Oman Driver’s Licence Guide: Requirements, Costs & Process 2026
How to get or swap an Omani driving licence in 2026: official ROP fees, validity for expats, licence exchange rules, test costs and online renewal.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published , updated
Updated 3 October 2026: official ROP fees and validity rechecked, new licence exchange conditions, online renewal through the ROP app.
If you live in Oman, or are moving there from the UAE, you need an Omani driving licence once your visitor period ends. There are two routes: exchange an eligible foreign licence, or train and sit the Royal Oman Police (ROP) tests.
This guide covers the official fees, who can swap a licence, and what a new driver should expect to pay. Prices are in Omani rials (OMR), with approximate AED figures at about AED 9.55 to OMR 1.
Can you drive in Oman on a foreign licence?
According to the ROP's own FAQs, visitors can drive in Oman on their home licence while they hold a visit visa, for up to 3 months. If you stay longer or become a resident, you need an Omani licence.
If you are planning a short trip across the border, our UAE to Oman road trip guide covers the practical side.
Exchanging a foreign licence in Oman
Some nationalities can swap their licence without a driving test. The ROP calls this the "Exchange of Eligible Foreign Licence" service. Its conditions are:
- Your licence must be valid and issued in a country on the ROP's eligible list.
- At least 1 full year must have passed since the licence was issued.
- You must be an Oman resident.
Documents the ROP asks for:
- Vision test form from an ROP-authorised optician
- Blood group certificate
- Driving licence application form
- Original and copy of your residence card
- Original and copy of your current licence
The ROP offers this service through its mobile app.
The ROP does not publish the eligible country list on that page. Gulf News reported in 2024 that it included GCC states, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several European countries. The ROP's FAQs confirm some licences, such as Philippine ones, cannot be exchanged. Check your nationality with the ROP before you plan around a swap.
Getting a new Omani driving licence
If your licence is not eligible, you start as a learner. The ROP's FAQs say:
- You must be at least 18.
- First-time applicants need their sponsor's approval for a learner licence.
The process usually runs like this:
- Pass a vision test at an authorised optician (results are valid for 30 days).
- Open a learner file at an ROP traffic department.
- Take lessons with a driving school or approved instructor.
- Pass the ROP tests: a yard test (signs, parking and control on a slope) and then a road test.
The ROP does not list test fees on its licence pages. Gulf News reported in 2024 that the learner "green book" cost about OMR 5 (about AED 48) and each test attempt about OMR 25 (about AED 239). Instructors charged around OMR 10 an hour, with full packages of OMR 350 to 500. Treat these as a guide and confirm current prices with your school.
Oman licence fees and validity in 2026
These are the fees and validity periods on the ROP's licence renewal service page:
| Licence type | Fee | Validity (Omanis) | Validity (expats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light vehicle | OMR 20 (about AED 191) | 10 years | 2 years |
| Motorcycle | OMR 15 (about AED 143) | 10 years | 2 years |
| Heavy vehicle | OMR 10 (about AED 95) | 5 years | 2 years |
| Temporary | OMR 10 (about AED 95) | 1 year | 1 year |
So expats renew every 2 years, at the same fee.
How to renew your Omani licence online
The ROP lets residents renew through its website or app. The conditions:
- Your licence has expired or expires within the next 30 days.
- You have no unpaid traffic fines.
- Your vehicle registration has not been expired for more than a year.
- You are physically in Oman.
- You have electronic authentication (PKI) set up, by card reader or mobile.
You also need a fresh vision test from an approved centre, which sends the result to the ROP electronically. The result is only valid for 30 days, so book it close to your renewal.
Practical tips for driving in Oman
- Traffic drives on the right.
- Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in the car.
- Follow the posted speed limits.
- Oman has zero tolerance for drink driving.
- Carry your licence and vehicle registration at all times.
If you are moving for work, you can browse live Gulf jobs on JobXDubai. Oman's hiring rules for expats have also tightened in some sectors, as we covered when Oman tightened expat hiring.
Key takeaway
Expats in Oman pay OMR 20 for a light vehicle licence that lasts 2 years, and can renew online through the ROP app. Some nationalities can swap a home licence held for at least a year, but everyone else trains and sits the ROP tests, so check your eligibility first.
FAQ
How long is an Omani driving licence valid for expats?
A light vehicle licence for non-Omanis is valid for 2 years and costs OMR 20 to issue or renew. Omani nationals get 10 years for the same licence.
Can I convert my UAE driving licence to an Omani licence?
GCC licences have been on the exchange list, according to Gulf News. The ROP requires the licence to be valid and at least 1 year old, plus a vision test and blood group certificate. Confirm with the ROP before you apply.
How long can a tourist drive in Oman with a foreign licence?
The ROP says visitors can drive on their own licence while on a visit visa, for up to 3 months. After that, or once you become a resident, you need an Omani licence.
How much does a driving test cost in Oman?
The ROP does not publish test fees on its licence pages. Gulf News reported in 2024 that each attempt cost about OMR 25, with the learner green book at about OMR 5.
Can I renew my Omani driving licence online?
Yes. The ROP website and app handle renewals if your licence expires within 30 days, you have no unpaid fines, you are in Oman and you have PKI authentication. You need a vision test result less than 30 days old.
Further reading
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