Dubai Driving Test: RTA's New Smart System Scores the Yard Test with AI
Part of the Dubai driving test, the light-vehicle yard test, is moving to a new Smart Test System. RTA (Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority) announced it on 29 September 2026: AI and cameras record the drive, and the result is calculated automatically without human intervention. After the test, learners can replay their own drive.
What is changing in the Dubai driving test?
Here are the key points of RTA's announcement (Launching the Next-Gen Smart Test System to Enhance Driving Tests) (checked 10 October 2026).
| Item | What the announcement says |
|---|---|
| Scope | Yard test for light vehicles |
| Road test and theory test | Not mentioned in the announcement |
| Start date | Not mentioned in the announcement |
| Where | Test centres and driving institutes are not named in the announcement |
| Scoring | Calculated automatically against standardised criteria, with no human intervention |
| Reviewing the result | A replay of the drive and a 3D map show where and why errors occurred |
| Fee changes | Not mentioned in the announcement |
What the new Smart Test System checks
The announcement lists four technologies.
- Smart cameras: check mirror and blind-spot use, and hand position on the steering wheel.
- Facial recognition: confirms the learner's identity and links the result to that person.
- RTK positioning: tracks the car's position on the test course to within 2 centimetres.
- AI collision avoidance: preventive automatic braking steps in when a collision is likely.
RTA also says the system is designed to work the same way regardless of weather or lighting, day and night.
Replay your drive to see your mistakes
With the new system, learners can play back the car's movements after the test and review their driving in detail. An interactive 3D map shows the route driven and where major and minor errors were recorded. Performance data connects with the training side and is used to tailor training to each learner.
What learners should do
- Ask your driving institute: the start date and test locations are not in the announcement. Your driving institute or RTA is the surest way to find out when and where your own test will use the new system.
- Make your checks clearly: cameras record mirror and blind-spot checks and your hand position. Building the habit of never skipping checks during practice will help.
- If you fail, watch the replay: the map shows where and why you lost points, so you can use it in your next practice.
Also note that licences from certain countries can be exchanged for a Dubai licence without taking the test. RTA's licensing services page explains that a licence from an authorised country can be exchanged for a Dubai licence. Check RTA for the eligible countries and conditions. This article is general information only; for your individual case, please consult RTA or a qualified professional.
FAQ
Q. Will the road test also use the new system?
This announcement covers the light-vehicle yard test and does not mention the road test.
Q. Will the test fees change?
The announcement does not mention fees. Check RTA for the latest amounts.
Summary
In the Dubai driving test, the light-vehicle yard test is moving to automatic scoring by AI and cameras. The start date and test locations have not been announced yet. If you have a test coming up, check with your driving institute and don't skip your checks. Even if you fail, the replay shows you why, so you can do better next time. We will update this article when more details are released.
How KAMIKAZE can help
KAMIKAZE DUBAI CARS is a Japanese-run car dealer in Dubai. We support you from choosing a car after you get your licence through to the purchase, and you see the quote before anything goes ahead. Visit our car buying support page or contact us on WhatsApp +971 54 579 1423 / support@kamikaze.trading.