Whether you’re a local or an expat, driving schools are necessary for everyone, especially if you want a driving licence. However, it can be a bit difficult to figure out all the fine details when choosing driving schools in Abu Dhabi.
Our guide will cover everything you need to know, from the requirements to the best driving schools in Abu Dhabi.
The Best Driving Schools in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has no shortage of driving schools. Here are some of the best:
Emirates Driving Company
- Location: Street no. 17, Mussafah Industrial Area, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971 6005 8888 0
The Emirates Driving Company is the biggest and most widely preferred driving school in Abu Dhabi. It has been in existence since 2000 and has been officially registered with the government.
It is also partially owned by the government of Abu Dhabi and is the only driving institute authorised to issue a driving licence in Abu Dhabi. The Emirates Driving Company offers the following services:
- Adult Lessons
- Private Lessons
- Teen Classes
- Driving Education
- Driving Training
- Fire Prevention
- Intensive Course
- Practical Classes
- Repairs and Maintenance
- Training Programs
- Pick-up and Drop
The Emirates Driving Company has branches in other Emirates and is among the top driving schools in Dubai.
ANTONY
- Location: Musaffah, M-11, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971 5599 0669 3
- Timings: 08:30 AM – 07:00 PM (Monday – Thursday, Sunday), 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Friday), 08:59 AM – 08:00 PM (Saturday)
With more than 35 years of experience, ANTONY is one of the oldest and most experienced driving schools in Abu Dhabi. The school offers classes for adults and teens.
ANTONY Driving School offers the following services:
- Adult Lessons
- Private Lessons
- Teen Classes
- Traffic File Open
- Refresher Course (For licence holders)
Al Shams Driving School Abu Dhabi
- Location: HAMDAN, Abu Dhabi
- Contacts: +971 5058 2079 8, +971 5566 7847
- Timing: 05:00 AM – 09:00 PM (Monday – Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), 05:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 02:00 PM – 08:00 PM (Friday)
Al Shams Driving School is a popular driving school in Abu Dhabi. The school starts classes early in the morning and is open until late at night. Students can choose to learn to drive vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Al Ain National Driving School
- Location: Othman Bin Affan St, Central District, Abu Dhabi
- Contacts: +971 5081 9111 9
- Timings: 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Monday – Saturday), 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM (Monday – Friday)
Al Ain National Driving School is among the best driving schools in Abu Dhabi. The school offers a wide range of services to its students. One of these is several courses that include a few categories of vehicles. These include:
- Light Motor Vehicle
- Trucks Driving Licence
- Buses Driving Licence
- Forklift Driving Licence
- Motorcycles Driving Licence
- Shovels Driving Licence
Students will have theory lessons followed by a test and then move to practical lessons. Students also get a fee discount if they refer a friend or family member.
Santana Driving School
- Location: Abu Dhabi Musaffah M6, Near Mercedes Showroom, Abu Dhabi
- Contacts: +971 5559 4343 9
- Timings: Always Open
Another driving school in Abu Dhabi has a long pedigree. Santana Driving School features experienced instructors and over 30 years of experience in the driving industry. The school teaches students to use both automatic and manual transmissions.
Enrolling in the Best Driving Schools in Abu Dhabi
Driving schools in Abu Dhabi help future drivers learn the local traffic laws and regulations. They also familiarize students with the basics of driving a vehicle with assistance from highly trained and experienced professionals.
After taking the suggested number of classes and passing the tests, drivers are eligible for a driver’s licence in Abu Dhabi.
Required Documents
Before signing up for a driving school, having the required documents on hand is important. Make sure you have the following documents:
- Original and copy of Emirates ID Card
- Passport copy and Residence Visa page.
- 2 Photographs
- Eye-test report
- No Objection Letter by Sponsor (If required)
Fees
The fees for driving schools typically vary based on the course’s duration and the vehicle’s transmission. The Emirates Driving Company has classified vehicles into the following categories:
- Motorbike
- Light Vehicle
- Heavy Vehicle
- Heavy Bus
The fee for the theory class (incl. One-time exam fee) is AED 871. For Practical classes, the Emirates Driving Company offers three different packages.
- Beginner (For drivers with no licence or experience): AED 2840
- Intermediate (For drivers with a licence from their home country and 1-5 years of experience): AED 2145
- Upper-Intermediate (For drivers with a licence from their home country and 5 years of experience): AED 1755
Classes
There are two sets of driving classes for driving schools in Abu Dhabi: theory and practical. After completing the theory classes, students have to clear a written test. Once the written test is cleared, students can move on to practical courses.
The theory involves learning about traffic laws and regulations as well as the basics of driving in the UAE. On the other hand, practicals put all those skills into practice with actual driving experience under the supervision of instructors.
FAQs
The cost of a driving licence varies depending on a few factors. These factors include the kind of licence you’re going for, such as a motorbike driving licence or a light motor vehicle licence. The average cost of a driving licence in UAE ranges between AED 5000 and AED 7000.
A driving test in Abu Dhabi costs AED 250, including the Practical Test registration fee and the licence issue fee.
That was all there is to know about driving schools in Abu Dhabi. We wish you the best of luck in your driving journey and obtaining your coveted driving licence.
For more about driving in the UAE, check out our guide on how to get a driving licence in Dubai.
