Abu Dhabi Driving License 2024: How to Obtain a Driving License in Abu Dhabi?

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Updated March 2024

Having a valid driving license is crucial for both residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi. Acquiring and maintaining this license is of utmost importance to avoid severe legal consequences, including significant fines and possible vehicle confiscation. A valid Abu Dhabi driving license not only provides increased mobility but also satisfies the necessary requirements for vehicle ownership and rental within the region.

Keep reading as Wego presents a detailed guide on applying for a driving license in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi driving license

To obtain a driving license in Abu Dhabi, applicants must apply to a registered driving institute and undergo driving training. Depending on the vehicle type, specific age, and medical prerequisites must be met. The process involves passing various tests, including an eye test, a theory test, and a practical examination.

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Abu Dhabi driving license golden chance

The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the Golden Chance Driving License in UAE, enabling drivers from non-exempt countries to directly apply for a UAE Light Motor Vehicle driving license through a particular test.

To know more about the process, refer to our article below.

 

Abu Dhabi driving license eligibilty

Individuals who meet the medical fitness requirements and are above the legal age can apply for a new driving license in Abu Dhabi. The minimum legal driving age varies depending on the type of vehicle one intends to drive.

• must reach the legal age of 17 years old to obtain a driving license for motorcycles and vehicles designated for people with special needs
• must reach the legal age of 18 years old to obtain a driving license for cars and light vehicles
• must reach the legal age of 20 years old to obtain a driving license for heavy vehicles and tractors
• must reach the legal age of 21 years old to obtain a driving license for buses

Abu Dhabi driving license application process

Step 1: Undergo an eye examination

Visit a licensed optician in Abu Dhabi authorized by the traffic and licensing department, where you can conduct an eye test. Remember to bring a valid Emirates ID for the examination.

Step 2: Open a driving license file

Easily open a traffic file online using either the TAMM portal, the official Abu Dhabi Government services portal, or the Abu Dhabi Police mobile application.

For both TAMM and Abu Dhabi Police applications, the following documents must be uploaded:

• Emirates ID
• eye test certificate/report
• one passport-size photo

Once you have all the required documents ready:

• visit TAMM’s official website
• navigate to the ‘Drive & Transport’ category in Individual Services
• click on ‘Request to Open a Driving License File’
• select ‘Start’ and log in using your UAE Pass
• choose the appropriate license type
• select the request category as ‘new’
• pick your preferred driving test center, which will be an Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Licensing Department branch
• upload the necessary documents
• make the payment to complete the process of opening a traffic file

Step 3: Clear the theory test and undergo internal practical training

Once you have opened your traffic file, proceed to the Emirate Driving Company (EDC) and register for theory classes and the theory test using your traffic file number. Additionally, while at EDC, sign up for parking and yard training and test, which is known as internal practical training.

At EDC, you will need to present the following documents:

• traffic file number
• Emirates ID
• copy of your passport
• copy of your residency visa
• personal picture

For applicants aged 17 years, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their guardian is necessary. However, this requirement is not applicable if you are 18 years and above.

For applicants with special needs, a special driving course is offered using specially adapted vehicles equipped with hand controls for those with waist and below disabilities. Visit the official Emirates Driving Institute website to learn more about the process and available discounts.

Once you pass the theory test and finish the internal practical training and test, you will receive a ‘Successful Completion of Theory Exam and Internal Practical Training certificate.’

Step 4: Request the issuance of a road test date and obtain a training permit

You must first book a road test date to begin your driving lessons. Here’s how you can do it through the TAMM portal:

• visit TAMM’s official website
• navigate to the ‘Drive & Transport’ category in Individual Services
• click on ‘Request a Driving Test Date’\
• select ‘Start’ and log in using your UAE Pass
• enter your traffic file number
• confirm the driving test location that you selected in Step 2
• pay the required fee

Once you have booked your driving test date through the Tamm portal, you will receive an SMS confirming the test date and location. Subsequently, your training permit card will be issued.

After scheduling the road test, you can commence the ‘external practical training’ or ‘external road training,’ which are the required driving classes.

Step 5: Complete a minimum of six hours of external road training

Next, you must enroll in and complete at least six hours of driving classes from any private driving school in Abu Dhabi.

When enrolling in a private driving school in Abu Dhabi, you need to submit the following documents:

• traffic file number
• Emirates ID
• copy of your passport
• copy of your residence visa
• personal picture
• training permit
• successful completion of Theory Exam and Internal Practical Training

Upon finishing the driving lessons, you will be awarded a certificate for the ‘successful completion of External Practical Training.’

Step 6: Successfully pass the road test

Afterward, visit the traffic licensing department branch in Abu Dhabi, which you chose while opening your file, to take the road test. Upon passing the road test, your driving license will be issued.

Step 7: Collect your driver’s license

You have the option to obtain your driving license card either by visiting your driving school or by visiting the Customer Happiness Centres of Abu Dhabi Police.

There are two methods through which you can receive the card:

• an e-driving license card either by email to your registered address or through SMS. Additionally, you can access the digital copy of your driving license using the Abu Dhabi Police app.
• the physical driving license card itself will be issued within 10 days.

Abu Dhabi driving license check online

To access and view your driving license information, you must visit the official website of the Abu Dhabi Police and provide the required details. It’s important to note that access to this website is restricted to individuals within Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi driving license renewal

The Abu Dhabi government has introduced multiple online platforms to enable people to easily renew their driving licenses online, avoiding waiting in long queues during peak hours.

For further information on renewing your Abu Dhabi driving license, including renewal fees, please refer to the article provided below.