The 5 Best Schools with Driving Instructors in Dubai
Driving is often a must when you’re living in Dubai, in our opinion. While the commuting system here is great, the hot and arid climate of the region makes it uncomfortable often.
But before you can even start driving on the road, you have to learn how to do it, and the most effective way of doing that is by getting taught by a professional driving instructor.
To find out which ones are the best, we went and asked around to give you Dubai’s schools with driving instructors.
How much does it cost to go to a school with a driving instructor in Dubai?
The cost of going to a school with a driving instructor in Dubai depends on what kind of vehicle are you learning to drive, and the duration of the class and the course.
To help you get started, we made a table that includes our selected schools and the range of their rates. Please take note that these are the current rates, and they are subject to change anytime.
How We Picked Dubai’s Best Schools with Driving Instructors in Dubai
Before we get right into our list of the best schools with driving instructors in Dubai, here are the factors we considered for our entries on this list:
1. Excellence Driving
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Course Flexibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
With a 51% passing rate for its first-time takers, and more than 55 thousand licenses issued, Excellence Driving is one of the biggest driving schools in Dubai.
It has three driving courses, Regular, Flexi, and Lumpsum.
Regular is the most affordable option but compromises flexibility with training days limited to three days per week. Flexi focuses on being available for any day of the week, with a slightly more expensive rate.
Meanwhile, Lumpsum is for those who can spend a little extra and do away with the hourly training fees that the other two courses exclude from the initial payment.
We like the fact that it has enough flexibility in its courses for it to be comprehensive and holistic, but not too many that it becomes too overwhelming for the student to figure out.
On top of that, its range of expertise is not too bad either. It offers courses on 4-wheel cars, motorcycles, heavy buses, and heavy trucks.
However, it does lack courses on more niche vehicles used more for working, such as forklifts and construction vehicles.
Where it shines, though, is in its ability to simplify its teaching methods and help students overcome the initial perception of first-time time drivers that it is complicated and scary.
However, it’s brought down by the fact that it really lacks accreditations and certifications besides the government-regulated ones.
Pros
- Offers a range of flexible and holistic driving courses
- Simple and human-first teaching style
- Has a great range of expertise on some types of vehicles
Cons
- Lacks special training and accreditations
- Lacks courses on some niche vehicles
Customer Reviews
Excellence Driving School is one of the best
“Excellence Driving School is one of the best and most well-maintained driving institutions. Everything is systematic and well organized. Whether it is a theory test driving class or whatever phase you’re in, they’re always there to help you.
However, institutions can only be great if their people (staff) are great. From call center employees, and reception to driving instructors everyone was good and helpful. But there is this one guy (instructor) I’d like to mention who stands out from the rest.
“Mr. Umer Mushtaq”, he’s undoubtedly one of the best instructors they have. He’s helping and understanding yet professional. Very decent and a guy with a positive energy and attitude. He will teach you like no one else. He will give you all the confidence you need to pass the final test. I really had a great experience, and I owe him thanks for his tips and instructions that I was able to pass the final RTA test in no time. It is the people like him who are making the institutions great.
Classes are easy to book, and call center employees are also very cooperative.” –
Jatt Hassan, Google Reviews
It was a great experience with Excellence Driving School
“So Finally I got my License on 15/1/2024, It was a great experience with Excellence Driving School, and I’m Glad to say that I received my RTA license, Thank you so much Muhammad Ashraf Sir.
He was an exceptional instructor who Gave me Top-notch training and he kept Motivating Me, His expertise and guidance helped me become a confident and skilled driver. If you looking for the Best Driving School Please Go for it.
Excellence Driving offers affordable prices in UAE, Once Again Thank you for the excellent service!” -Shahbaz Khan, Google Reviews
2. Emirates Driving Institute
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Course Flexibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
With over 40 branches and 2 well-equipped training and testing facilities in Al Quoz and Al Qusais, Emirates Driving Institute has been one of the most reputable schools since 1991.
This driving school is accredited by AA Driving School in the United Kingdom and operates on a large-scale network across Dubai.
What we love about its courses is that they are always available every day, and the driving school also offers night training for those who have something going on the whole day, which is mostly the case.
It doesn’t end there, its flexibility also continues on to other aspects. Emirates Driving Institute also offers a Youth Driving Course for college and university students and an affordable driving course for those with low-income jobs.
This driving school also shines in its range of expertise, offering courses beyond 4-wheel vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks. It also teaches driving for forklifts, desert driving, buses, and many more.
This is mostly because of its facilities, including its 51 thousand square feet training yard and sensor-equipped cars that help its students build confidence before hitting the actual road.
However, we think its teaching style relies too much on its facilities and technologies. On top of that, the waiting list for getting into this school always takes a long time because of its popularity.
Pros
- Internationally accredited driving school
- Offers flexible courses for all kinds of students
- Offers driving courses for many kinds of vehicles
Cons
- The waiting list is often long
- Teaching style relies heavily on its facilities and technology
Client Reviews
Successful in getting my UAE DL
“It was a great experience with EDI. I was successful in getting my UAE DL. The call center employees were too cooperative and professional. My instructor was very patient and had very good knowledge of UAE traffic rules. I would blindly recommend everyone to join this institute.” – Srinidhi Jayaram
Instructors are very professional and highly experienced
“Thank you, EDI for obtaining my driving license at the first opportunity. The entire EDI team provided great support for me. The call center staff are very responsive. The Instructors are very professional and highly experienced. Thank you to my instructors Miss Rukiya, Mr Shafiullah, and above all Mr Mohamed Nahas, EDI’s best instructor whose proper advice helped most in getting the license at the earliest. The transport system is also an added advantage.” – Minu Elizabeth Tom
3. Belhasa Driving Center
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Course Flexibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Established in 2001, Belhasa Driving Center has continuously introduced the concept of the driving school of the future that offers a holistic learning experience.
It has over 700 vehicles in its fleet, furnished onsite facilities, and experienced instructors, so there is no wonder that it’s an ISO-certified driving school.
When it comes to its courses, it takes flexibility towards another direction. It offers a VVIP tier that provides students perks such as having exclusive individual theoretical classes and allows students to pick the time and location for the training.
For example, if you decide to take their business class course, you’ll be able to access online classes and have flexible driving hours in your chosen location. You can also train using luxurious vehicles like Range Rover or Mercedes.
However, if you are not paying extra for this, then its flexibility is definitely one of its weak points. The training days are only on weekdays, and the required hours are dependent on your driving experience.
We also appreciate that it has a good range of expertise when it comes to the different types of vehicles it teaches. It offers driving courses on 4-wheelers, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and forklifts.
However, besides its experienced instructors and high-end facilities, it does not really have anything special to offer when it comes to its own teaching style.
Pros
- ISO-certified driving school
- Offers courses that come with exclusive perks
- Offers a wide range of courses for different types of vehicles
Cons
- Nothing special about its teaching style
- Flexibility in scheduling is only available for higher-tier courses
Client Reviews
I recommend this school
“I am so happy to choose Belhasa Driving School, Al Quoz Branch! All staff are very friendly and kind, cheering up the time I fail and upset, giving all the support they can. Very special THANKS to my Instructor NADEEM he was really helpful and taught me from the basics (I had 0 experience), his patience is just a thing to wonder about. And to Muhammad at the class booking desk. I recommend this school.” – Nurizat Raiimova
Process was seamless
“I had a great experience of getting my license through Belhasa Driving Center. The process was seamless. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I was able to get my license in the first attempt all thanks to the amazing instructor Romana. She made the experience of getting the license very easy. Thank you BDC.”- Shrutika Sharan
4. Dubai Driving Center
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Course Flexibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
With ISO certifications and an RTA approval under its belt, Dubai Driving Center ensures that its services are top-notch and always presents innovative and professional solutions.
What we love about this driving school is that its course scheduling and structure remain the same throughout. Training is available every day of the week, and students can also opt for a nighttime session.
This means none of us have to spend extra just to have the convenience of picking a time for us to learn how to drive.
For those who want a one-time payment and do away with all the pesky fees you have to pay every time you come in for training, though, Dubai Driving Center has a Royal VIP tier that caters to that.
It also has a great range of expertise in different types of vehicles, including 4-wheelers, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and forklifts.
Aside from the usual driving courses, their certified instructors offer lessons in defensive driving, which is a great thing not just for total beginners but also for experienced drivers who want to refresh their knowledge and skills.
However, a driving school located right beside the Arabian Desert does not offer desert driving lessons.
On top of that, there is nothing really special about its teaching style. We were disappointed about this because we expected something more from a driving school that is accredited.
Pros
- ISO-certified and RTA-approved driving school
- Holistic and flexible course structure
- Offers a great range of driving lessons for different types of vehicles
Cons
- Nothing special about its teaching style
- Does not offer desert driving courses
Client Reviews
Passed my driving test today
“I passed my driving test today, all thanks to my instructor, Ms.Rupika. I appreciate how approachable she was for any queries and the way she would teach & explain which was really very comforting & relaxing. This created a no-stress environment and helped me get over the nervousness. She is really supportive and the best trainer I could ever have. Thank you so much mam, you are the best.” – Sanchana Varshini
A lot of patience while teaching
“I passed my final road test on the first try all thanks to Mrs. Rupika. She was very determined in her job and very approachable. She will exactly tell you your mistakes and has a lot of patience while teaching. Overall it was a good experience at Dubai Driving Centre.” – Shivani Premchand
5. DriveDubai
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Course Flexibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Teaching Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Fairly new to the driving school industry, DriveDubai has become a prominent driving center in Dubai with its 18 branches.
Its 850 thousand-square feet training facilities can easily accommodate drivers who are training to drive large trucks and forklifts.
We also love that aside from that, its instructors can provide training in fuel efficiency, defensive driving, and advanced driving. However, it does lack courses on desert driving.
When it comes to its course flexibility, we love that it allows its clients to choose and change instructors.
This is one of its strongest points because each trainer has his/her own strategy or methods for teaching the lessons. This also reflects their aim to be a customer-centric service provider.
This also significantly plays into the driving school’s teaching style and its ability to really aim for the student’s needs.
To top it off, you can conveniently request the changes on their website. If you wish to change your schedule, training location, course, or instructor, all you have to do is use the student portal, post the request, and wait for it to be sorted.
However, we have come across reviews that say that its scheduling and follow-ups are quite slow-moving, which can become an inconvenience for people with busy schedules.
On top of that, it doesn’t have recent accolades and achievements, nor does it have any special accreditations.
Pros
- Students are able to choose their instructors at any point
- Offers courses on trucks, forklifts, and different driving styles
- Has systems in place that allow students to schedule classes at any time
Cons
- No special accreditations
- Scheduling classes can take time
- Does not offer desert driving
Customer Reviews
Absolutely satisfied with everything
“Today I got my driving license here. It took me less than 3 weeks! I was absolutely satisfied with everything: the managers were helpful, pick-up and drop-off drivers were also very nice. My instructor Mr. Tahir was very professional and gave me a lot of useful information and many necessary skills and tips for the RTA test and for future driving. His classes were very interesting) Highly recommend this driving school! Especially VIP package.” – Aleksandra Semeniuta
Passed my test in the first go
“Mr. Thameem Ansari was the best instructor I could have gotten. His patience, skill set, and support were truly magnificent. It is due to his support and capabilities that I passed my test in the first go. Very grateful to him and highly recommend you choose him as your instructor at Drive Dubai.” – Purhaad Bharucha
FAQs about Driving Instructors in Dubai
We hope this helped you find the right school with driving instructors in Dubai. If you’re looking for more driving guides, then check out these articles: