Dubai: Renewal of driving licences will be available only online from the end of next month, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday.

The move is part of RTA’s Smart Government initiative that aims to move the majority of its services away from its customer service centres, making them available through various electronic channels like smart apps, smart kiosk, RTA call centre (8009090) as well as its website, www.rta.ae.

It will also be available at the approved eye testing centres.

According to Ahmad Hashim Behroozian, CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agency, the driving licence renewals will be made available online in a gradual manner, with the renewal of licence for those under the age of 21 moving online from October 16, while from November 27 all driving licences will be renewed only through alternative channels.

Two other services are also being made available online only — the replacement of lost or damage driving licence cards will move online from October 30, while from November 13, applications for driver experience certificates will accepted only through the web.

Behroozian added that these services have been available through various e-channels for a long time, but will now be available only through e-channels.

“The automation of our services is an ongoing process, especially as our government ranks customer satisfaction as a top priority, and all RTA’s initiatives are based on the objectives outlined by the Dubai Government,” added Behroozian.