Job Discussion Forums

[redeyes]

Hi all -- I see on the HCT registration form there is a question about driving licences -- I don't have mine yet.

Are HCT admin likely to be less inclined to interview someone who doesn't drive?

Getting around won't be a problem, since my "other half" drives.

How easy will it be for me to take my driving test once I get to UAE? I have heard it's common for teachers to take the test in Saudi, and wondered if UAE was the same in that regard.

It's probably much too general a question to ask, since I know that HCT colleges are placed in very different evironments, from the urban to "rural" -- but is a driving licence essential for most of the HCT posts? Will I be able to rely on public transport/taxis unitl I get my licence? ( In my present post, taxis are ever present, quick, efficient, and cheap.)

Thanks for any advice.

[Takahiwai]

The HCT sites that I've visited - admittedly only three - have all been out in the sticks so, yes, a driving licence would be useful unless you want to spend a fortune on taxis, or your other half intends to devote his/her life to acting as your chauffeur/euse . It's not difficult to get your driving licence out here, although there seems to be an unspoken rule that you have to fail a couple of times first. It's no big deal.

[uaeobserver]

There are too many cars in the UAE.

Therefore, it is getting very hard to take a driving course and pass.

If you have a license from a western country --- congratulations --- no waiting in the queue --- step right up and enjoy the UAE.

If, however -- you're not from the west --- the Egyptian and Sudanese license examiners make sport out of failing people.

Unless you're applying for a PDI position -- a license is not that important.

[Fantasia Desertica]

Have you ever driven before? If so, is your old license from the same country as your passport? This would be the easiest scenario to deal with. Have you already taken lessons and are just short of the road test? This can shorten things assuming your lessons were taken in a recognized country.

Otherwise, well, fasten your seat belt and prepare yourself for a long, drawn-out and bumpy ride...

ALL novice drivers in Abu Dhabi are funnelled through the Emirates Driving School which is located out in the industrial sector of Mussafah. They are not able to cope efficiently with the numbers of aspiring drivers. It took me six months of going back and forth at strange hours, with periods of 3-4 weeks with no instruction whatsoever. When you first arrive, there are no leaflets, no signage, to explain where to go or what to do. Most staff speak only basic English and cannot explain the complex procedure. From one visit to the next, I had no idea what I would be doing the next time.

To cut a long story short, I paid a total of AED 3,230 to the school for instruction and for my police file and learner's license. Added to that, I had the taxi fare both ways each time I went. Due to the dearth of taxis in Abu Dhabi, I had to make a deal with two taxi drivers whom I would call up whenever I needed them. This service came at an extra price of course. It is a considerable investment of both time and money. I will be venturing out on the road tomorrow for the 1st time with a private instructor and I hope to pass my police test at the end of the month.

FYI, I am European with an expired automatic license and have been learning on a manual this time around.

[desert dawn]

It cost me Dhs 70 to get from home to work last week when my car didn't start and took me ages to find a vacant taxi willing to take me. Non-drivers at my place of work tend to car-pool or share pre-ordered taxis. There's no chance of picking up a vacant taxi out in the sticks where I work.
Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may want to consider an intensive course of driving instruction in your home country and try to get your licence before you arrive in the UAE.

[mishmumkin]

I don't know that it would make a difference in your application, but it would be worth your while getting the license in your country of origin. Like others have mentioned it is expensive and more difficult to get your license in the UAE. Taxis to work will add up very quickly. You could, I suppose, arrange a regular driver.

[redeyes]

Thanks very much to all of you for your advice -- I appreciate it.

[Fantasia Desertica]

Redeyes,

You can PM me if you require specific info. I kept a record of everything.

FD

[veiledsentiments]

Redeyes... you mentioned that your wife drives. Is her license from a "western" country? If not, she would have to go through the same procedure as you.

It is dead easy if you have a current US (or UK) license, but a horror if you don't.

VS

[smedini]

[like2answer]

delete

[veiledsentiments]

I was too lazy to list every 'western' country. There must be a list somewhere on the 'internets.'

VS

[smedini]

Hahaha...of course I figured, but since you specifically said US and UK I wanted to be sure there weren't some special hoops that Canadians had to go through to drive what I understand are the instane roadways throughout the UAE

Cheers,
Smedini

[MrScaramanga]

Not so fast!

I do believe Canadians have an extra hoop to jump through (as compared to other Western licence holders): they have to get some kind of paper from the Canadian embassy -- something to do with keeping the licence current by paying $50/year?

Are there any Canadians out there who can confirm this?

Not a big deal really, but an extra hoop nevertheless

MrS

[helenl]

No, however, I got my UAE license 8 years ago when I arrived from Canada. Just had to show my Canadian license, explain that it was issued by a Canadian province and I had the UAE one in less than 30 minutes. I have a friend in another Emirate 3 years ago where it took 10 days to process the paperwork, but there was no test or extra fees involved then either.