Abu Dhabi Driving License 2026 - Eligibility, Process, Fees and More

To get a driving license in Abu Dhabi, you have to follow a clear path. You take an eye test, open a traffic file, complete the theoretical and practical training, and pass the road test. The complete guidance on how to get it done seamlessly is explained in this guide. Let’s follow the steps carefully.read more

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Last updated on 12 October 2026Editorial Standards

How to Get a Driving License in Abu Dhabi in 2026?

If you’re planning to get a driving license in Abu Dhabi, have the documents ready and be aware of the tests to complete the application process. It’s also crucial to know about the renewal process, the costs involved, the right steps, and other key details. To help you out, we have documented every detail for you. Keep on reading to know how to get a driving license in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Driving License Process in 2026: Step-by-Step

To start your driving license application process, visit the unified government platform TAMM. The process involves opening a traffic file, completing training sessions from a licensed driving school, and passing the theory and practical tests.

Find below the detailed steps to start the application process:

Step 1: Take an eye test at an approved optician. Bring your Emirates ID.
Step 2: Open your traffic file online through the TAMM website.Open Using the TAMM Services Portal
- Visit the TAMM website and move to the ‘Drive and Transport’ option.
- Click on ‘Open Traffic File’ under ‘Obtain Driving License’ section.
- Sign in using your UAE Pass.
- Add your details and submit the required documents. These may include your Emirates ID and more.
- Pay the fees, and you will receive your Traffic File Number on your mobile number.
Step 3: Register at a licensed driving school with your traffic file number. Attend theory classes, pass the theory test, and get the completion certificate.
Step 4: Sign up for internal practical training (parking and yard driving) at the school and get the completion certificate.
Step 5: Book a Road Test through the TAMM portal.
Step 6: Go to the ‘Drive and Transport’ option and click on ‘Book A Driving Test Date’ under ‘Obtain Driving License’ section.
Step 7: Add the Traffic File number and all the required details to book the test.
Step 8: Pay the road test fee and get the confirmation on your number along with the training permit card.
Step 9: Complete external road training. You need at least 6 hours of on-road lessons.
Step 10: Your digital driving license will be sent through mail or SMS. You can also visit the driving school or Customer Happiness Centers of Abu Dhabi Police to get a physical copy.

Documents Required for an Abu Dhabi Driving License

Here are all the important documents to apply for a driving license in Abu Dhabi:

Copy of residence visa page
Emirates ID (original and one copy)
Passport (original and a copy)
Minimum of 2 passport-size photographs
Eye test report from an approved center or hospital
No Objection Certificate (NOC) duly signed by your sponsor (only if requested by the relevant traffic department)

Abu Dhabi Driving License Cost and Fees in 2026

The TAMM has set a fixed license cost and test fees. However, additional costs can vary based on your driving school, package, and more. Expenses also add up if you take multiple attempts to pass the tests. Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for you:

Components	Cost
Eye Test	AED 100
Traffic File Opening	AED 200
License Issuance	AED 100 (below 21 years old) AED 300 (for 21 years and above)
Theory Training & Exam (total course range)	AED 1,100 - 10,000
Practical Training	AED 2,000 onwards (based on level and package)
Road Test/Training Vehicle Permit Reservation Fees	AED 100 (for Light Vehicle & Motorcycle) AED 200 (for Heavy Vehicle, Light & Heavy Bus, and Light & Heavy Mechanical Equipments)

Note: The prices in the table are official TAMM charges. Additional charges apply as per the package and any retest fees if you don’t pass on the first try.

How to Open a Driving License File in Abu Dhabi?

Opening a driving license file in Abu Dhabi is the first step in the application process. It makes you eligible for taking theoretical and practical tests, and also creates your official profile in the Abu Dhabi police system. Here’s how you can open a driving license file in Abu Dhabi:

Step 1: Visit the TAMM website
Step 2: Click on the services tab and then move to ‘Drive & Transport’
Step 3: Under the ‘Drive & Transport’ section, click on ‘Obtain Driving License’, and then navigate to ‘Open Traffic File’ section
Step 4: Log in using the UAE Pass
Step 5: Submit the application along with the required documents
Step 6: Pay the fee of AED 200, and you will get your Traffic File Number via SMS

Abu Dhabi Driving Schools: EDC vs YDA

Emirates Driving Company (EDC) and Yas Driving Academy (YDA) are the two main driving schools in Abu Dhabi. These two are authorized to provide theory classes, practical tests, and internal tests. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

	Emirates Driving Company (EDC)	Yas Driving Academy (YDA)
Office Address	Street No. 17, Mussaffah Industrial Area, Abu Dhabi	Yas Marina Circuit - Yas Island - YS1 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Campus Location	Mussafah (Abu Dhabi), Al Ain, Ghayathi & Al Dhafra	Yas Marina Circuit & Al Wahda Mall
Working Hours	Saturday to Thursday - 7 am to 10 pm Friday - 7 am to 12 pm	Saturday to Thursday - 7 am to 11 pm Friday - 3 pm to 11 pm
Authorising Entity	Abu Dhabi Police / Abu Dhabi Mobility (formerly ITC)	Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)
Contact No.	600588880	600593223
Curriculum Covers	Light Vehicle, Motorcycle, Heavy Vehicle, Bus, Machinery, 4x4	Light Vehicle, Motorcycle
Course Fees	AED 3,991 onwards	AED 2,762 onwards
Golden Chance Course Fee	AED 2,756.20 (+ external road hours)	AED 1,386.50 (+ external road hours)

Foreign Driving License Exchange in Abu Dhabi

If you already have a driving license from another country and want to drive in Abu Dhabi, you can easily get it exchanged here via the TAMM website. But before starting the process, check whether your country falls in the eligible list of countries for the exchange of driving license in Abu Dhabi. Here is the list of the eligible countries:

List of Eligible Countries

Saudi Arabia	Oman	Kuwait	Bahrain
Qatar	Austria	Belgium	United States of America
Denmark	China	Kyrgyzstan	Canada
Finland	France	Germany	Hong Kong
Hungary	Greece	Bulgaria	Slovakia
Slovenia	Albania	Estonia	Latvia
Italy	Japan	Netherlands	New Zealand
Lithuania	Croatia	Serbia	Kosovo
North Macedonia	United Kingdom	Ireland	Luxembourg
Portugal	Monaco	Vatican City	Australia
Norway	South Korea	Singapore	Mexico
Poland	Romania	South Africa	Spain
Sweden	Switzerland	Turkey

Steps to Exchange a Foreign Driving License in Abu Dhabi

Before you begin, make sure your foreign driving license is issued in a country on the eligible countries list. Once that’s confirmed, here’s what you need to do next:

Step 1: Take an eye test at a recognized health authority of your Emirate.
Step 2: Choose the legal translation of your driving license before applying for the service.
Step 3: Visit the TAMM website and log in with your UAE Pass.
Step 4: Click on ‘Drive & Transport’ under the ‘List of Services’ section.
Step 5: Navigate to ‘Manage Driving License’ and click on ‘Replace a Vehicle Driving License Issued by Another Country.’
Step 6: Fill in the application details along with the supporting documents, such as Emirates ID and foreign license.
Step 7: Pay the fee of AED 600.
Step 8: You will get an SMS to visit the centre to collect your driving license.

Golden Chance Driving License in Abu Dhabi

Golden Chance Driving License that allows license holders from certain countries to apply for a driving license without the practical course. Such individuals can directly go for the driving test after at least 6 hours of on-road driving.

Here are the complete details on the eligibility criteria, eligible countries, documents required, and the steps to follow.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this type of driving license, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

You must be at least
1. 17 years old for a motorcycle driving license
2. 18 years of age for light vehicles
3. 20 years old for heavy vehicles
You must hold a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
You must have a valid, active license from your home country
You need to pass the eye test at an approved eye centre in Abu Dhabi
You must have your home country license translated into Arabic by an authorized translation office

List of Eligible Countries

You can apply for a Golden Chance Driving License if your home country license is not eligible for a direct exchange. The eligible countries here include India, Uganda, Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, Jordan, Russia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, or any other country not listed in the direct exchange list.

Documents for Golden Chance Driving License in Abu Dhabi

Here are the documents required to apply for a Golden Chance Driving License:

Emirates ID
Passport-size Photographs
Passport and Visa Copy
Certified Translation of Foreign Driving License
Original Foreign Driving License
Eye Test Report

Steps to Follow for Golden Chance Driving License in Abu Dhabi

After gathering all the necessary documents, follow these steps for the application process:

Step 1: Get your eye test done at an approved eye centre in Abu Dhabi
Step 2: Take your original foreign driving license to the authorized translation centre in Abu Dhabi. Get it translated into Arabic, then submit it on the online portal.
Step 3: Open the Traffic File on the TAMM website.
Step 4: Book theory classes at a registered center in Abu Dhabi and pass the theory exam.
Step 5: Schedule your road test on the TAMM app and pay the booking fee
Step 6: Once you have passed all the tests, you will get your official Golden Chance Driving License.

Note: You get only one attempt for the Golden Chance road test. If you fail, you cannot retake the direct test. You must then register for regular driving school classes, complete mandatory practice hours, and pass the regular testing process.

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Abu Dhabi Driving Test: Process, Fees and Requirements

To get a vehicle driving license in Abu Dhabi, you must pass 3 official tests: Theory Test, Yard Test, and Public Road Test. Here are the complete details of each test in terms of the process, fees, and test requirements.

Theory Test: Process, Fees & Requirements

As the name indicates, this test checks your understanding of the traffic rules, road signs, road safety, traffic fines, drink-driving laws, and more. It’s a computer-based test which is to be performed at your driving school. The exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions. After completing the test, you will receive the official certificate. The theory test fee is based on the course package that you have selected at the driving institute. Re-test fees also apply if you fail to pass the test.

Test Requirements

Must have an active Abu Dhabi Traffic File
Passed an eye test at an authorized centre
Completed mandatory theory classes
Own an original Emirates ID

Yard Test: Process, Fees & Requirements

The yard test checks your basic driving control and vehicle handling inside the driving school field before you take to public roads. An internal examiner checks specific driving manoeuvres, such as parallel parking, garage parking, slope or hill start test, emergency braking, and more.

The yard test fee is based on the course package that you have selected at the driving institute. This test fee is usually added to the course only. Re-test fees apply if you fail to pass the test.

Test Requirements

Must have a Theory Test certificate
Must have completed practical yard training hours at your driving school
Own a valid trainee permit card
Have an original Emirates ID

Public Road Test: Process, Fees & Requirements

The public road test is your final practical exam. You drive on real, public roads with an official Abu Dhabi Police examiner sitting in the passenger seat. The examiner tests you on vehicle control, braking, navigating roundabouts, overspeeding, correct response towards pedestrians, confidence, and road awareness.

As per the TAMM website, the road test reservation fee is AED 100 for motorcycle and light vehicles. For other vehicle types, the reservation fee is AED 200.

Test Requirements

Must have passed theory and yard test
Must have completed practical road training hours
Have an active trainee permit
Own an original Emirates ID

How to Check Abu Dhabi Driving Test Results Online?

To check your driving test result online, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Visit the TAMM website or Abu Dhabi Police e-Services Portal.
Step 2: Log in using your UAE Pass.
Step 3: Go to the ‘Drive & Transport’ section. Click on ‘Manage Driving License’.
Step 4: Your license application and test details will be displayed.

What Happens if You Fail the Abu Dhabi Driving Test?

If you do not pass the Abu Dhabi driving test in one go, you don’t have to start the application process again. But each failed attempt adds extra cost and time.

Identify the errors and connect with your driving instructor for constructive feedback.
Complete the additional training hours for theory or practical/road tests and focus on your weak areas.
Schedule a retest from the TAMM website or Abu Dhabi Police App and pay the retest fee.

Abu Dhabi Driving License Renewal in 2026

Driving with an expired driving license in Abu Dhabi is a serious offence. Penalties include hefty fines, black points, and more. You can renew your driving license 6 months before its expiry from the TAMM website or Abu Dhabi Police App. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Complete the eye test at an authorized eye centre.
Step 2: Log in to the TAMM website or Abu Dhabi Police portal through the UAE Pass.
Step 3: Check for all the fines and pay, if any.
Step 4: Enter your details and attach the required documents on the website/portal.
Step 5: Pay the renewal fee of AED 300 (for 21 years and above) or AED 100 (21 years and under).
Step 6: You will get your renewed driving license digitally. However, you can always go for the physical one by selecting the preferred delivery method.

Abu Dhabi Driving License Categories

The TAMM allows citizens to apply for a driving license based on the different categories of the vehicle type. Each category has its own age criteria, training requirements, and tests. Look at the table below for complete details:

Category	What Does it Cover?
Motorbikes	This category covers two- or three-wheeled vehicles The minimum age requirement is 17 years
Light Motor Vehicles	This category includes private and commercial cars, SUVs, sedans, and vehicles weighing up to 2.5 tons You can apply after reaching the legal age of 17.5 years However, the license will be issued to you once you pass all the tests and reach 18.
Heavy Trucks	This category includes heavy commercial trucks and trailers exceeding 2.5 tons You must be at least 20 years old to apply
Light Buses or Minibus	This category includes buses with a maximum of 26 passengers excluding the driver The minimum age requirement is 21 years
Heavy Buses	Buses with a capacity of 26+ passengers fall under this category The minimum age requirement is 21 years.
Forklifts	It covers forklift drivers for commercial purposes, such as industrial, warehouse, or construction work You must be at least 20 years old to apply
Heavy Forklifts and Machinery	This category includes forklift drivers for commercial purposes, such as industrial or construction work Applicants must be at least 20 years old

How Long Does it Take to Get a Driving License in Abu Dhabi?

There is no fixed duration in which you can get your Abu Dhabi Driving License. The timeline depends on your entry pathway.

If you opt for the Direct Exchange, you get your driving license on the same day.
If you choose the Golden Chance Driving License, it usually takes two to four weeks to get delivered.
If you are a beginner and going for the course, the timeline depends on your chosen package and the attempts you take to clear practical/road tests. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Driving License in Abu Dhabi

Although the application process for an Abu Dhabi driving license is straightforward, a few things can cause errors and delay the process. Here are the common mistakes to avoid and stay clear of fines and delays:

Visiting Unapproved Eye Clinics: Only optical centers connected to the Abu Dhabi traffic portal can submit your vision test.
Relying Only on Private Tutors: Private instructors cannot give you official theory certificates or test readiness forms. You must register with EDC or YDA.
Skipping Extra Lessons Before Golden Chance: You only get one attempt on Golden Chance. Take extra practice lessons, if required, to reduce your risk of failing.
Ignoring Speed Limits and Blind Spot Checks: Examiners check whether you exceed the speed limit or fail to check your blind spot before changing lanes or pulling out.
Leaving Active Traffic Fines Unpaid: You cannot renew your driving license until all active traffic fines are cleared.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You need to renew your driving license periodically. As a UAE or GCC citizen, you need to renew your driving license in Abu Dhabi every 10 years. However, if you are an expatriate, the renewal period is every 5 years.

Yes, opening a driving file is necessary to take lessons and training to get a driving license.

If your Abu Dhabi driving license is lost or stolen, you need to apply for a replacement. You can do this at any traffic and licensing service centre or through the Abu Dhabi police e-services portal.

You can easily check your driving license test in Abu Dhabi by going to the Abu Dhabi Police e-services portal and providing your licence number and other information.

A full training package for new drivers typically costs AED 3,600. The actual price, however, depends on the package selected, attempts to complete the test, and other charges.

For direct exchange, you get your driving license on the same day. If you’re applying for a Golden Chance, you can get your license in two to four weeks. If you are a beginner, the complete process takes up to three to six months.

To convert your license to an Abu Dhabi driving license, visit the TAMM website and submit your foreign license exchange application.