World of Will
From Fear to Finally Getting My Licence
A motorcycle rider from the Philippines takes on Dubai’s roads — eight‑lane highways, angle parking, and a garage that wouldn’t be beaten. This is the full story, one attempt at a time.
Days, start to finish
Retakes along the way
AED — unlimited package
Licence, finally in hand
February 28, 2026 — this was the day I decided to enrol for a driving licence here in Dubai.
I already knew how to drive a motorcycle back in the Philippines, but I had never driven a four-wheel car before. So, honestly, I was excited. I wanted to learn, and I wanted to experience what it feels like to drive a car here in Dubai.
But if you are starting from zero, getting a driving licence in Dubai is not cheap. For my part, I decided to take the Unlimited Package at Excellence Driving School in Al Barsha, which cost me AED 7,800. I chose the unlimited package because it meant I could retake my road tests and parking tests whenever I failed. Of course, the challenge was not the money anymore — it was the time, patience, and effort.
And believe me, I needed all three. 😂
Getting a driving licence in Dubai is not easy. The standards are high, and the traffic rules are taken very seriously. The roads are also very different from what I was used to in the Philippines. Some roads have 8 to 12 lanes, there are so many signs to remember, and you really need to pay attention to everything around you.
01The Theory Test
Signs, situations, and hazards
This covered road signs, traffic rules, different situations on the road, and possible hazards. I was lucky enough to pass it on my first attempt, so I could finally start my actual driving lessons.
02Learning How to Drive
Twelve hours behind the wheel
For the initial driving lessons, I had 12 hours of training. I learned how to drive at different speeds, including 40 km/h and 60 km/h. I learned how to turn left and right, make U-turns, change lanes, and, most importantly, how to properly check my blind spots.
I also learned how to adjust my side mirrors, position my seat correctly, and operate the basic controls of the car. These may sound like simple things, but they are very important because they become part of your habits when you eventually drive on your own.
Then came the internal road test. And this is where things started to get real. 😂
“Makasarado kaha ko ani?” — will I ever pass this? This was also where I realised how helpful the unlimited package was. I could keep trying, learn from my mistakes, and try again.
Seventh time was the charm — cleared to move on to parking.
03Parking — My Biggest Challenge
Angle, parallel, and one stubborn garage
After passing the internal road test, I moved on to parking. I took another four hours of parking lessons before taking the internal parking exam.
Then, finally, a pass — and on to the real thing: the RTA parking test.
Passed emergency brake and inclined slope. Failed angle parking, parallel parking, and garage parking.
Finally passed angle and parallel parking — but garage parking still wasn’t done with me.
My biggest enemy. 😂 By the fifth attempt, my instructor advised another two-hour class — and that class made all the difference. I finally understood the technique I needed.
I was incredibly happy. It felt like someone finally removed a thorn that had been stuck in me for so long.
04Finally, the RTA Road Test
The final test
Before taking it, I had another four hours of training, this time including driving at 100 km/h and doing longer drives.
At that point, I honestly felt the pressure. A failed RTA road test means another four-hour training class before you can try again — and I was already very busy with work and other responsibilities.
“This time, I need to pass.” And I did.
After months of lessons, failed tests, repeated attempts, nervous moments, and a lot of learning, I finally made it.
05August 18, 2026 — I Finally Graduated
Not just a licence — a journey
Looking back, I can honestly say that this was one of the most challenging things I have done here in Dubai. But it was also one of the most fulfilling. It was not just about getting a licence. It was a journey.
Along the way, I met different people. I met instructors who guided me, classmates who were also going through their own struggles, and people who reminded me that failing does not mean you should stop.
Every step had its own challenge. And funny enough, when I was finally close to finishing, I realised something unexpected: I was going to miss it. I started thinking about my classes, my instructors, and all those days when I was nervous and kept wondering if I would ever pass.
“Murag dili jud ni nako mapasar.”
— at the beginning, I honestly thought I would never pass this.
But now, I have my licence. And I have already started driving here in Dubai. Sometimes, the things we are most afraid of are the things that teach us the most.
06To Everyone Taking Driving Lessons in Dubai
My advice, if you’re on this road too
If you are currently taking driving lessons here in Dubai, my advice is simple: take your time, don’t rush, enjoy the journey. You will eventually get there.
- Don’t force itIf you know you’re not ready yet, don’t rush just to finish quickly. Dubai roads can be very challenging when you’re driving alone, and the responsibility only grows once you have your own licence.
- Make the most of your trainingUse every lesson to build your confidence and experience — the training isn’t only about passing the exam, it’s preparing you to drive safely on your own.
- Learn it properly the first timeYou don’t want to learn the hard way — traffic fines in Dubai can be very expensive. 😅
- Ask, listen, improveTake your time, ask questions, listen to your instructor, make mistakes during training, learn from them, and keep improving.
Because eventually, you will have that moment when you finally say: “I passed.” And believe me, that feeling is worth it. ❤️
Thank You, Excellence Driving School Al Barsha
Thank you for being part of this journey — for the support, patience, and guidance throughout the whole process.
One thing I really appreciated was how smooth the scheduling was, especially when I needed to retake classes and exams. It made the whole process much easier for me, especially with my busy schedule. My overall experience was truly smooth and memorable.
Leave a Reply