How to Get Abu Dhabi’s Driving License

Getting a driving license in Abu Dhabi can be tricky if you’re from a developing country. Many people who move to Abu Dhabi face extreme challenges while getting a driving license due to strict rules across United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Here’s what you should know about applying for a driving license in Abu Dhabi:

Minimum Age

The minimum age for driving in Abu Dhabi varies depending on the type of vehicle:
- Cars: the minimum age for the driving test is 18 years old, but you can learn to drive at 17 years and six months.
- Motorcycles or vehicles for disabled persons: Minimum age is 17 years old.
- Heavy vehicles or tractors: Minimum age is 20 years old.
- Buses: Minimum age is 21 years old.

People from 32 approved countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and China, are automatically qualified for UAE’s driving license.

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However, non-approved countries like Pakistan, India, and the Philippines, must complete the required process.

How to Apply as a First Timer

First-time driving license applicants must complete the following steps:

Take an eye test at either Yateem or Al Jaber opticians.
Upload a copy of their Emirates ID and the eye test report on the Tamm app.
Pay AED 200 ($54) to a customer service executive at Tamm.
Install the UAE Pass app.
Wait for approval, after which they’ll be asked to go to Emirates Driving Company.

The validity of a driving license depends on the driver’s age and status:

For new drivers or those under 21, the license is initially valid for two years.
After renewal, the license is valid for 5 years for expats and 10 years for UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals.

Driving Classes for New Applicants

To obtain a valid Abu Dhabi driving license, new drivers and those unable to transfer their home country license must complete the following steps:

Take theory and practical classes.
Pass the driving test.

When opening a file with a driving school, the following documents are required:

Copy of passport.
Original Emirates ID plus a copy.
Two photographs.
Tamm app file number.
Letter of no objection from the sponsor.
If an applicant is 18 years old, their guardian’s documents and a no-objection letter are also required.

Emirates Driving Company offers multiple options for obtaining a license. The total cost will be subject to a 5% VAT and a 1-time exam fee. Below is the table showing details of theory classes:

Course Option	Course Duration	Number of Theory Classes	Fee (AED)
Regular	4 days	8 (2 per day)	830
Intensive	2 days	8 (4 per day)	1,050
VIP Silver	1 day	2	1,530

Here’s the table showing details of practical classes:

Course Option	Course Duration	Lessons per Day	Total Lessons	Fee (AED)
Beginner Level – No Experience
Regular	16 days	1	16	2,750
Intensive	8 days	2	16	2,905
VIP Silver	6 days	3	18	3,705
Intermediate Level – 1-5 Years of Experience
Regular	13 days	1	13	2,145
Intensive	7 days	2	14	2,345
VIP Silver	5 days	3	15	3,145
Upper Intermediate Level – 5+ Years of Experience
Regular	10 days	1	10	1,755
Intensive	5 days	2	10	1,955
VIP Silver	4 days	3	12	2,755

Golden Chance

Applicants from non-approved countries are also given a golden chance to take written and practical tests before any classes. If the applicant passes these tests, they’ll be given a driving license. Upon failure, they must attend the classes.

Driving License Fee

A 1-year driving license costs AED 100 and is given to applicants under 21 years of age. For people aged over 21 years, the fee is AED 300 with 5-year validity.