top of page

How to Mention Driving License in CV UAE

Sep 11
3 min read

Not Every CV Needs This Line, But Some Genuinely Do

Many job seekers aren't sure if they should put their driving license on their CV, or where to put it if they do. The real answer to how to mention driving license in CV UAE depends on the job you're applying for. For some jobs, it really helps. For others, it just takes up space.

When It Helps

If you're applying for sales jobs that involve visiting different areas, delivery jobs, driver jobs, or field jobs where you travel a lot, your license matters. Many job posts for these roles list a valid UAE driving license as a must-have, right next to things like sales skills or route knowledge.

It also helps for jobs like property consultant, account manager, or event coordinator, where you might need to visit different places for work. In these cases, having a license shows you can move around easily for the job.

When It's Not Needed

If you're applying for an office job, like finance, HR, or most tech and admin roles, your driving license usually doesn't matter. Adding it can even look a little odd, like you weren't sure what else to write. Should I include driving license on my resume really comes down to one question: does it help this specific job or not? A good CV only includes things that support your application. Extra details that don't matter just take attention away from the important parts.

Know Your License Category

Not all UAE driving licenses are the same. A Category 3 license (called LMV) is for normal cars, and it's what most delivery and company driver jobs ask for. Bigger vehicles, like trucks or trailers, need Category 4 or Category 6, and you usually need Category 3 first before getting those.

If you're listing your license for a driving job, write the exact category instead of just saying "valid UAE driving license." This tells the recruiter everything they need to know right away.

One more important thing: if you move to the UAE, you usually can't use your home country's license for driving jobs once you're on a work or residence visa. You need a UAE license from the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). If you're still converting your license, say that clearly on your CV instead of making it sound like you already have it.

It Can Even Help Your Salary

Here's something most people don't realize: a driving license can also help you earn more, not just get hired. Drivers who move from regular delivery jobs to company driver or executive driver jobs often get about 50% more in total pay, and this can happen even without upgrading their license category. What really makes the difference is having a clean driving record, being reliable, and knowing the local routes well. If this applies to you, don't just write that you have a license, also mention how many years you've been driving in the UAE and that you have a clean record.

Where to Put It on Your CV

If your license is relevant to the job, put it in one of two places: either near the top with your personal details (next to your visa status and nationality), or as a short line under a section called "Additional Information" or "Certifications" near the end. Don't hide it in the middle of a paragraph about your work experience, recruiters scan quickly and might miss it there.

Also, be specific instead of vague. Instead of writing "Driving License: Yes," write something like "UAE Driving License, Category 3 (LMV), valid until [date]." This one line answers every question a recruiter might have.

If You're Still Getting Your License

If you just moved to the UAE and you're still converting your license or taking driving lessons, it's okay to mention that too, especially if the job needs a license. You can write something like "UAE Driving License, In Process (expected [month])." This is honest and still shows you're working on it, which is better than saying nothing at all.

Some people also carry an International Driving Permit while they wait. Just make sure your CV makes it clear this is different from an actual UAE license, mixing the two up can cause confusion later, maybe even during the interview.

The Simple Rule to Follow

There's no one right answer for everyone. If the job involves driving or moving around, be specific about your license, category, dates, and experience. If the job is desk-based and doesn't need travel, it's fine to leave it out completely. The real mistake isn't whether you include it or not, it's writing it in a vague way when being specific could have actually helped you.

 
 

Recent Posts

See All
The Top 5 UAE Job Boards

Before the detailed breakdown, here's the short version if you need to prioritize your time right now: 1. LinkedIn the default starting point for mid-senior and executive roles, and increasingly for p

 
 
Job Search Strategy for Dubai and the UAE

You've probably seen the claim that 80% of jobs are never advertised. It shows up in almost every career blog on this topic, often with no real source behind it, and it's worth being honest about that

 
 
Why Your Cabin Crew CV Isn't Getting You Interviews

At an Emirates Open Day, the CV drop stage alone rejects more than 90% of the people who show up. Thousands line up for a single event, and often only five or ten actually get through to the next roun

 
 
bottom of page