Driving licences issued in the UAE and Texas can now be swapped

Drivers in the UAE and the US state of Texas will now be able to swap licences without undergoing knowledge or road tests.

The UAE Ministry of Interior signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Public Safety in Texas, enabling mutual recognition of driving licences issued by both entities.

The initiative aims to streamline procedures and ensure ease of movement for residents and visitors from both sides. 

Typically, drivers with US-issued licences are able to convert them to UAE permits through the Markhoos programme. 

In Dubai, conversions can be made through the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) application. In Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, the respective police departments oversee the conversion. 

Permits from countries not eligible for conversion must enroll in a driving school and go through the whole process of getting a driving licence.