RTA-Approved Eye Test Centers in Dubai

When applying for a new driver’s licence or renewing an existing one in Dubai, you need to undergo an eye test. It is conducted at a Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)-approved center. This test is a small step in the process, but it is essential because the results must meet the vision standards set by the transport authority.

This guide from MOOV by Al-Futtaim explains why the RTA-approved eye test is required, the documents needed to complete it, the cost, and the centers you can visit across the city.

Why You Need an RTA-Approved Eye Test for Your Driving licence

To take and pass the RTA driving test and secure your driver’s licence, you need to submit the following documents at RTA-approved eye test centers in Dubai. These facilities follow strict standards, assessing key factors such as visual acuity, depth perception, and vision clarity using modern equipment and latest testing machines. The results are uploaded directly to the government’s transport authority RTA system.

Many applicants from a driving school also use these centers to complete their tests under the supervision of experienced optometrists.

Tests conducted at unapproved locations are not accepted and may delay the renewal process or application process. This requirement ensures that all drivers have vision that meets the minimum safety standards for UAE roads, which is essential for smooth driving licence issuance.

Required Documents for an Eye Test in Dubai

To take and pass the RTA driving test and secure your driver’s licence, you need to submit the following documents. The standard requirements at the RTA eye test center for a driving licence include:

• Emirates ID
• Current driving licence for renewals
• Passport and residence visa copy
• Recent passport-size photograph

In some cases, applicants may be asked for additional documents, depending on their licence status or renewal requirements. Carrying these documents helps avoid delays during registration.

Cost of Eye Tests at RTA-Approved Centers

The price does not vary much at different RTA-approved eye test centers in Dubai. Expect to pay around 130 AED to 180 AED. At-home tests are relatively more expensive. For a regular test inside a shop, the cost stays fairly standard, regardless of whether the center uses latest testing machines or traditional setups.

RTA Mobile Eye Test Service in Dubai

A few RTA-approved eye test centers in Dubai offer mobile vision tests. So, you can get a test done at your home or office. One of the well-known providers for this is Al Jaber Optical. They send a van equipped with advanced technology and skilled optometrists who run the same checks you’d get in the store.

People use this when they’re tied up with work or live far from malls. After the test completion, the result is uploaded in the same way, so the licence renewal can continue normally. This mobile service provides the same checks you would receive at an optical store, making it convenient for everyone.

List of RTA-Approved Eye Test Centers in Dubai

You can get your RTA-approved eye test at several optical centers, such as:

Al Jaber Optical

They have several outlets. Their branch inside Festival City Mall is easy to spot because it is situated near one of the main corridors. The Dubai Mall outlet gets a steady crowd, especially from people who combine errands into one trip.  

In Dubai Marina, the shop inside the mall remains active late into the evening, which helps if you work long hours. People living around Emirates Living tend to use the quieter Meadows Souk branch. There’s also a busy spot in the Mall of the Emirates.

Max Vision

Max Vision has a straightforward approach. Residents in International City often drop by the branch within the cluster area since it’s accessible and rarely overcrowded during weekdays.

The Karama shop attracts visitors from the surrounding residential streets, and its Qusais location mostly serves people who work or live along Damascus Street.

Barakat Optical

The Festival City branch attracts both families and office-goers. Those living along the Dubai–Al Ain corridor often choose the Outlet Mall location for its convenience and easy parking. In Jumeirah, the Pavilion branch is popular among visitors who prefer a quieter option away from the larger malls. The Jumeirah Beach Road shop sees loyal walk-ins from long-time neighborhood residents, while the Madina Mall branch in Muhaisnah serves many local families.

Grand Optics

Many people come across Grand Optics while visiting bigger malls. Their Mall of the Emirates outlet is positioned near a busy walkway, so it’s hard to miss.

The City Center Deira branch has a longer evening activity, which works well for people finishing work late. Their Dubai Mall store is near the bridge that leads toward Souk Al Bahar, which makes it easy for people to do a quick check before going out for dinner or shopping.

Magrabi Optical

Magrabi has been operating for decades and has built trust among residents. The Marina Mall outlet tends to stay open later, so it becomes a go-to spot for people who need a quick screening after work.

On the Jebel Ali side, the Ibn Battuta store is convenient for those living near the Gardens or Dubai Investments Park. Their branch in the Mall of the Emirates is popular because of its central ground-floor location. For Jumeirah residents, the small shop inside The Village Mall feels quieter compared to busier areas.

Yateem Opticians

Yateem is one of the older optical names in Dubai. Workers in the industrial areas of Al Quoz often stop by the branch inside the district, as it’s close to many offices.

The Jumeirah Beach center outlet gets steady footfall from families who live nearby. Another center sits inside Emirates Towers, which naturally attracts people working in the Dubai International Financial center.

This RTA eye test center in Dubai has branches in the Mall of the Emirates and BurJuman Mall. These stay active through the day. However, you will see more people during evenings and weekends.

Vasan Eye & Multispecialty

The Vasan clinic in Karama is well known in the neighbourhood. People appreciate that this RTA-approved eye test center can handle the eye test, help with corrective lenses, and manage some parts of their licence renewals in the same place. It is located inside a busy plaza, so it’s convenient for residents living around the area, making it one of the trusted authorised eye test centres in the city.

Ace Optical

There is only one Ace Optical in Dubai, located in Discovery Gardens. Because it’s accessible to a large residential community, many people living in the area prefer dropping by there instead of travelling to bigger malls.

Choosing the Right RTA-Approved Center

If you visit malls often, getting the test done during a regular trip makes sense. Many students from the Emirates Driving Institute also use these centers for convenience and reliability. If timing is tight, look for a location that stays open later, or consider the mobile service.

People with young children often prefer quieter community shops over larger malls. The best center is simply the one that makes the process easy for you.

Stay Road-Ready: Book Your Eye Test with Ease

Getting your licence is easier when you complete the eye test early. Most centers accept walk-ins, so you usually don’t need to plan weeks in advance. Many RTA-approved centers offer online appointment booking, making it easy to schedule your visit and avoid long waits during busy times.

For a seamless driving experience after renewal, get a car subscription. Check this guide on car subscription and learn how subscription cars complement your renewed licence.

FAQs 

How much does an RTA-approved eye test cost?

The RTA eye test cost usually ranges between AED 130 and AED 180.

Can I take an eye test at the RTA?

No, eye tests are only conducted at authorized RTA-approved centers.

Can I renew my driving licence without an eye test?

No, a valid eye test is required for all licence renewals.

What if I fail an online eye test?

If you don’t pass an online test, you must complete an in-person evaluation at an approved center.

Which are the RTA-approved eye test centers in Dubai?

Some of the top centers include Al Jaber Optical, Max Vision, Barakat Optical, Grand Optics, Magrabi Optical, Yateem Opticians, Vasan Eye & Multispecialty, and Ace Optical.