UAE driving tests: Why scoring 75% may still not be enough to pass

Learner drivers in the UAE could fail their practical driving test despite scoring at least 75 per cent if they commit a dangerous mistake. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2027, introducing stricter requirements for applicants seeking a driving licence.

Under the rules, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 75 per cent in both theory and practical driving tests. However, meeting the required score does not guarantee a pass, as certain serious errors can lead to automatic failure.

Judicial counsellor Hesham Elrafei explained that the regulations distinguish between dangerous mistakes that can trigger automatic failure and minor errors that result in deductions under the marking system.

The law does not establish a single marking system for every driving school across the UAE. Instead, the relevant licensing authorities will determine the detailed assessment criteria.

What Mistakes Can Lead to Automatic Failure?

Under Article 68, learner drivers can fail their practical test regardless of their overall score if they commit certain dangerous mistakes.

Examples of errors that may result in automatic failure include:

Losing control of the vehicle.
Hitting a kerb or barrier.
Ignoring traffic signs or signals.
Making dangerous mistakes while changing gears.

Requiring the examiner to intervene verbally or physically to prevent a dangerous situation.

These rules aim to assess not only a candidate’s driving skills but also their ability to operate a vehicle safely and respond appropriately to road conditions.

However, the regulation does not explicitly require examiners to end the test immediately after a dangerous incident. It also does not specify how examiners must communicate feedback to candidates who fail.

What Happens If a Learner Fails the Driving Test?

Under Article 69, applicants who fail the practical driving test will receive another test date from the relevant licensing authority.

However, the regulation does not prescribe a fixed waiting period before candidates can retake the test. It also does not make additional driving lessons a mandatory condition for attempting the test again.

The rules do not specify whether candidates must pay another test fee after failing. Licensing authorities will determine these procedures.

Learners should therefore check with their respective licensing authorities or driving schools for details about retest bookings, fees and any additional requirements.

Will the New Rules Affect Learners Already Taking Lessons?

The new regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027, without an exemption for applicants who started their driving lessons or booked their tests before that date.

Learners who take their practical driving tests from January 1 onwards should expect to be assessed under the new requirements, even if they began their training several months earlier.

Driving schools and licensing authorities will also need to update their testing procedures to reflect the new requirements. However, the regulation does not specify the preparations they must complete before implementation.

What UAE Learner Drivers Should Know

The new rules highlight the importance of safe driving practices alongside achieving the required test score. Learners should focus on maintaining vehicle control, following traffic signs and signals, changing gears safely and responding correctly to potential hazards.

From January 1, 2027, scoring 75 per cent or more will not be enough if a candidate commits a mistake that qualifies for automatic failure. Understanding the assessment criteria and practising safe driving techniques will be essential for learners preparing for their practical tests.