The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Driving Licence in Abu Dhabi -Process, Eligibility & More

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Abu Dhabi

If you’ve been searching for information on how to obtain a driving license in Abu Dhabi, look no further! We have gathered all the essential details you need right here. Getting a driving license in Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone, offering convenience and independence, especially for residents who no longer have to rely solely on public transportation. 

Whether you’re eager to obtain a license upon turning 18 or looking to enhance your professional prospects, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process. From the legal driving age to the number of tests required, We have all the information you need here if you are looking at the step-by-step process for getting a driving licence in Abu Dhabi.

Step by Step Guide on applying for Driving Licence in Abu Dhabi

Step 1: Take an eye test

• Visit an authorized optician in Abu Dhabi and have an eye test done. You’ll need to bring your Emirates ID for this.
• The cost of the eye test is around Dh100.

Step 2: Open a traffic file

• You can open a traffic file online using either the TAMM portal or the Abu Dhabi Police mobile application.
• You’ll need to upload certain documents, including your Emirates ID, eye test certificate, and a personal photo.
• If using the TAMM portal, follow these steps:
  1. Visit the TAMM website.
  2. Go to the “Drive & Transport” category and select “Driving Licence.”
  3. Click on “Request to Open a Driving Licence File” and then click “Start.”
  4. Log in using your UAE Pass.
  5. Select the type of license (e.g., light motor vehicle).
  6. Choose the request category as “new.”
  7. Select your preferred driving test center.
  8. Enter your personal information, which will be automatically filled if you logged in through your UAE Pass.
  9. Upload the required documents.
  10. Make the payment for opening a traffic file.

Step 3: Pass the theory test and internal practical training

• Visit the Emirate Driving Company (EDC) with your traffic file number to register for theory classes and tests.
• You’ll need to provide documents such as your Emirates ID, passport copy, residency visa copy, and a personal photo.
• After passing the theory test and completing internal practical training, you’ll receive a certificate.

The cost of taking driving classes at the Emirates Driving Company (EDC) in Abu Dhabi can vary based on the number of classes you need and your previous driving experience. The fee for theory classes starts at Dh830.

Step 4: Schedule a road test and obtain a training permit

• Use the TAMM portal to book a date for your road test.
• Log in with your UAE Pass, enter your traffic file number, confirm the test location, and make the payment.
• You’ll receive an SMS confirming your driving test date and location.
• A training permit card will be issued after scheduling the road test.

The Emirates Driving Company charges Dh100 for issuing a training permit and Dh200 for the road test.

Step 5: Complete at least six hours of external road training

• Enroll in a private driving school in Abu Dhabi, such as the Emirates Driving Company.
• Provide required documents, including your traffic file number, Emirates ID, passport copy, residency visa copy, personal photo, training permit, and the certificate from internal training.
• Attend at least six hours of driving classes.

The fees for practical training at the Emirates Driving Company depend on factors such as your skill level, the number of classes you choose, and the specific private driving school you select. According to Emirates Driving Company, the estimated lowest cost for beginners is around Dh2,000.

Step 6: Pass the road test

• Visit the traffic licensing department branch in Abu Dhabi that you selected when opening your file to take the road test.
• If you pass the road test, your driving license will be issued.

Step 7: Collect your license

• You can collect your driving license card from your driving school or through Abu Dhabi Police Customer Happiness Centres.
• You’ll receive an e-driving license card through email or SMS, and a physical driving license card will be issued within 10 days.

The cost for issuing a driving license is Dh315.

Please note that the fees and validity of the license may vary depending on factors such as nationality and residency status.

Residents with Foreign Licences from a list of approved countries can transfer their licences in Abu Dhabi

If you have a foreign driving license from a specific list of countries approved by the Abu Dhabi government, you can transfer your license instead of applying for a new one.

The approved countries include the GCC countries, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and USA.

Transfer of International Driving Licence in Abu Dhabi

• To transfer your license, you need to follow a few steps.
• Get your foreign license translated into Arabic at an official typing or translation center.
• Visit the licensing center with the required documents.
• Undergo an eye test and complete other necessary formalities.
• If you pass the eye test, you will be issued an Abu Dhabi driving license.

Alternatively, you can also apply for the license transfer online through the TAMM portal.

Documents Required for transferring the International Driving Licence in Abu Dhabi

• One passport photoOriginal and one copy of your passport
• Original Emirates ID and one legal translation
• Original foreign driver’s license and one legal translation
• One copy of your valid Abu Dhabi residency visa
• A letter of no objection from your current employer or your visa sponsor
• A letter of permission from your parents if under age

Driving School Location and Contact

The Emirates Driving Company is the sole driving school in Abu Dhabi. You can find it located at Street No. 17 in the Mussafah Industrial Area, Abu Dhabi. If you need to contact them, you can reach them at the toll-free number 600-588-880.

At the Emirates Driving Company in Abu Dhabi, they offer different courses for learning how to drive different types of vehicles. These include courses for motorcycles, heavy trucks, heavy buses, light buses, forklifts (both light and heavy), and a special course for people with special needs.

During these courses, you will learn important things like traffic rules, road signs, and how to drive safely. They also teach you how to handle challenging situations while driving, how to prevent accidents, and how to keep passengers safe.

If you are taking the course for heavy vehicles or buses, they will also teach you about driving economically, preventing fires, and what to do in emergencies.

How to Register for Driving Classes at Emirates Driving Company?

If you want to take driving classes at the Emirates Driving Company (EDC) in Abu Dhabi, you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to open a file with the Abu Dhabi Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department. This is a requirement for all UAE residents who want to get a driving license.
2. After you have opened the file, if you are a first-time applicant, you can go to the EDC and provide them with the following documents to register for driving classes:
   • Application number from the file you opened with the Abu Dhabi Police Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Department.
   • If you have any other driving license, bring a copy of it.
   • Your original Emirates ID.
   • A copy of a valid training permit.
3. Once you have completed the registration process and paid the necessary fees, you can start attending your driving classes at the EDC.

Renewing Driving License in Abu Dhabi:

Renewing your Abu Dhabi driving license is a quick and convenient process that can be done online. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Here’s how you can renew your license:

1. Visit the official TAMM website, which is the Abu Dhabi government services portal.
2. On the homepage, go to the “Drive & Transport” category and select “Driving Licence.”
3. Choose the option to renew your driving license and log in using your UAE Pass or SmartPass account.
4. Once logged in, enter your Emirates ID and provide the required details to renew your driving license.

Alternatively, you can also visit a TAMM Customer Happiness Centre or a Driving Licence Renewal Service Centre in person to complete the renewal process. Proof of a valid eye test is mandatory for the manual renewal process.

Another option is to renew your driving license through the Abu Dhabi Police website. Register an account using your Emirates ID, complete the process, and pay the renewal fee online. You can also choose to have your driving license delivered to you via courier.

The Abu Dhabi driving license renewal fees approximately:

• AED 100 for a 1-year renewal
• AED 300 for a 3-year renewal

You can pay the fees using cash, card, or electronic methods. It’s important to clear any outstanding violations and fines before renewing your license. Keep in mind that a delay in renewing your license will result in a fine of AED 10 for each month past the expiration date. There is also an option to have your driving license mailed to you for an additional courier fee.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on Abu Dhabi Driving Licence