No more queues, RTA's online booking system eases vehicle testing

For Syed Azeez, yearly vehicle testing was one of those chores he kept putting off, until it became urgent.

- SM Ayaz Zakir

His car's registration had already expired on May 10, and with only a few days left in the grace period, he rushed to the Shamil Vehicle Testing Centre in Muhaisnah.

To his surprise, the centre wasn't crowded at all. "Last year, I had to wait for more than 45 minutes just to hand over my car to the technician," said Azeez, who drives a Lexus IS 300, 2018.

At the entrance, a security guard advised him to book an appointment online. "I booked the slot, received a token, and handed over my car. Within 20 minutes, the test was complete, and I had the results," he said.

Vehicle owners in Dubai now need to book an appointment online for their annual technical inspection, as mandated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The decision which took effect on June 2, applies to all 27 vehicle testing centres across the city, except Tasjeel Hatta. While walk-ins are still allowed, they now come with a Dh100 service fee.