Dubai Vehicle Testing: Mandatory Online Booking from June 2 – Avoid Dh100 Fee

To enhance customer satisfaction and streamline testing procedures, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority plans to require drivers to schedule online appointments for technical inspections at all vehicle testing facilities starting June 2, 2025.

Reservations Are Now Required

All 27 testing facilities in the Emirates now have appointment scheduling in place according to the RTA Dubai. With one exception—the Tasjeel Hatta Center, where walk-in clients are still allowed without an appointment—customers can schedule appointments via the official website (www.rta.ae) or the mobile application.

A walk-in service will be offered at 19 of the selected centers; however, an additional fee of Dh100 will apply. However, walk-in car testing is no longer accepted at eight facilities; instead, appointments must be made in advance for vehicle testing to be conducted.

The following eight centers require reservations:

• Wasel Arabia and Nad Al Hamar Vehicle Testing Center
• Shamil Centers in Nad Al Hamar, Al Adid, and Al Muhaisnah
• Al Mizhar is the Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing Center
• Al Twar and Al Mankhool are Tasjeel Centers

What Caused the Change?

After a successful pilot program in the two Tasjeel locations at Al Qusais and Al Barsha in October 2024, the demand for online reservations was introduced to reduce wait times and increase the effectiveness of vehicle inspections. Physical inspections revealed a 46% increase in wait times for customers and a 15% rise in occupancy levels. Additionally, the overall testing volume decreased by 13% without affecting revenue.

According to Qais Mohammad Al-Farsi, Director of Vehicle Licensing at the RTA Licensing Agency, “During its initial phase, the appointment system has dramatically improved customer service. Our goal is to guarantee that all car owners have quicker access to inspection-related services and lower wait times.”

Exemptions for Important Industry Segments

Notably, the RTA has added several well-considered exceptions to its booking requirements, such as exempting cars registered in Dubai that belong to residents, those with a strong will, and older citizens. This illustrates their commitment to providing inclusive services.

Benefits to Customers and Strategic Vision

It is anticipated that the new booking system will enhance center occupancy rates and reduce waiting times for vehicle inspections by approximately 40%, especially in areas where usage rates were previously higher than 80%. According to RTA Dubai, this change streamlines visit scheduling and boosts efficiency by avoiding delays or bottlenecks during peak hours.

Additionally, the program marks a significant milestone in RTA’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation. As automobile services become more widely available online, this organization continues to utilize technology to provide its citizens with better and faster services.

How to Schedule a Meeting (APT)

Scheduling a vehicle inspection is easy. Vehicle owners can schedule such an inspection in several ways:

1. Open the RTA Dubai app after downloading it.
   
2. “Vehicle Inspection Section” is clicked.
   
3. Choose the time and location for the test which is most convenient for your needs.
   
4. Once your appointment is verified, you’ll receive an email with a confirmation code. 

Appointments are also available online via the RTA website’s “Licensing Services” section (www.rta.ae).

Looking Up

The online reservation system is a significant step forward in Dubai’s efforts to enhance public services. Through optimizing the capacity of testing facilities and reducing on-site congestion, the RTA is an example of how to provide an enjoyable customer experience in the automotive sector.

Automobile owners are advised to familiarize themselves with the latest booking system to save time and money. RTA is closely monitoring the performance and seeking feedback from customers to improve this process continually.

RTA’s online vehicle inspection registration is a creative way to reduce traffic, boost productivity, and improve customer happiness. For car owners in Dubai, making a reservation online is the better, quicker, and less expensive option. Walk-in visits cost Dh100, and only a limited number of spots are available for online booking.

Visit RTA.ae or the RTA Dubai app now to learn more or schedule an appointment for your car’s inspection.