UAE Truck Driver Job Requirements- Age Limit, Documents, and Medical Tests

Over 150,000 trucks operate daily across the UAE in 2026, yet nearly 4 out of 10 applicants are rejected before interviews even begin—most due to age limits, incomplete documents, or failed medical checks.

Truck driving remains one of the most stable careers in the UAE, with salaries typically ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per month, and higher pay for experienced heavy-vehicle drivers. The difference between rejection and selection is not luck—it’s lot about preparation.

This blog explains exactly what UAE employers and authorities require, so you can apply once and get approved for a heavy truck drivers job in UAE.

1. Age Limits for UAE Truck Drivers (2026)

If you are looking for a truck driver job in the UAE, the first thing you should check is whether you meet the required age limit. The minimum age depends on the type of truck you plan to drive, and meeting this requirement is essential before applying for a license or a driving position.

Truck Category	Minimum Age
Light / Medium Trucks	21 years
Heavy Trucks (Commercial)	20–25 years
Maximum Age	No legal limit

Note: UAE law does not set a maximum age, but medical fitness and company policy determine eligibility.

2. Required Documents — Complete Checklist

Once you have confirmed that you meet the required age limits, the next step is to make sure you have the required documents on hand before applying for a heavy truck drivers job in UAE. Employers and authorities will review these documents to confirm your legal status, driving qualifications, and eligibility to work before moving forward with hiring or visa processing.

Document	Requirement
Passport	Must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application
Residence Visa & Emirates ID	Copy required to confirm legal residency status
Driving License	UAE Heavy Vehicle License (Category 4) preferred
Foreign Driving License	Required if applying for license conversion from abroad
Experience Certificates	Proof of previous truck driving experience only if you have previous experience
CV & Photos	Updated resume and passport-size photographs
Employment Contract	MoHRE-registered contract issued by the UAE employer
No Objection Certificate (NOC)	Required when transferring from one sponsor to another
Work Visa & Labour Card	Processed by employer through MoHRE

Tip: ~20% of applications fail due to expired or mismatched documentation.

3. Medical and Fitness Requirements

Once your age eligibility and documents are in place, the next requirement is meeting the medical and fitness standards set by UAE authorities. Medical fitness is compulsory for both work visas and professional driving licenses. Tests are conducted only at government-approved medical centers.

Standard Medical Tests for Truck Drivers

This table lists the routine medical tests required during visa issuance and RTA heavy vehicle licensing, focused on safety and public health.

Test	Purpose
Vision test	Acuity (minimum 6/9) and color vision
Physical exam	General fitness, blood pressure, and height/weight check
Blood test	HBA1C (blood sugar) screening
Chest X-ray	TB (Tuberculosis) screening
Urine test	Drug and glucose screening

Approved Medical Facilities

In the UAE, medical tests for work visas and driving licenses are valid only if completed at officially approved medical facilities. Reports from unapproved clinics are not accepted by government systems and must be repeated, causing delays and extra cost.

Facility Type	What It Means in Practice	Authority
Government medical centers	Conduct mandatory visa medical tests; results uploaded to government systems	MOHRE, ICP/GDRFA
RTA-approved clinics	Perform medical tests for driving license issuance, mainly vision and fitness	RTA / emirate traffic authority
Employer-designated clinics	Used by employers but valid only if officially approved	MOHRE/ICP or RTA

Where to Apply for the Medical Test

You must complete your medical test at a government-approved medical fitness center. Tests from private or non-approved clinics are not accepted.

Dubai: DHA Medical Fitness Centers or Smart Salem
Book here: DHA Medical Fitness Centers

Abu Dhabi: SEHA Medical Fitness Centers
Book appointments through the official SEHA Visa Screening app (search for “Seha Visa Screening” in Google Play or App Store).

Other Emirates: MOHAP-approved Medical Fitness Centers
Book here: MOHAP-approved Medical Fitness Centers

Employer expectation: Most trucking jobs require candidates to be medically fit; some refuse applicants with severe visual/physical limitations.

Retest rules & costs: Fees vary by centre but intensive visa/fitness tests (blood + X-ray) may cost AED 250–800 range; results often available same day or within 24–48 hrs.

4. Step-by-Step Job Application Guide

Step 1 — Find Jobs & Sponsors

The first step is to identify heavy truck drivers job in UAE that offer visa sponsorship. These roles are usually provided by logistics, transport, and construction companies that are authorized to hire drivers.

Search on job portals such as Bayt.com and other major recruitment platforms
Use licensed recruitment agencies for overseas hiring
Focus on vacancies that clearly mention heavy-vehicle or Category 4 license requirements

Step 2 — Application Submission

After shortlisting suitable jobs, submit your application with all required documents. A complete and accurate submission helps avoid delays during employer screening and visa initiation.

Submit your CV, passport copy, driving license, and experience certificates
Apply online or through approved recruitment agencies
Track visa progress using MoHRE, RTA, or GDRFA platforms

Common pitfall: Missing medical test deadlines can delay visa stamping

Step 3 — Interview and Assessment

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview and, in some cases, a driving assessment. This stage helps employers confirm your practical skills and compliance with UAE driving standards.

Questions focus on driving history and truck-handling experience
Knowledge of UAE traffic rules is often evaluated
Some employers require a practical driving test

Preparation tip: Review UAE road safety and heavy-vehicle regulations

Step 4 — Visa & Onboarding

After final selection, the employer takes full responsibility for completing the UAE employment and immigration process. This stage ensures you are legally authorized to live and work in the country before starting your job.

A. Entry Permit / Status Change

After selection, the employer applies for an employment entry permit.

-If you are outside the UAE, this permit allows you to enter the country for work.

-If you are already inside the UAE, your visa status is changed without leaving the country.

B. Entering the UAE

If you are outside the UAE, you must enter the country using the employment entry permit within its validity period.

-Once you enter, the residence visa process officially starts.

C. Medical Fitness Test

You must complete a medical test at a government-approved medical center. This includes a blood test and chest X-ray.

-Medical clearance is mandatory for visa approval.

D. Emirates ID & Biometrics

Your fingerprints and photograph are taken, and your Emirates ID application is submitted.

-The Emirates ID becomes your main identification document in the UAE.

E. Residence Visa Issuance

After medical clearance, your residence visa is issued.

-This confirms your legal right to live in the UAE under your employer’s sponsorship.

F. Labour Contract Registration

The employer registers your employment contract with MoHRE.

-This legally records your job role, salary, and employment terms.

G. Labour Card / Work Permit

Once the contract is approved, your work permit is issued.

-This officially allows you to work for your employer in the UAE.

H. Final Onboarding & Job Start

After all approvals are completed, the company completes internal onboarding, and you can officially start work.

-This ensures you are fully ready for a heavy truck drivers job in UAE.

This step is mandatory and must be completed in the correct order to avoid delays or legal issues.

Conclusion

Getting a heavy truck driver job in the UAE in 2026 is very achievable—but only if you approach it the right way. As you’ve seen, most rejections don’t happen because candidates lack experience; they happen because age rules aren’t checked early, documents aren’t fully prepared, or medical requirements are overlooked.

If you meet the age criteria, keep your documents updated, and complete the medical fitness tests on time, you’re already ahead of a large number of applicants. The UAE continues to rely heavily on skilled truck drivers to support logistics, construction, and trade, which is why these jobs remain stable and in demand.

The key takeaway: prepare first, apply once, and follow each step in order. When you do that, the process becomes smoother, faster, and far less stressful. With the right preparation, you’re not just applying for a job—you’re setting yourself up for a reliable career on UAE roads.