Renewing your car's registration in Dubai can mean a technical inspection at an RTA-approved testing centre, depending on the car's age. A fail costs you time, a second visit and often a repair you could have done the day before. The good news: most failures are simple things you can check yourself.
Why cars fail the test
Testing centres look at safety and roadworthiness: tyres, brakes, lights, visibility, steering and suspension, leaks, emissions, the body and chassis, and warning lights. In a past Gulf News report on Dubai test results, chassis and body damage was the largest single failure category, followed by axles, wheels, tyres and suspension, then lighting and visibility.
The checklist
1. Tyres
- Enough tread depth all the way across, with no worn shoulders
- No cracks, bulges or cuts in the sidewalls
- Tyres on the same axle should be the same size and type
- Check the age: the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall shows the week and year it was made. Old, sun-cracked tyres are a common fail in the UAE.
2. Lights
- Headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, fog lights and number-plate lights
- Cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses reduce light output; they can be restored
- Have someone stand behind the car while you press the brake
3. Brakes
- No grinding or squealing, no pulling to one side
- The parking brake holds the car on a slope
- No brake warning or ABS light
4. Warning lights
Engine, ABS, airbag and brake warnings are a common reason to fail. Have them diagnosed and fixed before the test, not just cleared: a cleared code often returns before you reach the centre. See our warning lights guide.
5. Visibility
- Windscreen cracks, especially in the driver's line of sight
- Wipers that clear the glass and a working washer
- Mirrors intact and adjustable
- Window tint within the legal limit
6. Leaks, exhaust and emissions
- Oil, coolant or fuel leaks under the car
- Exhaust leaks (a loud or ticking exhaust) and heavy smoke
- A misfiring engine or an engine warning light can affect emissions results
7. Steering and suspension
Knocks over bumps, play in the steering, leaking shock absorbers and worn joints are checked on the lift. If your car knocks over speed bumps, have it looked at first.
8. Body and chassis
Accident damage, loose bumpers, sharp edges and rust on the chassis. Old repairs that left damage underneath are a frequent issue on used cars.
9. Inside the car
- Seat belts lock and retract properly
- Horn works
- Number plates are secure and readable
10. Paperwork
For renewal you will need valid insurance and outstanding fines settled. Check the current requirements on the RTA website or app before you go, as procedures can change.
If your car fails
The testing centre gives you a report listing what failed. Bring it to a workshop, fix those items, and return for the re-test. Fixing only what is on the list keeps the cost down.
Our free pre-RTA check
Partinn Auto Service offers a free inspection before your RTA test. We check the items above, tell you what is likely to fail and what it costs to fix, and you approve only the repairs you want. Many are done the same day. We are a garage, not a testing centre, so the official test is still done at an RTA-approved centre. More about the free pre-RTA inspection.
Need a hand with your car?
Book your free pre-test check on WhatsApp 052 296 5483 or call 058 821 2219. We are in Dubai Investment Park 2 (DIP 2), open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM.
