Dubai Driver's License - Transfer Question

[rsinner]

Originally Posted by waterproof teabag

any idea if I can do a straight swap with UK license and passport from The Netherlands? Thanks

I think you can. As long as your passport and DL are both from the list of 33/34 countries

[teuchter]

Originally Posted by rsinner

I think you can. As long as your passport and DL are both from the list of 33/34 countries

According to the official government website, in order to convert a foreign DL, both passport and DL must be from the same country - no exceptions. See here: Convert a foreign driving license to drive in Dubai

teuchter

[waterproof teabag]

Thank you Rsinner and Teuchter!

Sounds like I'll have to have a bit of a word with the manager then. I've not lived in the Netherlands for over 10 years and will not be able to get a drivers license from there easily. I have even got an international drivers permit to go with my UK license for what it's worth...

Is there anyone else here who has been in a similar situation (ie got drivers licence and passport from different countries but both from 'transferable' countries)? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Actually, now that I have read the link given by Teuchter, I cannot find a requirement asking for DL and passport needing to be from the same country?

It says: "You have to be a citizen of the country given below with current resident status in UAE." Which I am.

"This means that former residents from these countries who may be holding permanent driver licenses are not eligible and you will have to follow all the steps to get a new license as given here." This is not clear to me. Both UK and NL are in the list so it should not be a problem?

[teuchter]

Originally Posted by waterproof teabag

Actually, now that I have read the link given by Teuchter, I cannot find a requirement asking for DL and passport needing to be from the same country?

It says: "You have to be a citizen of the country given below with current resident status in UAE." Which I am.

"This means that former residents from these countries who may be holding permanent driver licenses are not eligible and you will have to follow all the steps to get a new license as given here." This is not clear to me. Both UK and NL are in the list so it should not be a problem?

'Residents' in this context means non-citizen of that particular country...

teuchter

[Tropicana]

It doesnt make sense unfortunately but that is the way it is.

According to the rules, an American citizen who has a 2 year old license and has caused 2-3 accidents can transfer his license automatically, but a Polish/German citizen who has an American license for 8 years and has never been in an accident still has to take a test....

Just as with loans/insurance matters; driving/borrowing history is not looked at, and all that matters is "passport" and salary certificate.

Thats just the way it is...

[teuchter]

Originally Posted by waterproof teabag

I've not lived in the Netherlands for over 10 years and will not be able to get a drivers license from there easily. I have even got an international drivers permit to go with my UK license for what it's worth..

You could do the conversion to a Dutch licence on your next trip to NL; costs EUR 40 at your local council office (stadsdeelkantoor).

The IDP makes no difference unfortunately.

teuchter

[waterproof teabag]

Originally Posted by teuchter

You could do the conversion to a Dutch licence on your next trip to NL; costs EUR 40 at your local council office (stadsdeelkantoor).

The IDP makes no difference unfortunately.

teuchter

Thank you for the suggestion! Would that be any local council office? I am no longer registered there.

I've just read I need to be registered to be able to exchange it so that's no option. Bummer.

[teuchter]

Originally Posted by waterproof teabag

Thank you for the suggestion! Would that be any local council office? I am no longer registered there.

Not sure. You might find the answer here: Rijbewijs.nl :: home or you could check with the Dutch consulate here in Dubai: Netherlands Missions, United Arab Emirates

teuchter

[waterproof teabag]

Originally Posted by teuchter

Not sure. You might find the answer here: Rijbewijs.nl :: home or you could check with the Dutch consulate here in Dubai: Netherlands Missions, United Arab Emirates

teuchter

Thanks again but I should have been registered. Frustratingly enough I only unregistered a couple of months ago but that's life!
Kan ik mijn buitenlandse rijbewijs omwisselen voor een Nederlands rijbewijs? | Vraag en antwoord | Rijksoverheid.nl

Sounds like I can only try have a word with the manager at the dubai licensing authority

Thanks for your replies.

[teuchter]

Originally Posted by waterproof teabag

Thanks again but I should have been registered. Frustratingly enough I only unregistered a couple of months ago but that's life!
Kan ik mijn buitenlandse rijbewijs omwisselen voor een Nederlands rijbewijs? | Vraag en antwoord | Rijksoverheid.nl

Sounds like I can only try have a word with the manager at the dubai licensing authority

Thanks for your replies.

No worries - and good luck!

teuchter