Why UAE Driving Test Candidates Can Fail Despite Scoring 75%
By Faizan Hashmi | Published October 27, 2026 | 03:27 PM
Scoring the required marks is not enough, as candidates can also fail for dangerous mistakes or violating traffic rules.
Dubai, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Oct, 2026) An important point has emerged for people seeking driving licences in the United Arab Emirates: scoring 75% or more in the practical driving test does not guarantee success. A candidate may be failed despite achieving good overall marks if they make a mistake that endangers their own safety or that of others during the test.
The Khaleej Times has highlighted this issue in a report, while the available administrative regulations under the country's federal traffic laws also make clear that the ability to drive safely, rather than marks alone, is fundamental in the driving test.
Why Can Candidates Fail Despite Scoring 75%?
Article 97 of the 1997 administrative regulations issued under the UAE Federal Traffic Law outlines the evaluation process.
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Minimum Passing Standard: A candidate scoring less than 75% overall is considered to have failed.
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Dangerous Mistakes: However, the regulations identify certain mistakes that can lead to immediate failure, even if the candidate performs well in other areas. These include:
- Hitting designated obstacles or boundaries
- Failing to keep the vehicle under control when starting it
- Making an error while changing gears
- Failing to stop or park correctly
- Violating traffic signals and road signs
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Safety Interventions: If the examiner has to give verbal instructions or physically intervene to prevent a potential or actual danger, this can also result in failure.
Advanced Technology in Dubai Driving Tests
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded the use of artificial intelligence and advanced cameras in the driving-test system.
The authority's advanced smart test system evaluates:
- Vehicle movement and parking accuracy
- Driver's safety behavior
- Mirror checks and blind spot awareness
This technology aims to provide a more consistent and transparent assessment of candidates' performance and identify mistakes.
What Must Be Done After Failing the Test?
According to Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, a candidate who fails the test:
- Must wait the prescribed time period before retaking
- Can review their test results and identify areas for improvement
- Can seek guidance from driving instructors