Is SDI still the cheapest driving school in Sharjah?

Yes. Their 2026 manual licence package starts at AED 2,400 when booked online via the RTA app.

Can tourists on a visit visa join SDI?

Yes. Bring passport, entry stamp and hotel booking; the full course fits within a 60-day visa.

Do I need to speak Arabic?

No. All theory classes and the test are offered in English, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic and Tagalog.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You pay AED 200 for a re-test and can re-book within five working days at the same school.

Are there female instructors at SDI?

Yes. Female instructors are available 8 am–3 pm, Saturday–Thursday; book early as slots fill fast.

Cheapest Driving School in Sharjah Open Now 2026

boy in green sweater writing on white paper

Quick answer

The cheapest driving school in Sharjah open now is Sharjah Driving Institute (SDI) with AED 2,400–2,600 for the full manual licence package when booked online. Confirm current availability on the RTA app or SDI website before you travel.

Why Sharjah is the cheapest emirate for driving lessons

Sharjah’s licensing fees sit 30–40 % lower than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The emirate still follows RTA standards, so you receive the same licence validity across the UAE. Lower overheads, fewer branches and direct government pricing keep the cost down for both residents and visitors.

Current 2026 fee comparison (manual licence, 20 hours)

School	Total AED	Branch open now?
Sharjah Driving Institute (SDI)	2,400–2,600	Yes – 7 am–7 pm
Al Ahli Driving School	2,700–2,900	Yes – 6:30 am–8 pm
Emirates Driving Institute Sharjah	3,100+	Yes – 24-hour theory slots

Step-by-step: how to enrol today

Download the RTA app and create an account with Emirates ID or visit visa.
Select “New Licence” and choose Sharjah as the test centre.
Pick SDI from the dropdown list of approved schools.
Pay the registration fee (AED 200) inside the app to secure your seat.
Book eye test (AED 100) at any RTA-approved optician in Al Wahda Mall.
Start theory classes online or at SDI’s Al Khan branch the same day.

Documents you need right now

Emirates ID or visit visa copy
Passport copy with entry stamp
2 passport photos (white background)
Proof of UAE residential address (Ejari or hotel booking for tourists)

Common mistakes expats make

Choosing the cheapest school but ignoring instructor availability can stretch a two-week course into six weeks. Always confirm the next available slot before you pay the full package. Another error is forgetting the eye-test validity; the certificate expires after 30 days, so schedule it within one week of registration.

Tips to keep the price at the bottom end

Book the full 20-hour package online; walk-ins pay AED 300 more.
Attend theory classes on weekdays before 10 am; weekend slots add AED 150.
Use your own car for the final test if the school allows; rental car fees are AED 250 extra.
Pay by card in the RTA app to skip the AED 25 cash-handling fee.

Opening hours of the cheapest school (SDI) – 2026

Al Khan main branch: 7 am–7 pm, Saturday–Thursday. Closed Fridays. Female-only timings: 8 am–3 pm. Female instructors available every day except Friday. Night theory sessions run 5 pm–9 pm on request.

How long does it take to get your licence?

With full attendance you can finish the course in 14–18 calendar days. Add three working days for RTA to issue the plastic card. Tourists on a 60-day visit visa have enough time; just make sure your visa expiry is at least 10 days after the road test date.

Key takeaway

Sharjah Driving Institute still offers the lowest package price in 2026 while staying fully open daily. Book through the RTA app today, bring your documents, and you can be driving legally in under three weeks without breaking AED 2,600.