Driving License in Oman- Requirements, Fees, and Application Process in 2024
Oman is one of the most beautiful countries in the Gulf, with diverse landscapes. Thousands of individuals who want to explore this Sultanate are attracted to its scenic beauty. However, it is not at all possible to travel the entire country and explore ideal places without having a driving license in Oman. The Directorate General of Traffic under the Royal Oman Police issues the driver’s license after an individual passes the mandatory tests and meets all other requirements. Therefore, most tourists and expats try to get a driving license before hitting the roads to avoid heavy car rentals.
How to Get A Driving License in Oman?
If you are planning to visit the Sultanate of Oman as a tourist or intend to reside there as an expat, obtaining a driving license is easy after reading our comprehensive guide. Whether you know driving or not, you can get a driving license in Oman by following our guidelines. Getting a driver’s license is different if you can drive and cannot.
For Individuals Who Can Drive
The requirements for obtaining a driving license in Oman differ for tourists, expats, and GCC nationals.
Four Tourists
If you are in Oman on a visit visa for less than three months, you can drive in Oman after getting an international driving license. You are also allowed to drive on your home country’s driving license. The minimum age requirement for these drivers is at least 21 years because you cannot rent a car below this age group in Oman.
For Expats
If you are moving to Oman as an expat, your priority after getting a residency card should be to obtain a driving license in Oman. Remember that expats other than GCC nationals must take driving lessons and tests before getting a driving license. However, people from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, Italy, Jordan, Ireland, Morrocco, Netherlands, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and Brunei are exempted from taking the test.
For GCC Nationals
If you are a GCC National, you can easily convert your driving license to an Oman driving license. You need to take an eye test at any authorized optician. The Royal Oman Police accepts only those driving license applications that contain an eye test report and blood report.
For Individuals Who Cannot Drive
If you cannot drive, you can learn to drive any vehicle (manual or automatic) in Oman, regardless of gender. You can get a learner driving license in Oman if you are above 18 and have no disability.
You have to pass the mandatory vision test and blood group test. Having a blood group form from a registered physician and an eye test result from an authentic optician, you can visit the ROP office and get a driving test application form to apply for a driver’s license.
Driving License Application Requirements
An individual who is 18 years old is eligible to apply for a light traffic vehicle driving license. However, to apply for a heavy traffic vehicle driving license, you must be 21 years old. Passing a vision test from an authentic optician is another requirement to apply for an Oman driving license. You may need a blood group test report from an authorized clinic.
But, first of all, you have to register yourself with the Royal Oman Police to apply for a driving license in Oman. You will be asked to fill out the driving license application form received from ROP. Attach the below-mentioned documents to proceed with the process further.
Driving License Fees
Driving License Fee in Oman is different for different types of licenses. The table below will explain the schedule of charges to apply for a driving license in Oman.
Driving License Type | Fee (OMR) | Validity |
LTV Driving License | 20 OMR | 10 years for Omani and 2 Years for Non- Omani |
Temporary Driving License | 10 OMR | 1 Year |
HTV Driving License | 10 OMR | 5 years for Omani and 2 Years for Non-Omani |
Track License | 10 OMR | 5 years for Omani and 2 Years for Non- Omani |
Motorcycle Driving License | 15 OMR | 10 years for Omani and 2 Years for Non- Omani |
Apart from these fees, the individuals must buy a driving license book for 5 OMR and fees for eye and blood group tests.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain A Driving License
If you have collected the required documents, follow our step-by-step process to easily obtain a driving license in Oman.
Step 1: Take an eye vision test with an authorized optician. You can find the list of those eye specialists online.
Step 2: Take a blood group test and obtain a blood group form from the registered clinic or physician.
Step 3: Visit the nearest ROP Directorate of Licensing and Vehicle Registration. Fill out the driver’s license application form and paste two Passport-sized photos on it. Submit the application form along with all the necessary documents.
Step 4: Purchase the driving license book for 5 OMR and read about the road signals and driving rules.
Step 5: Take your driving lessons with an experienced instructor who will guide you throughout your test drive.
Step 6: Take various tests like traffic signs and drum, slope, and road tests. Remember that passing all these tests is mandatory to qualify for a driving license in Oman.
Step 7: Pay the driving license fee depending on the type of license you have applied. You will receive your driving license at the address in the application form.
ROP Driving License Book
When an individual applies for a driving license in Oman, the ROP will hand over a book containing traffic sign information. You will have to learn details about various traffic signs and pass the traffic signs test. Moreover, the book helps to keep all your driving test records.
Oman Driving License Tips for Newbies
If you are a newbie and want to obtain a driver’s license on the first attempt, familiarize yourself with driving rules in the Sultanate of Oman. Knowing the traffic rules and driving tips is necessary to pass the driving tests. Here are some driving tips:
- Always drive on the right side of the road.
- Wearing seat belts is mandatory for drivers and passengers.
- Follow the speed limits on the roads. These are 40-80 km/h in cities and towns, 90 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.
- Always keep your driving license, vehicle registration, insurance papers, and roadworthy certificate while driving.
- Practice again and again before taking a driving test.
- Listen carefully to the instructions of your trainer. Never hesitate to ask for clarification.
- ROP shows zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Therefore, avoid drinking while driving to avoid penalties and black points.
- Learn as much as possible about Oman roads. Almost all roads in populated areas are paved and well-maintained.
Driving Tests in Oman
There are two kinds of driving tests in Oman. You must pass both to be eligible for a driving license in Oman. There is an oral test from the driving license book. An ROP official will ask quizzes about traffic signs for a few minutes. He will record your answers and declare you eligible for driving tests. The driving tests include drum and slope tests.
Driving License Renewal
A driving license in Oman is valid for 10 years if you are an Omani citizen and 2 years for non-Omani residents. However, driving license renewal is possible through the ROP Directorate General of Traffic. You will need the following documents to apply for a renewal.
International Driving License in Oman
Do you know that the Sultanate of Oman recognizes the international driving license in Oman? However, you cannot drive on this document alone. Instead, you must possess your home country’s driving license to hit the Oman roads. The validity period of the international driving permit is one year from the date of issuance. However, if you want to stay in the Sultanate for an extended period, you will need an Oman driving license.