasul). Review each operator’s driver vacancies and requirements.

10) Opportunities Across the Other Emirates

  • Ras Al Khaimah (RAK): The RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA) runs taxi and public transport services. Submit your CV through RAKTA Careers and monitor announcements.

  • Sharjah: Sharjah Taxi is managed by Sharjah Asset Management. Current openings and applications are hosted on the SAM careers portal; the dedicated Sharjah Taxi site provides service info and directs candidates to careers.

  • Ajman / UAQ / Fujairah: Each emirate has a transport authority or franchised taxi operator. Check the relevant authority website for driver permit/renewal services and look for franchise operator pages that publish vacancies (e.g., Ajman’s franchised operators). If you’re uncertain where to start, contact the emirate’s transport authority directly through its official site’s “Contact” or “Careers” section. TA

11) Documents Checklist (Quick Reference)

  • Valid passport (plus visa page/entry permit).

  • Emirates ID (or EID application form if new).

  • UAE driving licence (correct category) or exchange/learning documentation.

  • Photos (as per authority specs).

  • CV with driving history and references.

  • NOC from current sponsor (if switching).

  • Any authority-specific forms (RTA/ITC/RAKTA) and medical fitness certificates where required.

12) Common Interview & Test Topics

  • Defensive driving and safe following distances.

  • RTA/ITC rules, customer-service etiquette, handling complaints.

  • Navigation using official apps, airport procedures, and toll gates (e.g., Salik in Dubai).

  • Basic English (and customer-facing phrases), with bonus points for conversational Arabic.

  • Vehicle pre-trip inspections, cleanliness standards, and shift handover processes.

13) Avoiding Scams & Staying Compliant

  • Never pay for a job offer. Legitimate operators hire via official portals or in-person assessments.

  • Offers must be on company letterhead and align with MOHRE guidelines (contract type, salary, allowances).

  • Check the company on the emirate’s authority site (e.g., ITC list of operators in Abu Dhabi) to make sure it’s recognized.

  • Keep copies of your contract, visa, and permit card at all times when driving.

14) Fast Start: Sample Application Paths

A) Taxi Driver in Dubai (DTC):

  1. Make sure you hold/qualify for a UAE light-vehicle licence. Emirates Driving Institute

  2. Apply through DTC Careers/RMS, uploading documents and completing any assessments.

  3. If selected, complete medical tests, visa processing, and RTA driver permit steps during onboarding.

B) Private Taxi/Limousine in Abu Dhabi:

  1. Review ITC permit steps and create your driver profile (LES).

  2. Apply to ITC-franchise operators (e.g., National Taxi Abu Dhabi, Tawasul) via their official pages.

  3. Attend interviews/assessments; on selection, complete work-permit and permit card issuance.

C) School/Staff Bus Driver (Any Emirate):

  1. Upgrade to the bus category and meet the minimum age for heavy/bus licences.

  2. Apply to school transport providers or government entities via the emirate’s official careers portals.

  3. Finish safety training and medical as part of onboarding.

15) Final Tips to Maximize Earnings

  • Know peak demand (airport waves, business hours, weekends, events).

  • Maintain a clean record (accidents/complaints hurt incentives).

  • Keep vehicles spotless and be proactive with customer service for better ratings.

  • Learn multiple routes to common destinations (malls, free zones, ports).

  • Stay updated on permit renewals, RTA/ITC rules, and app changes.

    Quick FAQ

    Q1: Can I use my home-country licence in the UAE?
    A: For residents, you generally need a UAE licence; some national licences are eligible for direct exchange with RTA in Dubai (and respective authorities elsewhere). Always check current eligibility before you apply. Emirates Driving Institute

    Q2: Do I apply to the government or to companies?
    A: For taxi/limousine, you typically apply to franchise operators and obtain an authority permit (RTA/ITC/RAKTA, etc.). For government driver roles, use the emirate’s official careers portals (e.g., Dubai Careers).

    Q3: What if I don’t have a UAE licence yet?
    A: Start with the licensing authority in your emirate (e.g., RTA in Dubai) and complete learning, tests, and issuance. For professional roles, additional driver permits are required after you have your UAE licence. Emirates Driving InstituteHome

    Ready to roll?

    Pick your emirate, confirm your licence/permit path, and apply through the official links above. With the right documents and a clean driving record, you can start a stable, growth-friendly driving career anywhere in the United Arab Emirates. Safe driving and good luck!