In a city of lights & supercars, every resident dreams of driving on the beautiful roads and off-roads of Abu Dhabi. Every individual no matter whatever gender they belong to yearns to get a license in Abu Dhabi as soon as they turn 18.

Let’s look into the license regulations of the capital Emirate.

 

What are the possible options?
 

• - You have an international driving license.
• - Do you have a license that can be transferred?
• - You have a license that cannot be transferred but can be used to apply for Golden Chance.
• - You don’t have a license at all.

 

You have an international driving license.

You can use your International license to drive in Abu Dhabi only if you are on a visitor’s visa. For all residents, a valid UAE license is mandatory to drive in Abu Dhabi.

All visitors must obtain an IDP (International Driving Permit) from their home country or country of residence before they travel to Abu Dhabi.

The cost varies depending on the policies of the country from which the license is transferred.

 

You have a license that can be transferred.

If you have a license from any of these countries, you can transfer your license and start driving in Abu Dhabi.

The countries include - GCC countries, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, USA.

Documents Required:

• - Original & Valid License from an eligible country
• - Valid Passport & Residence Visa (Original & Copy)
• - Emirates ID
• - Passport size photo - 1
• - Eye Test Report
• - NOC from sponsor (only if the Traffic department requires it)

Depending upon the country from where you are transferring your license, you may also require:

• - Consulate Letter
• - Arabic translation of your driver’s license (can be done at typing centers).

The maximum cost can go up to AED 500 including the Eye test & transfer fee.

 

You have a license that cannot be transferred but can be used to apply for Golden Chance.

If you have a license that doesn’t belong to the countries mentioned earlier, you still have a chance to get a driving license without following the entire procedure. It’s called - GOLDEN CHANCE.

It's an opportunity to get your driving license with just a theory test & a direct road test. No parking tests are required.

But, remember, it's a one-time chance, and if you fail, you will have to take the practical lessons & tests from the beginning.

Documents Required:

• - Original & Valid License from Home country
• - Arabic translation of your home country driver’s license (can be done at typing centers).
• - Valid Passport & Residence Visa (Original & Copy)
• - Emirates ID
• - Passport size photo - 2
• - Eye Test Report
• - NOC from sponsor (only if the Traffic department requires it)

The total cost can vary between AED 1500 & AED 5000 (depending on the number of extra lectures that you might require).

 

You don't have a license at all.

If you don't have a driver's license, you will have to go through all the procedures listed on the u.ae website.

Documents Required:

• - Valid Passport & Residence Visa (Original & Copy)
• - Emirates ID
• - Passport size photo - 2
• - Eye Test Report
• - NOC from sponsor (only if the Traffic department requires it)

Procedure:

• - Get your approved Eye Test Report from any center approved by the traffic department.
• - Open a traffic file in Emirates Driving Company.
• - Attend theory classes and clear the theory exam.
• - Apply for Road Training Permission and receive the permit card.
• - Attend & clear all the parking tests by the traffic department
• - Clear the final road test.
• - Request for a hard copy of the license via the Abu Dhabi Police mobile App.

The charges including training fees vary from AED 4500 & go up to AED 12,000 (depending on the number of extra lectures that you might require).

 

Voila! You are good to go!

We get it, it's your passion to drive in UAE, and we are here to help you. Get the best driving instructors in Abu Dhabi via Sayaraa App.

For more information, please refer United Arab Emirates' Government Portal.