As of May 20th drivers who pass their test in the UAE can now exchange their licence for a British one without the need to repeat their driving test if they move to the UK.
After a detailed analysis by the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), British officials said they were satisfied that the level of instruction and examination were equal to that of the UK.
“Testing standards for the specified vehicle categories are equivalent and so there is no value in requiring the driver to repeat a test to get a GB licence,” DVLA said, summing up the responses to its consultation.
“The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has approved the standards for cars in respect of North Macedonia, Taiwan and Ukraine, and for cars and small motorcycles not exceeding 125cc in respect of United Arab Emirates.”
Previously, for drivers who held a UAE licence, they were only able to use it in the UK for up to 1 year before having to take a British theory and practical test, which could cost in excess of £1,000 depending on a person’s driving skills. Whereas now exchanging an Emirati licence for a British one costs £43.
