The theory test, called the Knowledge Test in Dubai, is the first test on the way to your licence. Knowing what to expect on the day takes away most of the stress. The format below is the one the RTA publishes for Dubai. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah set their own formats, so ask your institute about those.
Before you book
- Complete your theory lectures. In Dubai, cars need 8 hours.
- Make sure your learning permit is valid.
- Book through the RTA website or app, or through your driving institute. In the RTA app you choose the language of the test when you book.
The test format in Dubai
The RTA states that the Knowledge Test has 40 questions, and you need at least 30 correct answers to pass. That is 75%. The questions are multiple choice and cover traffic rules, road signs and markings, and situations at junctions and roundabouts, many of them with a picture.
The RTA does not publish a time limit on its booking page, so ask your institute what to expect.
Taking the test in your language
You choose the test language when you book. News reports over the years have listed Arabic, English and Urdu among the languages offered, along with several others. Check the list in the RTA app when you book. If your language is not offered, the RTA has a paid remote interpretation service: an interpreter joins by online call and translates every question and option. It has to be booked in advance.
On the day
- Bring your Emirates ID.
- Arrive 30 minutes early for confirmation.
- Read each question and every option to the end before answering. Words like not, only and except change the answer.
- On picture questions, look at the whole scene: signs, road markings and other vehicles usually decide it.
- If you are unsure, rule out the options you know are wrong first.
If you need to reschedule
In Dubai you can postpone up to 24 hours before the test, online or through your institute. Moving to an earlier slot costs extra. If you miss the test, you have to book again and pay the test fee again. Your file can be suspended if you take no test within six months of your last appointment.
If you do not pass
You can book the test again. Your institute will tell you whether you need extra lessons before you resit; in Abu Dhabi, for example, learners have been asked to take additional lessons first. Use the time to work on the chapters where you dropped marks.
Practising for the real format
The mock exam on this site has 40 questions from every chapter, a 30-minute timer and a pass mark of 30, the same number of questions and pass mark the RTA publishes for Dubai. If you pass it comfortably several times in a row and review every mistake, you are in good shape. Start with the rules learners most often get wrong and the road signs.
This is an independent guide, not an official source. The Dubai details were checked against the RTA's Knowledge Test booking page in October 2026. Formats and fees change, so confirm them when you book.