Can You Drive an Automatic Car With a Manual Driving License?
Getting your driver’s license is a huge milestone—freedom, independence, and a lot fewer bus rides. But when it comes to the type of car you’re licensed to drive, things can get a little confusing, especially if you're wondering whether you can drive an automatic car with a manual licence in the UAE.
So, can you drive an automatic car with a manual driving license?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you passed your driving test in a manual car, your license allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars in the UAE. A manual car license is considered more comprehensive, as driving a manual vehicle involves more control and technical skill.
As such, if you’re holding a manual car license, feel free to jump into an automatic. It’s 100% legal and allowed across all seven Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Now let’s flip it: Can you drive a manual car with an automatic driving license?
If you took your UAE driving test in an automatic car, your license is restricted to automatic vehicles only. That means you cannot drive a manual car on an automatic license in the UAE.
If you're caught driving a manual car on an automatic-only license, it’s considered a traffic rule violation and could result in fines, black points, or worse, invalidating your insurance in case of an accident. So, unless your license says manual, stay out of that clutch pedal.
Can I Change My Driving Test from Manual to Automatic in the UAE?
Yes, you can. In fact, many learner drivers in the UAE start learning on a manual car and later switch to automatic lessons when the manual becomes too stressful or time-consuming.
You just need to inform your driving school and schedule your test with an automatic car instead. Just keep in mind that passing the test in an automatic means your license will only allow you to drive automatic vehicles in the UAE.
Can I Upgrade from Automatic to Manual License Later?
Yes, but there’s a catch. If you want to convert your automatic license to a manual one, you’ll need to take additional driving lessons in a manual car and retake the road test with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or equivalent body in your Emirate.
It’s a bit of extra effort, but for many expats and locals, having a manual car license in the UAE means more driving flexibility, especially if you plan to drive outside the UAE in countries where manual cars are still common.
Which is better: Getting a manual or automatic license in the United Arab Emirates?
Your lifestyle will determine the response to this question:
- If you intend to drive in a city like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where the majority of cars are automatic, an automatic license is ideal. It is perfect for daily use, less stressful in traffic, and simpler to learn.
- A manual car license is more adaptable. You can drive both types of cars, travel with ease, and often find more rental or second-hand car options, especially outside of big cities.
To wrap it all up, whether you’re an expat settling in or a local just starting out, your driving license choice will shape your UAE driving journey. Take the time to weigh your options. Drive safe!
