How many driving schools are in Dubai right now?

There are 27 RTA-licensed driving schools operating in Dubai as of 2026.

Can I train in Dubai with a Sharjah visa?

No. You must hold a Dubai visa to train and test with any of the 27 Dubai schools.

What is the cheapest driving course in Dubai?

All 27 schools charge the same RTA-set fees; the starter pack runs AED 4,200–4,600.

Do any schools offer ladies-only instructors?

Yes, 11 of the 27 schools run daily ladies-only batches with female instructors.

Can I switch schools after starting?

You can only switch after finishing the theory component; practical hours must stay with one school.

How Many Driving Schools in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

Dubai currently has 27 licensed driving schools spread across the emirate, including the mainland and free zones. The number has stayed roughly stable since 2024 because the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) strictly controls new licences.

Where the 27 schools are located

Most schools sit inside or next to RTA testing centres so students can finish theory and practical tests in one place. Popular clusters include:

Al Qusais (near Rashidiya Metro)
Al Awir (near Dragon Mart)
Jebel Ali Industrial (close to Ibn Battuta)
Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
Sharjah border corridor (for Ajman residents who hold Dubai visas)

Why the number stays fixed

The RTA caps new entrants to maintain quality and safety standards. Any new school must prove it has:

At least 15 dual-control training cars
Approved simulators and theory classrooms
Certified instructors fluent in English, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi
Direct data link to the RTA’s “Mawgif” system

Because of these rules, only two schools opened between 2023 and 2025, while three merged or closed.

Cost of learning to drive at each school

Fees are almost identical across the 27 schools because the RTA publishes a standard price list. As of 2026 you can expect:

Starter pack (theory + 16 practical hours): AED 4,200–4,600
Extra practical hour: AED 150–180
Eye test + Emirates ID upload: AED 200 (fixed)
RTA theory test: AED 330
RTA practical test: AED 510
Smart licence issuance: AED 380

Always verify current fee with the RTA website before you pay.

Step-by-step: how to choose one of the 27 schools

Check your visa status — only Dubai visa holders can train in Dubai; Sharjah visa holders must use Ajman or Sharjah schools.
Decide your language — every school offers English, but only 19 out of 27 run full Urdu/Hindi batches.
Look at opening hours — schools near DIP and Al Qusais open 7 am–10 pm; those in Jebel Ali close at 7 pm.
Read recent Google reviews — filter for posts from 2025–2026 mentioning female instructors or automatic cars.
Book an eye test slot via the RTA app first; the school you choose must appear on the drop-down list.

Common mistakes expats make

Paying a “package” that hides extra-hour charges — always ask for the itemised RTA receipt.
Choosing a school by the lowest headline price — it often means fewer included hours.
Skipping simulator sessions — they are mandatory and count toward your 16 practical hours.
Assuming you can switch schools mid-course — you must finish the theory component with the same institute.

Automatic vs manual: which schools specialise

Out of the 27 schools, 24 now offer automatic-only training. Only three still maintain a manual fleet for drivers who need it for home-country licence conversion. If you hold an automatic-only licence, double-check the school’s car list before you register.

Tips for busy professionals

Pick a school with 24-hour simulator access — you can finish theory lessons at midnight.
Book ladies-only batches if you prefer female instructors; 11 schools run them daily.
Use the RTA “Edurive” app to track your remaining hours and test dates.

Key takeaway

With exactly 27 RTA-approved driving schools in Dubai, you have plenty of choice, but prices and quality are deliberately kept uniform. Focus on location, language support and opening hours rather than hunting for the cheapest deal. Verify all fees directly with the RTA before you start, and you’ll sail through the process without surprises.