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UAE Category 4 License Guide 2025: Drive Heavy Trucks

Semi truck parked at a loading dock with visible caution signs and industrial surroundings.

Do you want to drive big trucks, trailers, or heavy commercial vehicles in the UAE? In the case of yes, then you will require a UAE driving license category 4. This license will give you the legal rights to drive heavy vehicles on roads in the UAE, but it is not exactly a form of provision exercise. You should fulfil some requirements, present the necessary documents, take special training, and pass a range of tests.

In this guide, I will provide you with all you need to know under one roof, including eligibility requirements, how to go about the process of getting a license, the training requirements, including costs, and renewal requirements.

What is the UAE Driving License Category 4?

In the UAE, a driving license attesting competence to drive heavy trucks and trailers is a Category 4 license. This is a license designed to run heavy trucks, trailers, and any other large types of commercial transportation. One can hardly live without it, working in logistics, construction, or transportation. It involves even more than driving, requires high qualifications and safety, and must undergo demanding eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Age Requirement

  • The minimum age in all emirates is 21.
    • It is a legal standard of safety, and there are no compromises.

Existing Driving License

  • You should already possess a valid UAE light vehicle driving license (Category 3), at least 1 year old.

Medical Fitness

  • You must pass a medical fitness test from an RTA-approved clinic.
  • The test includes:
    • Eye test
    • General health check

Valid Residency

  • At the moment of application, it is necessary to have a valid residence visa in the UAE.
  • Type 3 UAE license expires after 1 year.
An Infographics of UAE Driving License Guide

Documents Required

Have your documents ready so that you can save time when you apply. You’ll need:

  • Original Emirates ID (for identification and verification)
  • Valid UAE residence visa (proving your legal residency)
  • Copy of your existing driving license (Category 3)
  • Passport copy (personal details and visa page)
  • Passport-sized photos (usually 4–6, depending on emirate requirements)
  • Medical fitness test results (issued by an RTA-approved clinic)
  • NOC from the employer

Tip: Carry duplicates of all the documents that some driving schools might require copies.

A UAE Driving License

How to Apply for a UAE Category 4 License

Step 1: Go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Step 2: Select the services

A Screenshot of Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Under the services section, click on UAE Driving License Issuance.

Step 3: Medical Fitness Test

  • Make the reservation with a licensed medical clinic (RTA-approved).
  • The test is done to verify:
    • Eyesight
    • Color blindness
    • General physical condition
  • After you pass, send the medical report to your driving school.

Step 4: Take Theory Classes

  • These are mandatory.
  • Classes cover:
    • UAE heavy vehicle road rules
    • Cargo safety and securing loads
    • Heavy vehicle braking systems
    • Maneuvering with a trailer
    • Emergency protocols
  • Format:
    • In-person (classroom) or
    • Online (in some emirates like Dubai)
  • Duration: 8–12 hours spread over multiple days.

Step 5: Theory Test

  • This was done at the RTA test center.
  • Format:
    • Multiple-choice questions
    • Hazard perception video
  • Pass mark: Usually 75% or above.

Step 6: Practical Training

  • The hours of training vary depending on your past experiences.
  • Covers:
    • Heavy truck control systems
    • Safe turning radius management
    • Uphill & downhill control
    • Reversing with and without a trailer
    • Parking & docking techniques
  • Licensing of RTA-certified instructors takes place during training.

Step 7: Road Test

  • This is the last and the most significant.
  • You will be supervised when driving a heavy truck on the road by an examiner.
  • They’ll check:
    • Lane discipline
    • Turning safety
    • Gear control
    • Braking precision
    • Awareness of blind spots

Read Also: F25 Bus Dubai: AED 3 Ride from Metro to Al Quoz (Full Guide)

License Validity

  • First-time: 2 years resident
  • Renewals:
    • 10 years for UAE & GCC nationals
    • 5 years for expatriates

Renewal Process for Category 4 License

In those cases when your license approaches expiry:

  1. Make an appointment for a medical exam at a clinic that is accredited by RTA.
  2. Forward the findings to the traffic department.
  3. Pay the renewal commission.
  4. Pick up your renewed license.

FAQs

What is a UAE Category 4 license?

You can drive heavy trucks and trailers, and the jobs require transport, logistics, and construction.

What is a Class 4 license in AB?

In Alberta, Canada, it’s for taxis, ambulances, and small buses, different from the UAE’s heavy vehicle Category 4.

What is a Category 5 UAE license?

This is the driving license for heavy buses with more than 26 passengers.

What Does Driving License Category 8 in the UAE Do?

It is to drive special vehicles, such as forklifts and other industrial equipment.

Read Also: F23A Bus Route Dubai (2025): Stops, Timings & Map Guide

Final Thoughts

The Category 4 license will take you a long way in case you’re serious about driving heavy trucks in the UAE. Although it is more intensive than a standard license, it is possible to land well-trained drivers of heavy vehicles and drive them in a safe way.

Providing that you meet the eligibility requirements, have your documents ready in advance, and keep up with the training process step-by-step, you will have no trouble on your way to the application.

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