Light Motor Vehicle Handbook - A Guide to Safe Driving

RTA Light Motor Vehicle Handbook Notes

Training and Testing Process

The training and testing leading to obtaining a driving license involves multiple stages:

1. Open File: Begin by opening a traffic file.
2. Theory Training: Complete the mandatory theory lecture.
3. Theory Test Preparation: Optional phase.
4. RTA Theory Test: Pass the RTA theory test.
5. Practical Training: Successfully complete practical training stages 1-4.
6. On-Road and Yard Assessments: Pass these assessments.
7. RTA Yard Test: Pass the RTA yard test.
8. RTA Road Test: Pass the RTA road test.
9. Driving License Issuance: Receive the driving license upon successful completion of all tests.
10. Re-training: If failed at any point, re-training is required before re-attempting the tests.

Handbook Usage

• Traffic Law Emphasis: The word "must" in bold indicates a traffic law.
• Explanations: Clear definitions of terms and concepts.
• Road Safety Messages: Highlighted using specific icons and colored boxes.

Table of Contents

The handbook covers the following major topics:

• Introduction
• A License To Drive
• Learning to Drive
• Managing Risk
• Road User Safety
• Rules and Responsibilities
• Driving in Dubai
• Test Yourself Questions
• Traffic Violations, Fines & Black Points
• RTA Easy Licensing
• Keep Learning and Enjoy Your Driving Experience

License Acquisition and Maintenance

1. Opening a Traffic File: Obtain a learner permit with an 8-digit traffic file number.
2. Theory Test Booking: Book the theory test through the driving institute. Reschedule or cancel 48 hours in advance to avoid losing the test fee.
3. Theory Test: Arrive 30 minutes early. No personal belongings are allowed in the test room.
4. Driver Training:
   • A driving instructor must be present.
   • Must not be under the influence of alcohol.
   • Wear a seatbelt and carry the learning permit at all times.
5. Practical Driving Test Booking: Ensure confidence in driving ability before booking the practical test.
   • Pass the theory test.
   • Complete the minimum required driving lessons.
   • Pass the driving assessment.
6. Freeway/Highway Driving: Attend at least 4 lessons (2 hours) of freeway driving after passing the on-road assessment.
7. Practical Driving Test: Examiners may verify identity, ask for the training record, and the theory test certificate.
8. Continuous Learning: Ongoing safe driving practices and obeying traffic laws are crucial.

When driving, one must not be under the influence of alcohol, must wear a seat belt, and must not use a mobile phone.

Expatriate Driving Regulations

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Visa Requirement: Must have a valid Visit Visa.
• License Requirement: Hold a valid international driver’s license according to RTA policy. Check with car rental companies regarding their acceptance of international licenses.
• Insurance: Verify insurance coverage for driving outside the UAE.
• Residence Visa Holders: Cannot drive using an international driver’s license if holding a Residence Visa.

License Conversion

Licenses from certain countries can be exchanged for a Dubai license without formal testing; an official letter from their Embassies may be required. The license holder's nationality should match the issuing country. A legally translated license is necessary if it is not in Arabic or English, along with a letter from the consulate/embassy.

The recognized countries include GCC nations, European countries, North American countries, East Asian countries, and South Africa.

Required documents for license exchange include:

• Passport/visa copy.
• Eye test certificate.
• Passport-size photograph.
• UAE National ID (original and copy).

For non-recognized countries, driving lessons may be required, and additional documents like an affidavit from the consulate may be needed.

License Renewal

Eligible applicants include individual customers, citizens, and residents.

Required documents:

• Original valid Emirates ID.
• Eye test according to the required category.

Service fees:

• Younger than 21 years: AED 100 plus AED 20 for Knowledge and Innovation fees.
• Older than 21 years: AED 300 plus AED 20 for Knowledge and Innovation fees.

A fine of AED 10 per month (max AED 500) applies for delays less than 10 years. After 10 years, a road test is required.

Learning to Drive - A Structured Process

Driving instruction is a step-by-step process that requires time, focus, patience, and practice. New drivers often focus on mechanical operations, but experience shifts focus to hazard perception and quicker reactions.

Drivers with less than 2 years' experience are involved in about one third of all crashes in Dubai.

Five Stages of Learning

1. Basic Car Controls: Conducted in a yard to learn basic vehicle operations.
2. Driving in Two-Way Streets: Conducted on public roads with light traffic.
3. Driving in Multi-Lane Roads: Conducted on busier roads with major intersections.
4. Special Maneuvers (Yard): Practicing maneuvers independently in the yard.
5. Yard Test, On-Road Assessment, and Freeway/Highway Driving: Final stage includes assessment for on-road readiness and freeway driving experience.

The Instructor’s Role

The driving instructor assists with basic skills, understanding rules, identifying dangers, and decision-making. At least 40 hours of driving practice is recommended before the practical test. Supervised experience can significantly reduce crash risk during the first two years of driving.

Theory Lesson Curriculum

• Attitude and responsibilities of driver: Training and testing flowchart, Attitude in driving, Insurance and what it does not cover and Consequences of traffic accident, Seat belts, airbag and child seat..
• Knowledge on Traffic Rules and Regulations: Purpose of Traffic Rules and Regulations, Road signs, Road markings, Bus and taxi lanes and Traffic controls at intersections, Speed limits, Give way to pedestrians, Turning, Roundabouts, Changing lanes and overtaking and Prohibition in parking
• Characteristics of road users: Car drivers, Dubai Tram and related traffic rules, Pedestrians, Heavy vehicle and articulated vehicles, Motorcyclists, Cyclists and related traffic rules and E-scooter riders, Animals
• Driver’s condition: Medication, fatigue, alcohol, Mobile phone and other distractions, Personalities – aggressive, show-off and impulsiveness, Vision and perception error, Reaction time and stopping distances and Safe following distances
• The environment: Night driving - How our eyes see at night and Colors affecting visibility and Headlight and high beams and Accident at night, Fog and sand storm - Visibility and Speed and Reports on accident causalities, Rain and floods - Visibility and Aquaplaning - Braking distance and Following distance - Assessing the flood waters - Passing through and thereafter and Slippery and sandy roads
• Driving on freeways, Traffic violations and Route plannings: Rules of freeways - Lane discipline - Dos and Dont’s and Common traffic accidents and offences, Planning for suitable route - Sufficient time for journey - Selecting best routes and Detours to avoid congestion and Eco driving and ADAS (advance driver assistance system)
• Developing Forecasting of hazards and emergencies when driving: Hazard perception clip: - Straight roads - Junctions - Night - Fog - Residential - School area and Emergencies - Stuck in sand - Dealing with punctured tyre - Cruise control malfunction and Mechanical problems - Over heating - Brake failure - Warning lights on dashboard
• Traffic accidents case studies and How to act in an accident: Discuss various types of accidents - Crash with pedestrians - Crash with vehicle in front - Crash with vehicle behind - Crash with vehicle at junctions - Straight /left turn - Crash with passing vehicle - Crash with oncoming vehicle - Single vehicle crash and How to avoid the above accidents, Emergency vehicles, official vehicles and how to give way to them ,Give way to Emergency Vehicles and Responsibilities in a crash - Assistance to victims - Who can give First Aid - In-vehicle fire extinguisher and Police Mobile Application for Accidents

Practical Lesson Curriculum: Stage 1 – Basic vehicle operations (yard)

• Checking the external of the vehicle. Able to check the exterior of the vehicle
• Entering the vehicle Know the procedures of getting into the car safely
• Familiarization with instrument panel Know the instruments and its functions
• Cockpit drill and visibility Know how to lock the door, child lock and apply the cockpit drill
• Driving posture Adopt the correct driving posture.
• Passenger safety and load security Know the proper way of using the seat belt and ensuring all passengers are secured.
• Familiarization with controls (hand & foot) Able to do dry run practice on all the controls
• Safety precautions & turning on the engine Procedures of turning on engine. Able to turn on the engine safely.
• Instrument check (Warning lights, gauges and sounds check) Able to identify the warning lights and its functions.
• Adjusting the mirrors Able to adjust all the mirrors correctly.
• Eye direction when driving Able to scan ahead and also the rear.
• Moving off and stopping.
  • Able to:move the vehicle smoothly with accelerator and clutch control
• Prevent Stall engine (manual vehicles) Able to: Prevent the engine from stalling. Re-start stall engine quickly and safely.
• Securing the vehicle (from inside and outside) Able to turn off the engine, apply parking brakes and lock the vehicle.
• Leaving the vehicle. The importance of checking for safety before exiting. Able to leave the vehicle safely.
• Gear changing (manual cars) Able to: Know when to change gears. Change up 3rd gear smoothly without zigzagging
• Steering and positioning Able to steer the vehicle within the lane in a straight road and bends
• Slowing down Able to reduce speed by using engine brake and foot brake and observing the rear before slowing.
• Stopping the car at a precise spot Able to: stop the vehicle within 0.5 m of a target. To check the rear view mirror before stopping.

STAGE 2 Public Roads (light to Medium density traffic) Driving in two-way streets (40 - 60 km/h)

• Blind spots, head checks, potential hazards.
  • Able to: identify the location of the blind-spots, check blind spot correctly Know how to look for hazards.
• Systematic driving procedures (safety routine)
  • Able to: check mirrors and perform head check give signals at least 3 sec in advance. Confirm safety before moving.
• Pulling out from the side of the road Mirrors – Head check – Signal – Maneuver when safe – Mirrors – Look ahead Able to move out from the road side safely with proper safety routine.
• Pulling over and stopping stopping. Able to stop at the road side safely with proper procedures.
• Passing hazards on the roadside Able to passing an obstacle safely with the required side clearance.
• Meeting oncoming traffic Able to pass an obstacle safely by judging and consideration to oncoming traffic.
• Turning into side roads on the right. Able to turn right into side roads by: Using the correct procedures Giving way to road user with right of way. Keeping in the center of the lane.
• Turning into side roads on the left. Able to turn left by: Using the correct procedures Giving way to road user with right of way. Keeping in the center of the lane.
• Combination turning into side roads: right & left Able to turn right and left by: Using the correct procedures Giving way to road user with right of way. Keeping in the center of the lane.
• Using higher gears: shifting up and down Able to: Accelerate rapidly and change to up to 4th gear in clear traffic. For AT, able to ‘kick-down’ for power and speed. Know the function of 1&2 gear function. Obeying the speed limit.
• Give Way, STOP signs, priority rules Able to stop and give way when required at junctions in accordance to the mandatory signs.
• Pedestrian crossings and vulnerable road users . Able to Give way and stop safely for pedestrians at pedestrian crossings. Anticipate vulnerable road user’s behavior
• Approaching & emerging at T-junctions on the right. Able to: Give way and stop safely for pedestrians. Apply standard safety procedures. Give way before entering major road safely and pick up speed thereafter.
• Approaching & emerging at T-junctions on the left. Able to: Give way and stop safely for pedestrians. Apply safety routine Give way before entering major road safely and pick up speed thereafter.
• Negotiating unmarked crossroads Able to enter the crossroads at a safe speed and anticipate dangers
• Coping with road users ahead Able to: Identify road users’ intentions when driving ahead and react properly. Safe stopping distance from the vehicle ahead.

Stage 3 Public Roads (medium to heavy density traffic) Driving in multi-lane roads of 60-80 km/h

• Entering via a STOP sign from a two-way street Able to: Stop within 0.5 m of stop line Able to judge the approaching vehicle and give way to them.
• Driving straight: traffic lights, Able to: Drive through the traffic light junction by obeying all the rules. Adjust safe speed to coup with changing of the signals and road users
• Driving straight: observation & scanning Able to apply the scanning rule and keeping the eyes moving to observe traffic signs, markings and road users.
• Driving straight: speed adaptation & safety margins Able to: Identify the speed limit of the roads. Select the appropriate speed to suit the traffic and road conditions
• Driving straight: use of higher gears (manual cars) Able to: Adjust speed to traffic and road conditions Use the engine brake correctly when required.
• Exiting via a slip lane (to the right) Able to leave the major road on the right with correct procedures.
• Entering via slip lanes (merging) Able to enter slip lanes with correct procedures and within the centre of the lane.
• Lane-changing Able to: Change lanes at the appropriate locations Judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles with the aid of mirrors.
• Overtaking (lane change & return to lane) Able to: Apply the steps in overtaking. Judge on the on-coming traffic accurately to avoid head-on collision.. Return safely to the lane after overtaking.Identify areas that are prohibited to overtake.
• Turning left at traffic lights Able to: Position correctly for left turn.. Turn correctly into the lane. Identify dangers and take preventive actions.
• U-turns (at traffic lights, open and closed) Able to: Position correctly for U-turn.. Turn correctly into the lane Identify dangers and take preventive actions.
• Dual-lane Roundabouts (right, straight, left and U-turns) Able to: Position correctly before approaching the roundabout. Give appropriate signals entering and leaving
• Night-time driving (minimum 1 hour) Able to: Check all lights. Use headlights according to traffic and road conditions

Stage 4 Special maneuvers (yard)

• Angle parking (60°, forwards, left & right)
  • Able to angle park the vehicle inside the lot and to confirm safety by looking through the rear windscreen.
• Garage parking (90°reverse and to the right only)
  • Able to: Position the vehicle Park without ‘DRY turning’ of steering wheels park without touching the sides.. completely inside the lot.
• Parallel parking (reverse, and to the right, only) Able to: Position the vehicle Park without ‘DRY turning’ of steering wheels.. completely inside the lot. Complete in 5 minutes.
• Moving off on an incline (Able to Move off in the first or second attempt and does not roll back by 30 cm or more.
• Three point turn (To Turn the vehicle around in three movements without touching the front or the rear kerbs)
• Emergency brake (Able to React in less than 1 sec Apply brake before clutch) ,Stop within the required distance, Apply safety procedures

STAGE 5 Yard Test, On-road assessments and Freeway Driving

• Able to Perform on public road drive according to the checklist of RTA road test and to perform all maneuvers without assistance.
• Able to: Use ‘Trailblazing Guide Signs’ and arrive safely at a given landmark/point of interest
• Able to drive in the freeway by Adjusting the speed when entering and leaving the freeway., Scanning for dangers when driving at higher speeds Keeping a safe following distance and margins.

The Challenge of Driving Safely

New drivers may struggle with predicting problems and responding to unexpected events. Practice is essential to improve skills, make better choices, and anticipate hazards.

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving aims to reduce risk by recognizing dangerous situations early. It emphasizes observation, anticipation, and control. Key elements include concentration, observation, anticipation, and communication.

Hazard Avoidance

Hazards are defined as anything that causes a change in direction, position, or speed. Avoiding hazards requires anticipation, forecasting, and quick decision-making. Elements to consider are:

• See far and wide (scanning)
• Anticipate
• Control and adjust your Speed
• Be aware of yourself Physical and mental condition
• Stay calm

Blind Spots

Compensating for Blind spots involves using mirrors and doing a headcheck while moving only your head and ensure head returns to the forward position before any manoeuvre is made

Continuous Learning

Driving requires continuous refinement of skills. Key areas to develop include car control, visual scanning, thinking and responding, risk identification, and decision-making.

Managing Risk

Drivers manage risk by making good decisions and taking responsibility for their behavior. This includes avoiding speeding, alcohol, mobile phones, and driving when tired.

Speed Management

Exceeding speed limits increases crash risk and severity. Speed affects stopping distances significantly. Maintaining awareness of speed is crucial.

Seat Belts

Seat belts save lives by holding occupants securely. They must be worn correctly and firmly adjusted and are not be twisted while pregnant women need to also use a seat belt.

Driving in Different Conditions

Driving conditions such as sun glare, rain, fog, and night require adjusted techniques.

Driving in Rain

Rain makes roads slippery, particularly after a dry period. Headlights must be turned on, and speed should be reduced. Aquaplaning can result from excessive water; reduce speed and use appropriate tire conditions to mitigate risk.

Driving in Fog

Fog reduces visibility, necessitating slower speeds and full lighting, including low beam headlights. Avoid sudden stops and maintain increased following distances.

Driving Safely at Night

Night driving increases crash risk due to reduced visibility. Headlights should be used—high beam on unlit highways, switching to low-beam when other vehicles are nearby. Reduce speed to accommodate visibility range.

Negotiating Bends

Reduce speed before entering a bend. Avoid hard braking and maintain safe speed within the lane. Accelerate only after the traffic ahead is clear and the front wheels are straightened.

Driving When Tired

Tiredness impairs control and concentration. Take breaks to avoid falling asleep or losing focus. Plan routes carefully, share driving, and get enough sleep before long trips.

Driving when Angry

Avoid becoming a victim of another driver’s anger easily

Floods in Dubai

Avoid driving through floods

Vehicle Maintenance

Regular checks are essential for safety, including:

• Tyres
• lights
• Fluid Levels
• windscreens and wipers

Driver Assistance Systems

Modern vehicles include driver assistance systems that require drivers to remain alert and in full control.

Conventional Cruise Control (CCC)
A comfort system that enables the vehicle to travel at a constant speed and relieves the driver of the physical task of keeping their foot on the accelerator pedal

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
ACC slows down and speeds up the vehicle automatically to maintain a target speed whilst maintaining a safe distance to the vehicle ahead.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)
A safety system designed to support drivers with keeping their speeds within the recommended limits.

Lane Support Systems
A safety system to alert the driver when the vehicle unintentionally leaves the lane or changes lane without indicating.

Blind Spot Monitoring
A safety system to warn drivers of vehicles in their blind spot.

Forward Collision Mitigation
A safety system to prevent collisions with vehicles ahead.

Parking Assistance
A driver comfort system that moves a vehicle from a traffic lane into a parking spot to perform parallel, perpendicular, or angle parking

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
A safety system that prevents the wheels of a vehicle from locking up when braking and enables vehicle control even during harsh braking

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
A safety system that improves the vehicle’s stability by detecting and reducing the loss of traction

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline-powered cars and uses regenerative braking to add to the energy the car needs to run.

There are incentive for Owners of Electric Cars including free designated green parking in Dubai, free Salik Tag and free vehicle registration and renewal.

Reducing Crash Risk

Create Space Allow enough time to react to mistakes including leaving enough space between your vehicle and the vehicles around you.

Mobile Phones and Other Driver Distractions

Avoid using mobile phones or other devices that may cause distractions to reduce driver mistakes such as:Straddling lanes on a multiple lane road or veering across the road.

Road User Safety

Role Model Driving Behavior is a matter of choice and includes Driving within the speed limit
Safe following distance (extra travel time) Focus on your driving and use indicators, Use the indicators properly when changing lanes or changing directions, Show consideration to other road users and obey traffic rules and Avoid the mistakes of others.

Dealing With Vulnerable Road Users

safely deal with vulnerable road users by applying the 3 SSS: Space, Speed and sound

Specific guidelines are provided for pedestrians, school children, people of determination (disabled), cyclists, and scooter riders.

Sharing the Road With Other Vehicles

To safely deal with heavy vehicles.motorcycle Riders, Public transport buses remember to apply the 3 SSS: Space, Speed and sound

Emergency Vehicles

Give way and Give Hope to emergency vehicles as described in this Handbook On Highways, On internal roads and at Roundabouts

Dealing with Cyclists on the roads

Drivers need to practice rules when approaching cyclists and they need to exercise some Considerations on the Road, Intersections and Roundabouts which include Looking out for their hand signals.

Also, Violations and Fines Related to using cycles are defined in this Handbook

Bus & Taxi Lanes in Dubai

Only public transport and taxis or emergency vehicle may use bus and taxi lanes.

Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro

All road users including pedestrians must give priority to Tram movement and those involved in accidents are required to remain at the scene

Specific signage for warning the driver: a tram TRAM RIGHT OF WAY REGULATORY MARKINGS

Rules and Responsibilities

Key rules include disciplined driving, planning routes in advance, observing surroundings for landmarks and directional signs making correct decisions with all road situation.

What are Road Rules?

Road Rules are traffic laws to help u safely use the roads. Follow signs and never swerve the vehicle as you turn your head.

### Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs are used to control the actions of road users and show actions you must or must not do and include:

• Control signs Traffic Volume is heavy
• Mandatory signs - Show the lane you must get into.
• Prohibitory signs - Indicate not to use horn or other items.
• Parking control signs - Control parking and what do with it.
• Freeway control signs - Indicate roads classified as freeways.

Warning Signs

Warning sings alert road users to potentially hazardous conditions. Sometimes these hazards are hidden Advance Warning Signs will warn of potential hazards

Hazard Marker Signs

Hazard marker identify physical hazards. Bridge Structure
Multiple Chevron Hazard Plate ,Traffic Islands .Multiple Chevron Multiple Left Hazard Markers

Diagrammatic Warning Signs

Used on high speed roads and fall into the following general categories:Traffic movement is affected be an obstruction
Adding another lane for driving.
Lanes in use regulated.

Traffic Control at Intersections

Roadways use signals or signs to control vehicle. At marked stop give way to traffic which is uncontrolled.

Traffic Control Signals

Control traffic with GREEN, YELLOW and RED lights, If green check what other vehicles are doing and take to move forward. Traffic lights with arrows make turns easier.

Traffic control Signs

Sign used for safety control like stop or give way ( give way so avoid accident)

Giving way to peadistrains

At Pedistrian Crossing Flashing Yellow or traffic lights help guide foot traffic
Intersections are high traffic for both vehicles and pedestrians. Reduce speed or stop safely.

Turning

1. Plan the routes before changing lanes or turning. Take proper position prior to turning or lane change
2. Turning at T-intersections . Use caution with right or left turns in areas. give way on intersections
3. U-turns - Turn in a safe area and never cross two solid area
4. Turning from One-way or Two-way Roads. Use extra care when changing as safety first
5. Entering the Traffic Stream. Join or safely leave heavy heavy roads. If you do need to. Be sure to show all traffic of intent safely
6. Changing

Planning when driving

Must make sure there is a safe space of front for you by driving safely for 2 to 4 second intervals on road ways.

• Pull safely over if you are to close to people
• Check to make sure others driver do not get distracted
• Do not make turns without verifying what is before you
• Signal intentions and remember 2 to 4 second intervals between vehicles

1. To safely return to the freeway after pulling on to the shoulder or central divider area in an emergency, wait until there is a large gap in the traffic. Then increase speed while still on the shoulder, check your mirrors, signal and check your blind spots for other vehicles. Move into the nearest lane when it is safe.

Interchanges and following the traffic to proceed. Some driving points to consider :

1. Have use indicators on.
2. Orange and green car move in respective and safe speeds and to pass slowly.
3. Control car and observe surroundings drivers driving safety

What to be aware off in a Collision and or after a collision if you caused it.

• Set up appropriate lights or markers to warn drivers if it will block path or hinder vision. - Help get people out to seek medical
• Make certain to not let traffic slow down further to be aware of accidents going on
• Dial 999 to find police for any people who are hurt or need medical attention
• Do not try and argue with the others. Allow the police or ambulance services to handle the situation or hurt people.

Traffic Violations, Fines & Black Points

Various violations range from driving under the influence to speeding, with respective fines, black points, and confiscation periods. See traffic table for amount for offences.

Easy Licensing

Has all licence data stored to review and make transactions.
Use trusted RTA agents: select car, vehicle insurance or Opticians for licensing services - Contact Call center if you need help to process transaction or more instructions.

Eco Friendly Driving

1. Keep care of vehicle as possible for fuel or to drive for efficiency.