Abu Dhabi driving license; Complete guide

Have you been searching online for ‘driving license procedures in Abu Dhabi’? No need to worry; we’ve got all the information you need right here! Obtaining a driving license in the capital is a significant achievement. For residents, having a license greatly simplifies life, as it eliminates the constant need to depend on public transportation for commuting. If you’re seeking a detailed, step-by-step guide to acquiring a driving license in Abu Dhabi, we have all the details you need.

ABU DHABI DRIVING LICENCE: STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

Most people want to get their driving license when they turn 18. Having a license also enhances your professional profile, especially if you are looking for jobs in sales. However, it is not always simple. This Abu Dhabi driving license guide provides a step-by-step process to help you achieve your goal.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR A DRIVING LICENSE IN ABU DHABI

People who are medically fit and above the legal age can apply for a new driving license in Abi Dhabi. The legal age for driving depends on the vehicle you want to drive.

APPLICANT CATEGORIES FOR A DRIVING LICENSE IN ABU DHABI

Those applying for an Abu Dhabi drivers license are divided into two sub-categories:

*First-time Emirati applicants or first-time expat applicants

*Expats who have a license from a foreign country.

You need to identify to which category you belong, as the process for both can differ.

HOW TO GET A DRIVING LICENCE IN ABU DHABI FOR FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS

First-time driving license applicants have to pass the following stages before they can obtain a license:

*Training and lessons

*Theory test – Learners Permit

*Yard Parking Exam – Internal Test

*Road test

*Issuance

Here is an easy-to-follow guide that you can follow to acquiring a driver’s license in the capital when applying through TAMM:

STEP ONE: EYE TEST FOR DRIVING LICENCE IN ABU DHABI

The first step in your licensing process is an eye test. You will need to bring your original Emirates ID for this test, which must be conducted by a licensed optician approved by the traffic department or the emirate’s licensing authority.

STEP TWO: OPEN A TRAFFIC FILE

There are two options through which you can open a traffic file in the emirate:

-Abu Dhabi Police mobile application

-TAMM

TAMM is the capital’s official services portal. After visiting the TAMM website, navigate to the pertinent page and start the process.

-Next, enter the details via your UAE Pass to log in.

-After that, type in your traffic file number.

-Click on the Vehicles and Transportation section and then Driving Services

-Next, select Request to Open a Driving License File

-Initiate login authentication with the UAE Pass

-Select your chosen mode of transport

-Select New as the chosen category

-Choose a driving testing centre. This will be a branch of the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Licencing Department. Mention whether you prefer manual or automatic transmission

-Fill in your personal information like the number on your Emirates ID, birth date and email address

After finishing the process, upload the required documents and pay for the file.

STEP THREE: INTERNAL PRACTICE AND THEORY

The next step in your journey is to visit the Emirates Driving Company (EDC) in Abu Dhabi. You will need your traffic file number to register for the practical and theory exams.

Other required documents include a copy of your residency visa, passport, and a recent photo. Applicants aged 17 must also provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

STEP FOUR: BOOK A TEST DATE

You will need to schedule the test date yourself. Thankfully, this can be easily accomplished through the TAMM website. After logging in and entering your file number, confirm your preferred test location and pay the fee. You will soon receive a text message with the confirmed location and date. Additionally, you will be provided with a training card once the date is confirmed.

STEP FIVE: MINIMUM HOURS FOR TRAINING ON THE ROAD

Your training will include practical and external road sessions. All applicants from official centres like the Emirates Driving Company must complete a total of six hours of training classes.

STEP SIX: ROAD TEST

After external road training, head to your chosen traffic licencing branch as indicated in Step Two. Here, your driving skills will be assessed via a road test. You will be given your driving licence after successful completion.

STEP SEVEN: GET YOUR LICENCE

You can apply for a physical or electronic driving license (E-Driving license). After passing your road test, you will receive the former within 10 days at the provided collection point. The electronic version will be sent to your email address or via SMS.

RESIDENTS WITH FOREIGN LICENSES FROM A LIST OF APPROVED COUNTRIES CAN TRANSFER THEIR LICENSES IN ABU DHABI

If you already have a foreign driving license , chances are your process is simpler. The government offers an easier process to people who have a license from the following countries:

GCC Countries
Australia
Austria

* If you don’t have a license from these countries, you will be considered a first-time applicant.

Process for International Driving Licence Abu Dhabi

If you possess a driving license from any of the countries listed above, there is no need to apply for a new Abu Dhabi driving license, as you can transfer your foreign license.

First, visit an official typing or translation center to obtain an Arabic translation of your foreign license. Then, head to the licensing center with the required documents (detailed below). At the licensing center, you will undergo an eye test and complete other necessary formalities. If you pass the eye test, you will receive your Abu Dhabi driving license.

You can also apply online via TAMM.

DOCUMENTS AND COST FOR DRIVING LICENCE IN ABU DHABI

*Single passport-size photo

*Passport original and photocopy

*Emirates ID

*Foreign driving license original and photocopy

*A valid Abu Dhabi residency visa photocopy

*NOC from your employer or visa sponsor

*Arabic translation foreign driving license

While submitting a copy of your residency visa, ensure it has a minimum six-month validity. Here’s the process for making a UAE visa status enquiry.

ABU DHABI DRIVING LICENSE FEES

-Driving license Abu Dhabi cost: AED 600

-Driving license renewal in Abu Dhabi cost: AED 300

-Adding a new category to the driving license: AED 200