How to Get and Renew a Driving License in Abu Dhabi?

If you are new to driving and looking for an appropriate method to get a driving license in Abu Dhabi, you are in the right place. This article will provide you with a complete guide about driving license Abu Dhabi while also focusing on the procedure of renewing the driving license in Abu Dhabi.

Having a driving license can greatly simplify your travel and commute in Abu Dhabi and the UAE overall. If you own a vehicle, you can save more time at better convenience compared to public transport – this would be available only if you possess a driving licence.

In Abu Dhabi, the process of applying for a driving license involves a few simple steps that can be completed without much effort. The same applies to those already having a driving license, as renewing it after its expiry is fairly easy. Keep reading to find the procedures for these services discussed below.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Getting a New Driving License Abu Dhabi?

Whenever you plan to learn how to drive, you should first check whether you qualify for a driving license. Besides the foremost requirement of adequate medical fitness, you should also note the minimum age for applying for a driving license as per your selected type of vehicle.

Listed below are the age specific eligibility criteria:

• Cars and light vehicles: 18 years
• Motorcycles and transport for individuals with special requirements: 17 years
• Tractors and other heavy vehicles: 20 years
• Buses: 21 years

Categories for Driving License Abu Dhabi Applications

There are primarily two categories for applicants applying for a driving license Abu Dhabi:

• Emiratis and ex-pats applying for the first-time
• Ex-pats having a license from other nations

The Abu Dhabi government permits individuals from some countries to transfer their foreign driving license to Abu Dhabi, with the process of doing so being simpler than that for first-time applicants.

If you have a valid driving licence from the following list of countries, you won’t be required to re-apply for a licence -

• GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries
• Austria
• Australia
• Denmark
• Canada
• Belgium
• Ireland
• Germany
• France
• Greece
• Finland
• Romania
• Portugal
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Netherlands
• The USA
• The UK
• Spain
• Turkey
• Switzerland
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Norway
• South Africa
• Poland
• Italy

To get your driving license converted, the initial step is to go to any translation centre and translate your license information into Arabic. Once done with this step, you can visit the official road and transport authority with all the specified documents and complete the eye test begins.

As soon as all the steps are conducted successfully, the concerned authority will provide you with your driving license Abu Dhabi.

What are the Documents Required for Receiving a Driving License in Abu Dhabi?

As a part of your verification process, you must submit a few mandatory documents to get your driving license as given below:

• Passport-size photographs
• Original Emirates ID
• A valid passport with a copy
• Copies of documents regarding your Abu Dhabi residency with a validity of at least 6 months
• Driving licence along with a copy
• A No Objection Certificate from the Visa provider or employer
• Original Arabic-translated foreign driving licence

A Step-by-Step Explanation of Getting a Driving License in Abu Dhabi

This section will discuss the complete procedure of how to obtain a driving license Abu Dhabi for the first-time applicants:

1. To begin with, the applicant must first take the required driving lessons and training.
2. To start the training, opening a driving file in your name with the Emirates Driving Company is mandated. A fee of AED 830 will apply for the training.
3. The candidate will be required to appear for a theory test after that to attain a learner’s permit.
4. The next step involves an internal test, also known as the Yard Parking exam.
5. Finally, a road test will be conducted.

Upon the successful completion of all these exams, you will be granted your driving licence.

Documents to Submit During Training at Emirates Driving Company

To initiate the training session, UAE nationals are required to present only the Emirates ID. On the other hand, UAE ex-pats are liable to submit the below-mentioned documents:

• Original Emirates ID and a copy
• A copy of your Passport and Visa page
• Eye test results
• Passport size photographs
• A No Objection Certificate from your Visa sponsor

Details About the Driving License Theory Test in Abu Dhabi

Here are the necessary details concerning the theory test for driving license which is conducted after you complete all your training:

• The total number of questions allotted in the test is 35
• All the questions are related to driving laws in Abu Dhabi
• The entire test is sub-categorised into 3 major sections
• The first 17 questions are about traffic situations - you are required to answer at least 11 of them accurately
• The next 18 questions are regarding the Abu Dhabi driving license - to pass this section, you will need to get 12 correct answers
• The final part is about the situational risks – this test is situation-based, meaning that you will have to provide the solutions for a particular situation after a video is shown
• You can either take the test in English or Arabic (written). It should be remembered that there is an option for an oral test as well in case you cannot appear for the written test due to language barriers.
• A fee of AED 50 would apply for the test

Driving Licence Practical Test in Abu Dhabi

Once you complete the theory exam, the further procedure involves a parking and road test. To be eligible for both practical tests, you must obtain the ‘Certificate of Readiness’ from your instructor. The practical examination, as one may expect, is the most important part of acquiring a driving license. The test can be challenging as a specific time is given to the applicant in which they have to prove their driving skills.  

What are the Documents Required for the Driving License Practical Test?

Once the time and venue are allotted to you, you must keep the following documents handy with you for the practical test:

• Passport size photographs
• Driving file
• Valid Emirates ID

A Guide on Renewing Driver License in Abu Dhabi

• It is compulsory for every Abu Dhabi driving licence holder to renew their driving license at regular intervals.
• UAE nationals and GCC citizens need to renew their licenses every 10 years. On the other hand, UAE ex-pats must do the same after an interval of 5 years.
• In Abu Dhabi, the renewal process can be complete online.
• You must pay off all the traffic fines before renewing your driving licence in Abu Dhabi .
• In case you skip the renewal for more than a month, a fine of AED 10 is enforced on a monthly basis.

Documents Needed for Renewing Driving License in Abu Dhabi

All individuals are required to present the following documents to completely renew their driving license Abu Dhabi:

• Individuals younger than 21 years old must have their original Emirates ID
• People aged 21 years and above are required to show their valid Emirates ID and eye test results

Service Fees Requirement for Renewing Driving License in Abu Dhabi

The Roads and Transport Authority charges a certain fee every time you renew your driving license. Listed below are the fees for these categories:

• For individuals below 21 years of age - AED 100
• For individuals aged 21 years or more - AED 300

How to Apply for Renewal of Driving License Abu Dhabi?

The RTA offers 3 simple ways to renew your driving license in Abu Dhabi. You can either apply through the official RTA website, mobile application, or one of its self-service machines and follow the procedures mentioned on your selected platform.

Key Takeaways

Acquiring a driving license Abu Dhabi is not a complicated task, as the entire process can be done without any major difficulties if you follow all the rules and instructions appropriately. If you want to renew your driving license in Abu Dhabi, you must read all the terms and conditions carefully and follow the rules and steps mentioned by the transport authorities to avoid any fines. For more information related to driving license in Abu Dhabi, you can visit the official website of the Roads and Transport Authority.