Abu Dhabi public transport is known for its convenience and swiftness of use. However, many residents prefer driving private vehicles. Whether you ride your four-seater or a loading truck, a driver’s licence is necessary.
Furthermore, you can apply for a driver’s licence in Abu Dhabi through Emirates Driving Company. Let’s learn more about how to get a driving licence in Abu Dhabi.
- Driving Licence Eligibility
- Required Documents
- Process
- Driver’s Licence – Categories
- Renewal
- E-Services
- FAQs
Driving Licence Eligibility
Abu Dhabi’s driving eligibility depends on the driver’s legal age and medical fitness. Moreover, each driver’s permit has a different minimum age requirement.
- Buses – 21 years
- Heavy vehicles and tractors – 20 years
- Cars and light vehicles – 18 years
- Motorcycles and vehicles for people with determination – 17 years
Required Documents
The following are the necessary documents required for opening a traffic file:
- Passport (Copy)
- Residence visa page (Copy)
- Emirates ID card (Original and Copy)
- Photographs (x2)
- Report for eye test
- No Objection Letter or No objection certificate (NOC) from the sponsor (if required)
Process
Follow the process given below for a driver’s licence:
- Open a Traffic File
An individual must open a traffic file at the government’s approved driving centres in Abu Dhabi, like TAMM. To open a traffic file, submit an Emirate ID and pay a fee of AED 200.
- Conduct an Eye Test
You can check your eyesight at any healthcare centres approved by Abu Dhabi’s traffic and licencing department. Moreover, an eye test will cost you around AED 100.
- Complete Required Driving Classes
You must complete your driving classes to issue a driving licence in Abu Dhabi. The Emirates Driving Company in Abu Dhabi offers various driving classes on a budget. These courses are comprised of theory and practical lessons about road sense.
The required documents for the practical and theory training for a driving licence in EDC are:
- Passport (Copy)
- Traffic File Number
- Emirates ID
- Personal Photo
- Residency Visa (Copy)
EDC Contact: +971 600 58 8880
EDC Address: Emirates Driving Company, Street no. 17, Mussaffah Industrial Area, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Pass Traffic Department Tests
After completing driving classes, pass a safe driving test conducted by the TAMM. Moreover, these tests will cost you about AED 100 to AED 200, including practical test registration and licence issuance.
- Get a Driver’s Licence
Lastly, collect your driver’s licence from the Abu Dhabi Traffic Authority. The costs for new driving licences in Abu Dhabi:
- AED 300 (over 21 years)
- AED 100 (under 21 years)
Driver’s Licence – Categories
The driving licences in Abu Dhabi are categorised according to your vehicle type:
1. Private
A private driver’s licence is the primary category for personal vehicles in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, it is valid only for private cars. Furthermore, it is valid only for private cars.
2. Motorbike
Abu Dhabi offers two types of motorbike driver’s licences. These licences are categorised based on the engine capacity and allow to drive motorbikes:
- Lesser than 400cc
- More than 400cc
3. Heavy Vehicle
Vehicles weighing 4.5 tons or more qualify as heavy vehicles (buses and trucks). In Abu Dhabi, one needs a driving license to drive heavy vehicles.
4. Light Vehicle
A vehicle is considered light when its maximum weight is 3.5 tons. You require a separate light vehicle driving licence to drive such a vehicle.
5. Commercial
Lastly, a person with a commercial driving licence can only drive vehicles for business.
Renewal
Driving licences in the UAE are renewable for ten years, while residents can renew for five years. Moreover, renewals are available online in most emirates, and customers must settle traffic fines. However, delayed renewals result in a monthly fine of 10 AED.
E-Services
The UAE government has developed eServices to make it convenient for the public. To apply for a driving licence online, visit the following websites:
Ministry of Interior
The Ministry of Interior’s official website and smart app allow Abu Dhabi residents to issue and renew driving permits online. To pay the service charges, one can use the MOI UAE Payment Portal (credit cards, Samsung, Apple, and Google Pay).
1. For Issuance
In Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Interior issues a licence after confirming an individual’s eligibility and driving tests of the driver. Moreover, the delivery time for a driver’s licence is four minutes. Furthermore, the cost of issuing a driver’s licence is as follows.
- AED 100 (under 21 years)
- AED 300 (above 21 years)
- AED 15 (delivery charges)
2. For Renewal
You can renew your expired or six-month before your driver’s licence expiry by visiting MOI’s official website or app. Moreover, you can get your renewed driver’s licence within three minutes. Additionally, the renewal cost of issuing a driver’s licence is:
- AED 100 (under 21 years)
- AED 300 (above 21 years)
- AED 15 (additional delivery charge)
- AED 10 (late fee for unpaid fine)
- AED 100 (eye test)
TAMM
Through TAMM’s official website, you can open your driving licence file and renew your driver’s licence online. Moreover, you can use credit or debit cards and online bank transfers to pay all the service charges of TAMM.
1. Open a Driving Licence File
The service allows individuals to access theoretical and practical training courses at the Drivers Licensing Department through a file opening.
Moreover, you only need an Emirates ID and pay AED 200 to open a licence file. You can open your driver’s licence file within six minutes.
2. Driving Licence Renewal
You can visit TAMM’s official website to renew your expired driving licence online. The renewal process only requires your Emirates ID. Furthermore, the renewal cost of a driver’s licence is:
- AED 100 (for one year)
- AED 300 (for more than a year)
- AED 10 (late fee for unpaid fine)
FAQs
A driving licence in Abu Dhabi costs you somewhere between AED 5,000 to AED 7,000.
You will get your driving permit in Abu Dhabi in one day.
Abu Dhabi allows unlimited attempts of the driving test.
In summary, if you want to attain a driver’s licence in Abu Dhabi follow guidelines and abide by the legal driving age. This guide has elaborated on everything about how to get a driving licence in Abu Dhabi for your convenience.
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