In Abu Dhabi public transportation options are abundant, but despite this many citizens still prefer to drive their own vehicles. It has been evaluated that in the United Arab Emirates, it is obviously illegal to drive without a valid license. However, it can be difficult to obtain a driving license in Abu Dhabi because of the strict regulations and strong emphasis on road safety, particularly if you are a first-time driver or new to the city. In order to make things simple, we have explained the Abu Dhabi traffic and licensing department entire driving license application process in this comprehensive guide.

Criteria For Getting An Abu Dhabi Driving License

According to the driving rules of Abu Dhabi, to be eligible for a driving license in Abu Dhabi, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a resident of UAE.

• Must be 17 years old or older to obtain a motorcycle license.

• Must be at least 18 years old to drive a light vehicle or a car.

• A minimum age of 20 years is required to obtain a commercial driving license for heavy vehicles, such as trucks or tractors.

• A minimum age of 21 years is required for a commercial bus driving license.

Identify The Category

It has been assessed that people seeking a driving license in Abu Dhabi fall into two categories:

• Those having valid international driver's licenses from authorized countries.

• New applicants without any prior license in any country.

Procedure For Candidates Holding International Driving License

People with a valid license from certain countries, such as Italy, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Oman France, Finland, Poland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Canada Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States, have an easier time getting a license.

It has been suggested that you must change your home country's license to an Emirati one if you are a citizen and hold a license from one of the authorized nations listed above. It only takes one day and is an easy process. Following are the details:

1. Get original and photocopies of important documents, including your passport, visa page for Abu Dhabi residency, current license, and Emirates ID.

2. One passport-size photo.

3. A NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your workplace or visa sponsor.

4. A legal translation of your present driving license (if not in Arabic).

5. Your eye test result.

6. Payment of the required fee (AED 100 for the eye test and AED 250 for processing the license conversion).

Procedure For First-Time Candidates

The procedure is different if you are applying for the first time and do not currently hold a valid license from one of the authorized countries, you must follow these steps:

Step # 1: Conduct an Eye Test

Do an eye test at an authorized optician or the Abu Dhabi traffic and licensing department. It takes around five to six minutes and costs AED 100.

Step # 2: Open a Traffic File

Opening a traffic file can be done online via the TAMM portal or the Abu Dhabi Police mobile application. The following documents are needed:

• Emirates ID

• Eye test certificate

• Passport-sized photo

Applying Through TAMM:

1. Visit the TAMM website.

2. Select ‘Driving Services’ under ‘Vehicles and Transportation’.

3. Click ‘Request to Open a Driving License File’ and log in with UAE Pass.

4. Choose license type (e.g., light motor vehicle), transmission (manual or automatic), and driving test center.

5. Upload the required documents and pay the fee.

Step # 3: Attend Training and Driving Lessons at the Emirates Driving Company

After opening a traffic file, applicants must take driving lessons at Emirates Driving Company (EDC), a government-authorized driving school.

Required Documents:

• Traffic file number

• Emirates ID and passport copy

• Residency visa copy

• Two personal photographs

• NOC from guardian (for applicants aged 17)

Emirates Driving Company (EDC) Course Details:

The course consists of eight video lessons covering:

• Traffic rules, road signs, and markings

• City and highway driving

• Driving in difficult conditions

• Handling emergencies

• Vehicle knowledge and safety

Abu Dhabi's private driving centers offer video lessons for 2 hours, followed by a 35-question theoretical test, costing AED 830, with an additional AED 50 fee. A "Successful Completion of Theory Exam and Internal Practical Training Certificate" is issued, after completing the course.

Step # 4: Clear the Road Test

The practical road test can be taken at EDC or any other driving school after receiving a “Certificate of Readiness” from your instructor.

• Training permit issuance fee: AED 100

• Practical driving test fee: AED 200

• Estimated cost for beginners: AED 2,705

First-time applicants must pass a parking test and a road test conducted within a controlled driving rink. If you fail, you must complete seven more training hours before retaking the test.

After passing the driving test, you must visit the Abu Dhabi traffic and licensing department to submit your certificate and get your official driving license. It takes around 15 minutes to finish the process. You can also pick up your license from any Abu Dhabi Police Customer Happiness Center.

Total Cost to Get a Driving License in Abu Dhabi

Following are the estimated costs for getting a driving license in Abu Dhabi.

• Eye test: AED 100

• Traffic file opening: AED 200

• Theory training: AED 830 (plus AED 50 for the test)

• Practical training: AED 2,705 (for beginners)

• Training permit: AED 100

• Practical test: AED 300

• License issuance: AED 315

• License conversion fee: AED 250

Costs may vary based on training hours and driving school selection.

Conclusion

In the end, it has been concluded that getting a driving license in Abu Dhabi requires a few stages, including filing a traffic file and completing theoretical and practical tests. The Abu Dhabi traffic and licensing department guarantees that drivers follow safety and competency criteria. However, upon receiving your license, ensure compliance with local traffic laws for a safe driving experience. Moreover, you can contact or visit the website of the traffic and licensing department Abu Dhabi. Additionally, traffic license department Abu Dhabi is devoted to improving road safety for all citizens. While following these steps can help you easily manage the process and get your license.