What is the Dubai heavy vehicle theory test?
The heavy vehicle and bus theory test is the RTA Knowledge Test for learners training for a truck or bus licence in Dubai. The RTA Truck and Bus Handbook says the knowledge test is based on its material, so it covers vehicle checks, air brakes, loads, blind spots, speed and gears, truck signs, passenger safety, fatigue and breakdowns, on top of general road rules.
The exam format
| Questions | 40 (RTA Knowledge Test) |
|---|---|
| Pass mark | At least 30 correct |
| Before the test | 9 hours of theory lectures for heavy vehicles; 8 hours for light and heavy buses |
| Fee in Dubai | AED 200 plus AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee |
| Abu Dhabi booking | AED 200 for heavy vehicle and bus tests through TAMM |
The 40-question format and lecture hours are stated on the RTA Knowledge Test service page. RTA does not publish a time limit.
What the exam covers
- Licence rules and a professional driver's duties
- Daily vehicle checks, air brakes and hydraulic brakes
- Gross vehicle mass, securing and covering loads, load lights
- Blind spots, mirrors, cut-in, cut-out and turning at junctions
- Speed, following distances, gears, brake fade and downhill control
- Truck signs: height, width and goods vehicle restrictions, lane rules
- Bus passenger safety, school buses and bus lanes
- Fatigue, rest breaks, medicines, diet and seating
- Breakdowns, warning triangles, clearance lights and crashes
Free official resources, and what we add
The RTA Truck and Bus Handbook is free on rta.ae and has short "Test Yourself" questions. You also need the road rules in the Light Motor Vehicle Handbook. Our 104 questions are original, grouped into 9 topics, and every explanation names the handbook part or violation item it comes from.
Fines in our questions come from the federal violations schedule (Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017). Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 took effect on 29 March 2025, so check current amounts with the police.
How to prepare
- Read the Truck and Bus Handbook alongside your 9 (or 8) hours of lectures.
- Learn the numbers: 12 to 15 seconds look-ahead, the following-time table, 200 m triangle rule, 2.2 m clearance lights.
- Understand why: brake fade, cut-in, cut-out and air brake delay are tested as concepts.
- Practise one topic at a time, then take timed 40-question mocks.
- Review every explanation, especially on vehicle checks and loads.
Practice questions with answers
Tap a question to see the correct answer and explanation.
How many hours of theory lectures are required for a bus licence in Dubai?
- 8 hours
- 9 hours
- 4 hours
- 16 hours
Answer: A, 8 hours. RTA lists 8 hours for light and heavy buses, the same as for cars and motorcycles; heavy vehicles need 9 hours. Source: RTA, Knowledge Test service page (rta.ae).
During the walk-round, your truck sags to one side. What could this indicate?
- Normal settling of the suspension after the tanks have been refuelled
- That the air tanks are full and ready
- That the cab has not been locked down properly
- A flat tyre, poor loading or a suspension fault
Answer: D, A flat tyre, poor loading or a suspension fault. If the vehicle sags to one side, look for a flat tyre. The problem could also be overloading, incorrect loading or a suspension fault. Source: RTA Truck and Bus Handbook, Part 3 (Pre-trip Inspection: Vehicle tilt).
What is Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)?
- The weight of the empty vehicle
- The maximum loaded mass set by the manufacturer
- The weight of the load only
- The weight on the front axle
Answer: B, The maximum loaded mass set by the manufacturer. GVM is the maximum loaded mass specified by the manufacturer and shown on the registration certificate. The total mass must never exceed the GVM. Source: RTA Truck and Bus Handbook, Introduction (Some Technical Terms).