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Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
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The only impossible journey
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Photo by Daniel Rintz,
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  #1  
Old 17 Mar 2008
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Location: Perth, Australia
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UAE License Query

Hi All

I'm new here so please be gentle!

I have a UK Driving License and then got my UAE motorbike License a year ago (very amusing but that's another story) I plan to go to the UK in the Summer to do the BMW Off road course in Wales. They told me I need a valid license to ride on UK roads.

Does anyone know if I can ride with a UAE license or if I have to convert my licence or what I need to do?

No-one in the UK seems to know so I thought I'd try the Hubb out as it seems to be spot on for advice!
Thanks - Biker Chick
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Old 17 Mar 2008
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Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Welcome to the HUBB.

I don't quite understand your problem:

> I have a UK Driving License

You say you have one, but you don't have one? Do you mean you only have a UK car licence?

As long as you live in the UAE and only visit the UK you are allowed to drive / ride there, as a tourist. You would be doing what everybody else does.

Whether you can convince the organisers of the training is another matter, as they will be worried about insurance.

Cheers,
Peter (not a Brit...)
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Europe to NZ 2006-10
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  #3  
Old 17 Mar 2008
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Location: Abu Dhabi
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Biker Chick View Post
Does anyone know if I can ride with a UAE license or if I have to convert my licence or what I need to do?

No-one in the UK seems to know so I thought I'd try the Hubb out as it seems to be spot on for advice!
Thanks - Biker Chick
Peter's right. You can visit the UK and use your valid UAE bike/car licence on the roads. I think the legal limit is a year. Before that time expires you must convert to an UK licence. That would apply to you on your final return to the UK if you wanted to keep riding a bike.

BMW may or may not accept it but I think they should. If they don't, then ask them to clarify if they would accept, for example, an American licence to do their course. If yes, then they shouldn't discriminate. I have always used my UAE licence confidently and never had any trouble. I also have a German licence because I used to work there but I always give my UAE licence when required. E.g. Last summer while riding in the UK, a car hit me and the driver tried to blame me. His insurance company never once queried my UAE licence (and they paid out for my costs).

I think you are less likely to be pursued for minor infractions too if you show the UAE licence.
Stephan
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  #4  
Old 17 Mar 2008
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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Hi All

Thanks for your responses. Sorry I wasn't very clear. Yes, I have a UK car license and a UAE car and motorbike license.

I will check with BMW and see what they say, I'm sure it will be fine as it's an off road course anyway and they supply the bike.

Thanks again for the advice!
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