Dubai License Conversion: From Automatic to Manual Made Easy

Dubai License Conversion: From Automatic to Manual Made Easy

9/15/2025 by Qrom Team

Changing your auto to a manual driving license in Dubai is not just a procedure; it's to make more car choices, career options, and save money.


Dubai’s automatic to manual driving license conversion is not a skill shift; it’s a shift that is a master key of openness, cost benefit, and career opportunity. If you like more control of the car, more cars to drive, or more career opportunities, then you will require an automatic license conversion to a manual license. Below is a step-by-step guide, cost, success tips, and why you take a manual driving license in Dubai? And most importantly, “how to convert automatic license to a manual in Dubai?” along with true facts on how to get the best out of driving in Dubai’s high-octane motor culture.

The Dubai automotive market offers a wide range of models, from high-speed vehicles to small city cars and sport utility vehicles, and nearly all of them are manual. A UAE automatic driving license will only allow you to drive automatic vehicles, but if you have a manual driving license UAE, you will be permitted to drive automatic as well as manual vehicles.

Automatic License Test

Automatic or Manual Driving License: What’s the Difference?

Automatic License

Manual License

A UAE manual driving license is not just a skill; it’s a career-building, low-budget tool, especially in Dubai’s competitive driver and rental market.

Step-by-Step Automatic License to Manual Dubai Converter Guide

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Make sure you’re in the following:

Step 2: Enrollment with RTA-Approved Driving School

Choose a well-known driving school, i.e, Belhasa Driving Center, Emirates Driving Institute, Dubai Driving Center, etc.

Step 3: Enroll for Manual Driving Classes

Surrender the automatic license and Emirates ID card, fill out the enrollment form, and pay the down payment.

Step 4: Training for Manual

Step 5: Pass the RTA Manual Driving Test

The test will check your skill with clutch control, gear changes, parking, and maneuvering over road surfaces.

Step 6: Get Your Manual License

Take your passed test to an RTA customer service center, pay the conversion fee, and collect your new manual driving license Dubai.

Tips to Pass Your Manual Driving Test

Compliance with the above regulations helps test passing in the RTA test and also overall driving performance and security.

Automatic to Manual License Conversion Charges

The total cost of conversion will largely be between AED 2,000 and AED 4,000, depending on:

Buying a UAE driving license automatic to manual is more economical in the long run compared to low rental rates, high mileage, and more exposure to vehicles.

Advantages of the Dubai Manual Driving License

Advantages of the Dubai Manual Driving License

  1. Easy Access to Cars – From sports manual cars to budget-friendly cars, the manual license gives you freedom.
  2. Professional Jobs – Ride-sharing, delivery business, logistics, and motor vehicle union professional jobs may require hard-hand (manual) driving abilities.
  3. Economies – Hand cars usually result in less repair expense and fuel consumption, thus you end up saving money in the long run.
  4. Driving Experience – More control over car speed, clutch operation, and maneuverability during driving through crowded traffic or off-road paths.
  5. Freedom to Rent – Equal to or greater freedom to hire a humongous number of cars, short-term car rental, or monthly car rental Dubai.

Changing your auto to a manual driving license in Dubai is not just a procedure; it’s to make more car choices, career options, and save money. Having a properly marked study syllabus, practicing dedication, and full mastery of the driving art in a manual car, you’re now ready to drive flawlessly on Dubai roads with any motor vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to convert an automatic to manual license in Dubai?

It generally takes 2–4 weeks based on your experience level and your ability to provide the time promptly.

Can I drive automatic cars following manual conversion?

Yes. A UAE manual driving license allows you to drive manual and automatic cars.

Do I take a theory test on manual conversion?

It may be school-based, where you complete your courses, but most RTA centers do not mind the manual test.

How much is the price of a manual driving test in Dubai?

RTA test will be around AED 300, excluding the school and conversion fee of the license.

Can expat convert automatic license to manual in Dubai?

Yes, expats over the age limit, residents, and medically fit can convert their license.