Sharjah Driving Institute (SDI): Fees, Timings & Courses
Sharjah Driving Institute (SDI) is a government driving school in Al Ramtha, Sharjah, established in 1991 under the patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah. It trains drivers for car, motorcycle, light bus, heavy bus, heavy truck, and forklift licences across more than a dozen branches in the emirate.
What courses and licences does SDI offer?
As a Ministry of Interior approved institute, SDI trains drivers across the UAE driving licence categories. Its courses combine theory, behind-the-wheel lessons, and road-safety seminars, using simulators and modern vehicles. You can train for:
- Car driving licence
- Motorcycle licence
- Heavy truck licence
- Light bus licence
- Heavy bus licence
- Light forklift licence
Theory classes
SDI runs theory classes in Arabic, English, and Urdu. Students attend 8 mandatory theory lectures before sitting the official theory test.
Practise free with our RTA theory test mock tests to get familiar with road signs, traffic laws, and driving regulations before the exam.
Practical classes
SDI's practical training for light vehicles runs in three stages: internal yard training, a preliminary yard assessment, then city driving on public roads where you learn to handle traffic and road signs, before the final road test.
SDI fees
SDI fees depend on whether you are a UAE national or a resident, and on automatic or manual transmission. The figures below are indicative, so confirm current prices with SDI before you enrol.
The theory package, covering registration, theory training, and the theory test, costs AED 600. Each theory retest costs AED 50.
The practical tests are charged separately:
| Test | Fee |
| Parking test | AED 300 |
| Assessment test | AED 400 |
| Final road test | AED 300 |
Behind-the-wheel training is priced per class and differs for UAE nationals and residents:
| UAE nationals | Fee per class | Class duration | Classes | Total |
| Manual | AED 60 | 40 minutes | 20 | AED 1,200 |
| Automatic | AED 70 | 40 minutes | 20 | AED 1,400 |
| Residents | Fee per class | Class duration | Classes | Total |
| Manual | AED 60 | 40 minutes | 50 | AED 3,000 |
| Automatic | AED 70 | 40 minutes | 50 | AED 3,500 |
SDI also runs seasonal, group, and family discounts, so ask about current offers when you register.
SDI timings
The main branch in Al Ramtha keeps the following office hours:
| Day | Timings |
| Saturday to Thursday | 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 5:50 PM |
Note: Yard training slots start earlier, around 6:20 AM, and run into the evening. Timings change during Ramadan and public holidays, so confirm with your branch.
SDI branches and contact
SDI's head office is in Al Ramtha, with more than a dozen branches across Sharjah, including Al Nahda (Sahara Centre) and Sajaa.
- Head office: 304 Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalid Al Qasimi Street, Al Ramtha, Wasit, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 6 538 2020
- Email: info@sdi.ae
- Website: sdi.ae
Already licensed? See how to renew your Sharjah driving licence when it expires.