Eye Test for Driving Licence in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide

Passing an eye test is a fundamental step in both obtaining and renewing a driving licence in Dubai, as required by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The eye test assesses key aspects of your vision to ensure you can safely read road signs, judge distances, recognise traffic signals, and identify hazards on the road. Taking this test at an RTA-approved centre ensures your results are submitted directly to the licensing system and recognised by the authorities, helping you continue driving confidently and legally without unnecessary delays. (Policybazaar UAE)

Why an Eye Test Is Required for Driving Licence

Ensuring safe vision standards for drivers

The eye test confirms that drivers have the visual ability to detect signs and obstacles at distances that match real road conditions.
This includes measurable visual acuity and other eyesight criteria that help prevent avoidable accidents and maintain public safety. (Policybazaar UAE)

Legal requirement under RTA rules

Whether you are applying for a new licence or renewing an existing one, the RTA mandates passing the eye test before proceeding.
Without this medical clearance, the system will not complete your licence transaction. (RTA)

Integrated part of licence issuance and renewal

The RTA eye test is tied directly into the digital licence process, meaning once your vision results are recorded, they are linked to your licence file automatically, streamlining the remainder of your application or renewal. (Property Finder)

What the Eye Test Checks

Visual acuity (clarity of vision)

Visual acuity measures how sharply you can see details at various distances, which is vital for identifying road signs, other vehicles, and pedestrians as you drive. (Northwest Clinic Day Surgical)

Peripheral vision (side vision)

The test also checks your ability to see objects outside your direct line of sight.
Strong peripheral vision helps detect hazards and traffic coming from the sides without needing to turn your head. (Northwest Clinic Day Surgical)

Colour recognition for traffic signals

Identifying colours correctly especially at traffic lights and signals is essential for safe decisions on the road.
The eye test evaluates this to meet RTA safety standards. (Nuova Optics, Jumeirah)

Depth perception and focus

Drivers must accurately estimate distances between vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles.
Depth perception testing ensures you can judge space effectively, which helps maintain safe driving distances. (Northwest Clinic Day Surgical)

When You Must Take the Eye Test

Before your first driving licence application

If you are applying for a new driving licence, you cannot proceed with theory lessons or road tests without first completing the eye test, as it confirms your visual fitness for driving. (Bin Yaber Driving Institute)

Every time you renew your licence

Renewal processes also require the eye test, even if you have passed one before.
This ensures your vision remains suitable for continued driving safety, especially if some time has passed. (insurenow.ae)

When upgrading licence categories

If you are adding a new category to your driving licence (for example, from a private to a commercial category), another eye test may be required to verify that your vision still meets the standards for increased responsibility. (RTA)

Vision Standards and Minimum Requirements

Minimum acceptable vision level

While specific numeric targets are set by RTA authorities, eye tests generally require you to meet a baseline visual acuity standard that demonstrates you can clearly see critical details at road-relevant distances. (Northwest Clinic Day Surgical)

Corrective eyewear is permitted

If your natural vision doesn’t meet standards, wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses is acceptable as long as the corrected vision meets the threshold needed for driving safely. (insurenow.ae)

What happens if criteria are not met

Failing to meet vision standards means you cannot proceed with licence issuance or renewal until corrective measures such as updated prescription lenses bring your eyesight up to the required level. (RTA)

How Much the Eye Test Costs in Dubai

Standard testing fees range

Most RTA-approved optical centres charge between AED 100 and AED 180 for the eye test required for a driving licence or its renewal, with slight differences depending on the specific provider and location you choose. (Policybazaar UAE)

Mobile eye test services and packages

Some services, like the RTA’s mobile eye test truck, may charge higher fees (for example around AED 500) if you want testing outside a standard centre or in combination with other services. (RTA)

Extra costs if additional services

If your eye test results are part of a broader service such as a full licence renewal package, additional fees like renewal fees, fines, or delivery charges may also apply. (RTA)

Documents You Need for the Eye Test

Emirates ID for identification

Your Emirates ID serves as the official identity document for the eye test, and centres typically require it to confirm your identity and link your results to your licensing record. (Policybazaar UAE)

Current or expired driving licence

If you are renewing, bring the licence you are replacing. Even if it’s expired, the centre needs this to tie the eye test results to the correct licence record. (Bin Yaber Driving Institute)

Passport and residency visa copy (expats)

Expatriates often need to present a passport copy with their UAE residency visa to verify legal status before the eye test can be processed. (Policybazaar UAE)

Prescription lenses or glasses if needed

If you wear corrective lenses regularly, bring them to your test.
The optometrist records your corrected vision results as part of the official RTA examination. (insurenow.ae)

Where to Take the Eye Test in Dubai

Al Jaber Optical and major chain centres

Al Jaber Optical is one of the largest networks of RTA-approved eye test centres, with multiple branches throughout Dubai where you can complete your driving licence vision test. (CARS24 UAE)

Barakat Optical and Rivoli EyeZone locations

Barakat Optical and Rivoli EyeZone are also RTA-approved centres with convenient outlets across the city, letting you book or walk in for the eye test in multiple neighbourhoods. (Bayut)

Grand Optics and Magrabi Optical outlets

Grand Optics and Magrabi Optical have numerous outlets in Dubai that perform eye tests linked directly to the RTA system, often in malls and high-traffic areas for easy access. (Bayut)

Other RTA-approved opticians

Several other approved centres — including Serah Opticals, Emirates Driving Institute locations, and specialised clinics — provide comprehensive eye testing services recognised by the RTA. (Serah Opticals)

‍

Step-by-Step Eye Test Process

Visit an approved centre in person

You must go to an authorised eye test centre. Most centres accept walk-ins, but calling ahead or booking is often quicker during busy hours. (insurenow.ae)

Provide your ID and documents

At the centre, present your Emirates ID and relevant licence or visa documents. This step ensures your results can be correctly applied to your driving licence record. (Policybazaar UAE)

Complete the vision tests

The optometrist measures various aspects of your eyesight — including clarity, peripheral vision, and colour recognition — using charts and specialised equipment to assess your fitness to drive. (Beno)

Results are sent to the RTA system

After the test, your results are electronically uploaded to the RTA’s database. This automatic submission saves you from having to deliver any paperwork manually. (Policybazaar UAE)

What Happens If You Fail the Eye Test

Retesting after corrective measures

If your results show your vision falls below the required standard, you may be advised to get corrective lenses and retake the test after a short period to meet RTA requirements. (Bin Yaber Driving Institute)

Specialist referral if needed

Failing the test can also lead the optometrist to recommend a full eye exam with an ophthalmologist to identify underlying conditions that affect driving vision. (Bin Yaber Driving Institute)

Re-exam after improved vision

Once you have updated your prescription or corrected issues, return to a certified centre for a new eye test.
Once passed, your results will be accepted by RTA for your licence process. (Bin Yaber Driving Institute)

Tips for Passing Your Eye Test First Time

Rest and prepare your eyes

Avoid prolonged screen time and strain on the day of your test.
Fresh, rested eyes often perform better during visual acuity and peripheral checks. (Northwest Clinic Day Surgical)

Wear the right corrective lenses

If you need glasses or contacts, wear them as you normally would when driving.
This helps the test reflect your actual vision while on the road. (insurenow.ae)

Ask questions if instructions are unclear

During the test, don’t hesitate to ask the optometrist to clarify instructions if you’re unsure about any part of the exam, it helps avoid mistakes. (Beno)

FAQ – Eye Test for Driving Licence in Dubai

What is an RTA eye test?

An RTA eye test is an official vision assessment required by the Roads and Transport Authority before you can obtain or renew a driving licence in Dubai. (Beno)

How much does the eye test cost?

The typical eye test fee at approved centres ranges between AED 100 and AED 180 depending on the provider you choose. (Policybazaar UAE)

Can I take the test without appointment?

Many centres accept walk-ins, but it’s often faster to call ahead and confirm availability, especially during weekends or peak hours. (insurenow.ae)

Can I wear my glasses or contacts for the test?

Yes. If you normally wear corrective lenses, bring and use them during the test, as the exam measures your corrected vision. (insurenow.ae)

How long does the eye test take?

Most eye tests for driving licences in Dubai take around 10–15 minutes before sending results electronically to the RTA. (shory.com)

How long are results valid?

Although RTA does not publish a strict timeframe, many centres and applicants treat eye test results as valid for around 6 months during licensing or renewal processes. Always confirm with your authorised centre. (Bin Yaber Driving Institute)