How to Swap Your UK Driving Licence for an Omani One
If you are moving to Oman from the UK, one of the most useful things you can do early on is swap your UK driving licence for an Omani one. Driving is part of everyday life here, especially if you are living in Muscat where public transport options are limited. The good news is that if you hold a full UK licence and an Oman residence card, the process is straightforward once you know the steps and what to bring with you.
Who Can Exchange a UK Licence
You can swap your UK licence for an Omani one if:
You hold a full, valid UK driving licence
You have your Oman Residence Card (Civil ID)
Your licence is not provisional or expired
There is no need for translation for a UK licence, and the exchange is a recognised process under Royal Oman Police (ROP) licensing rules.
What You Will Need to Bring
Before you go to the ROP Licensing Office, make sure you have:
Your UK driving licence (photocard, and paper counterpart if you still have one)
Your passport
Your Oman Residence Card (Civil ID)
Eye test certificate (explained below)
A completed driving licence application form (you fill this out at ROP)
Licence fee (usually OMR 20)
It is also useful to have photocopies of your passport and residency card. I needed more copies than expected, so it is worth having extras.
Step 1: Get Your Eye Test and Blood Type
Before you can apply, you will need an eye test certificate. Most opticians in Muscat offer this service, and it takes around ten minutes. They will send your ‘pass’ certificate directly to the driving licence authority via the ROP app so when you go and swap your licence that info will already be visible to the police. I had mine done at the optician’s at the Lulu’s Hypermarket in Al Bandar and my son got his sorted at the opticians in Al Mouj just across from Spinneys'. It’s just like the eye test you have in the UK and is done and dusted in a very short time.
Your blood type is also printed on your Omani drivers licence so make sure you know it before you go to the ROP office, for the love of all things holy do not guess, as if you are transfused with the wrong blood it can be life threatening. If you’re a blood donor in the UK your blood type will be in your NHS Blood account, if you don’t already know your blood type it’s quick and easy to book a blood test at a private clinic. My son used a clinic in Bawsher, we made the appointment a couple of days before and he was in and out and given a certificate confirming his blood type within 15 minutes for the grand sum of 5 OMR.
Step 2: Go to the ROP Licensing Office
I went to the main ROP office at the Vehicle Registration Department on Al Maardih Street. It is a large complex and clearly signposted. If you arrive in the morning, the process tends to move more quickly. I went after collecting all of my paperwork, and once I arrived, things were very organised with lots of staff to guide me.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
Inside the licensing building, you will:
Take the application form and complete it at the desk.
Submit your form, documents, and your UK licence.
Your details will be checked and entered into the system.
If you need photocopies, there is a small coffee shop behind the vehicle registration department where they will make copies for a very small fee. It is worth remembering this, as it saves a lot of time walking back and forth.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
The standard fee for a private light vehicle licence is OMR 20. This can normally be paid by card.
Step 5: Receive Your Omani Licence
The licence is usually printed and issued the same day. The whole process took me around 20 minutes, as I had all my paperwork ready and the eye test done in advance.
I was able to keep my UK driving licence, which means I can still drive when I visit the UK. This may vary depending on policy changes over time, but this was my experience.
How Long It All Takes
From arriving to leaving, my experience took around half an hour. If you are going at a busy time, allow up to an hour.
Useful Tips
Go early in the day if possible
Bring extra photocopies of your documents
Dress modestly and comfortably
Be prepared to queue briefly, especially on Sundays and after holidays
Driving in Oman
Once you have your licence, you will be free to drive throughout Oman. The roads are generally well maintained and journeys are often scenic, particularly along the coast or into the mountains. Roundabouts and lane discipline can feel different to the UK at first, but you will adjust quickly. Swapping your UK driving licence for an Omani one is a simple process, and it makes daily life much easier, especially when you want to explore the country at your own pace. Once you know what to bring and where to go, it is straightforward and can be completed in under an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Oman with my UK licence before I exchange it?
Yes, you can drive on your UK licence for a short period when you first arrive, but once you receive your Oman Residence Card, you are expected to exchange your UK licence for an Omani one if you plan to live here long-term.
Do I need to take a driving test in Oman if I already have a UK licence?
No. If you hold a full UK licence and valid residency, you can exchange your licence without taking a driving test.
Do I need to get my UK licence translated?
No. UK licences are recognised by the Royal Oman Police and do not require translation.
Do I need an appointment at the ROP office?
No. You can walk in, complete the form, and submit your documents on the same day.
Can I keep my UK licence after the exchange?
In my experience, yes — I was able to keep my UK licence and continue using it when travelling back to the UK. However, policies can change, so it is worth being prepared for the possibility that the ROP may retain it in future.
How long does the whole process take?
If you already have your eye test certificate and documents ready, the exchange can be completed in around 30 minutes to one hour.
How much does it cost to get an Omani driving licence?
The standard fee for a private light vehicle licence is OMR 20.
