26th August 2013 Abu Dhabi Drivers License procedures

Getting your traffic license can be one of your main objectives while coming in to U.A.E and the various procedures
and policies that are so dynamic in nature is definitely a pain to keep track of. I obtained my driving license
sometime last month, and thus, went through the drill quite recently, hence the below post can be quite useful for
some of you who are trying to get their license from Abu Dhabi. AUH also categorizes the candidates based on their
experience and knowledge of driving; hence choose carefully which category you belong to, so as to save
yourselves the time and money involved. Few facts to consider -

The below post is applicable for mainly light vehicles (both automatic and manual transmission) applying in the
Abu Dhabi emirate only.

There are certain visa categories that cannot apply for the license. Better check with Emirates Driving Company
(EDC) on what these categories are.

For candidates who possess driver’s license from listed countries such as UK, US etc do not have to go
through the process and can get their license converted immediately. Few GCC countries may also have this
privilege.

If you have initiated the process at any other emirate (Dubai, Sharjah etc.) you also have the option of getting
your file transferred to Abu Dhabi and vice versa.

1. Opening the file – This kick starts the entire process for you, where you need to complete the administrative
paperwork in order to register your application. Few factors to consider –
a. Documents – Keep all copies of your residency and labour proof handy. This would mean copies of
Emirates ID, labour card, passport with residency visa etc. Also, a no objection letter (original in Arabic &
English) from your visa sponsor (employer, spouse, parent etc.) needs to be provided. And mention
whether you’re opting for manual or automatic transmission.
b. Eye test – An eye test would be conducted normally at the same venue of opening the file and the OK
certificate also needs to be provided at time of opening file.
c. Home country license – For those who possess drivers license from their home country, can avail
reduction in classes (more on that later) thus need to provide an Arabic translation of the drivers license at
time of opening file.
d. Fees – Registration – AED 125-150, Eye Test – AED 25-30
e. Venue – Muroor licensing department, Emirates Driving Company (EDC Mussafah), Khalifa City. Mine was
done at Mussafah itself so I could immediately book the further classes.
f. Validity – Every file comes with a validity of six months, which on expiry can be renewed at the same
locations at a fee of AED 50-100. With this, you have registered yourself for applying for the license in Abu
Dhabi. Entire process takes an hour or two max.

2. Theory classes – The next step would be to apply for the theory classes. This is a must for all who aspire to
hold a drivers license in Abu Dhabi. You can enroll for the classes in EDC. There are 8 theory sessions of an
hour each. You can consolidate these classes (known as intensive training) to have 4 sessions in two days. In
case you cannot attend any of the theoretical or practical classes from EDC, you can re-schedule the classes
by phone, email or direct walk-in at least a day before at no extra cost.
a. Fees – Cost of theoretical training – AED 780. Intensive training – additional AED 100. Cost of test – AED
50.
b. Test – The online test consists of 45 questions with duration of 30 mins. Pass % is 80 (36 out of 45 qns.)
Although no hard rule as to what questions will appear, concentrate on lessons 1-3 and 8 more. If you fail
the test, you can re-take the test by paying for the additional classes and test.

3. Practical training – Once you pass the theory test comes the opportunity of getting the practical training. Here
the candidates are classified into few categories –
a. Candidates with home country license.
b. Candidates without home country license –
 i. Possess some knowledge on driving.
ii. No knowledge on driving (fresher)

Each of the categories are explained in detail below –

3.a. Candidates with home country license - These are such candidates who have the home country license (ex.
India, Philippines etc.). As per Emirates Driving Company (EDC) rules, if you have produced your home country
license at time of opening file, such candidates are given one chance of taking the road test directly. There will be
no requirement for training from EDC for this purpose, however only one such try is possible. If you pass the test on
the first and only try, you will receive your license and your process ends there. If you however fail this try, you will
have to undergo the entire practical training from EDC as category 3.b.

In order to brush up your driving skills, you can engage with any private instructors (outside of EDC) to take up
training lessons (AED 60 – 70 per hour for number of hours of your choice) before taking the chance. This in turn,
helps you to complete the process faster and save a lot of money. I know of candidates whose entire license
process completed in 20 days and within AED 1500 who have taken this route. This is a facility that only AUH
candidates enjoy with no other emirate providing such facility. I have also given few tips while appearing for road
test (further below).

3.b.(i). Candidates without home country license – Possess some knowledge on driving – These are such
candidates who do not have any previous driver’s license, but have some basic knowledge and understanding of
driving. Although you have to enroll for the practical classes by EDC, you may not have to start at the same level as
that of the fresher, thereby helping in reducing the classes, hence time and money saved. An internal evaluation test
(Personal Evaluation Prog – PEP) will be conducted by the EDC examiners at an additional cost of AED 50 to
evaluate your driving skills and thereby instruct from what level you can begin training from. PEP is an optional test
and must only be taken if you’re confident you can start practical training from a higher level than a fresher. The
various levels’ details are provided as –

Beginner Level 32 classes AED 2250 Area 1 to 5

Intermediate level 26 classes AED 1750 Area 2 to 5
Upper Intermediate 20 classes AED 1450 Area 3 to 5
Advanced level 8 classes AED 650 Area 4 to 5

3.b.(i). Candidates without home country license – No knowledge on driving (fresher) – Such candidates
must begin training from beginner level. Once again you can consolidate the classes (intensive practical training) at
an additional cost of AED 200 (for category 3b).

Training methodology - Each class consists of an average 30 minutes each. The training will be within the driving
yard of EDC. The training methodology consists of area training and tower training. Area training is where the
instructor will sit beside you and instruct you on how to drive, zig-zag, parking, roundabouts, signals etc (level wise
from Area 1 to Area 5 only within driving yard.) Tower training happens after each area training where the car will be
given solely to you to practice what you learnt in the particular area training with no instructor beside you and
instructions provided on the radio. The tower training practice is again a privilege that only AUH license candidates
enjoy that gives the candidate a certain level of confidence of handling the car on his/her own. In addition to these
trainings, there is also the simulation training of 4 to 6 classes, which is conducted on the computer driving on
simulation mode. For the manual transmission training, there will also be bridge training. Prices mentioned above
are all inclusive.

Parking Test – After completion of above mentioned internal training from EDC, you are then qualified to give the
parking test and bridge test (manual). The test comes at a cost of AED 50 and is conducted in the yard by EDC
examiners. Two types of parking are examined – parallel and perpendicular (both forward and reverse.) Parking is
mainly taught at Area 2, thus chances are by the time you take the test, you would have forgotten the tricks of the
trade. For this purpose, a refresher parking and refresher bridge (manual transmission only) class of one hour is
conducted right before the test, so you recollect what you learnt in Area 2. Ensure that you take this refresher
course, as it highly increases your chances of passing the parking test. In case of failing the test, you can retake the
parking test, by retaking the refresher course (2 classes) and pay additional AED 50.

4. External Training – On passing the parking test, your internal training with EDC comes to an end. With this you
get a certificate that you have completed the internal training and a green card from the school (learner’s license)
that entitles you to take training from the external private instructors outside of the school. You can find such trainers
outside the school who provide training for a minimum 10 hours at a cost of AED 60- 70 per hour. This training will
be conducted on the roads in Mussafah and the trainer will instruct you on what is expected of you during the road
test and for a safe driving in the U.A.E. These trainers are normally flexible with the timings, and it is left up to you
as to who to choose as your instructor. I chose an instructor from my hometown, which made my training much
more comfortable. If you feel you aren’t ready for the road test, you can enroll for additional classes at additional
cost as well.

Road Test – Once you complete the external training, you will get an external training certificate from your private
instructor that will enable you to take the road test with the AUH licensing dept. One important factor to keep in mind
is that you can have only 3 such tries with the road test. What happens if you fail all 3 tries are explained further.
Make sure you get trained as much as possible from your private instructor so that you can pass the road test in one
of these tries. If you fail the first time, you can take classes again from your instructor and go for the consecutive
tries. Thus, more tries on road test means more money and time.

Few tips while appearing for road test –

1. Mirrors - keep tilting your head to observe the position on all 3 mirrors from time to time (every 5-10 secs.)
This gives them the feeling you're being extra cautious and attentive.
2. Blind spot - ensure to check your shoulders while moving into the next lane.
3. Stick to your lane - make sure after exiting a roundabout (center, left or U-turn) to get back to your lane
(right track) as soon as possible.
4. Indicators - ensure to use proper indicators while changing lanes or moving in and out of roundabouts.
5. Speed - Maintain a good speed of 60-70km/h. The key is to be in control; driving too slow or fast could get
you in trouble.

5. Area 6 training – If you fail the road test 3 times after appearing for external training, your file is then transferred
back from your private instructor to EDC, where the next level of training will begin known as Area 6. This consists
of 12 – 15 classes of AED 50 – 60 each. Here the training will be conducted by EDC instructors on Mussafah roads
and then you can appear for road test. Here on, the tries for road test becomes unlimited, where if you further fail,
you take as many classes suggested from EDC and then appear for road test as you move on.

Getting your license – On passing the road test, you can obtain your license card from Muroor licensing dept or
Mussafah police station carrying with you the pass certificate, copy of Emirates ID or passport copy with visa,
internal training certificate (if taken training from EDC), and AED 200. Wish you happy and safe driving on the roads
of U.A.E.!!

Posted 26th August 2013 by Dennis Abraham

37 View comments

Atiq August 27, 2013 at 10:49 AM

This is very informative. Thank you..
Reply

Murali Krishna April 17, 2014 at 8:08 AM

Hi,
can you please, provide any good private instructor contact number.
Reply
MrAli Ahmed May 15, 2014 at 3:26 AM
Thanks for sharing very useful information with us its a great post. Dubai / Abu Dhabi driving rules are so strict as
compare to other international city. Safety is so important specifically when you are driving in Dubai / Abu Dhabi
"UAE" for this purpose kindly follow driving rules properly always beneficial for avoiding so many certain or un-certain
risks.

rent a car dubai, car rental dubai, car hire dubai

These rules are specially developed for every one safety who travel on road in Dubai / Abu Dhabi "UAE". Kindly during
drive must follow driving rules and regulation.
Reply

Anonymous May 20, 2014 at 8:04 PM

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. This really will help people like us who are looking forward to obtain
driving license in abu dhabhi.....
Reply

Anonymous June 7, 2014 at 12:03 AM

thanks a lot.
Reply

Anonymous June 10, 2014 at 6:18 AM

I am new to driving
so initially I opted for manual driving and undergone all theory and practical classes

During manual test I passed in parking 90 degrees and side parking

But failed in uphill test two times

I have only on more time free test.

I don't think getting trained inside school 3 times for uphill will not boost me infront of police to do it perfect

so i want to change from manual to automatic driving license so that I neednot require uphill test.

Is it possible now to shift to automatic ?

Reply

Replies

saifuddeen July 10, 2014 at 6:48 AM

Dear,
Please call 600577777

Reply
Anonymous June 16, 2014 at 11:14 AM
I had tried with multiple private instructors, and among them Mr. Abdur Rashid (0509098593) is one of best
professional instructor.

He is identifying our mistakes and providing useful tips to improve our driving skills. I passed the Road Test in my first
try with his training...
Reply

Replies

krishna moorthy Kuppusamy September 16, 2014 at 10:05 PM

Mr abdur rashid is in dubai or abudhabi or alain ?

Anonymous November 8, 2014 at 10:47 AM

If you passed road test in your first try then why did you try multiple private instructors? Contradictory
statements.

Reply

saifuddeen July 10, 2014 at 6:45 AM

Thank you
Please see this link for more informations
https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/citizens/vehicle_and_transport/driving_services?_adf.ctrl-
state=1dkgvsbkwx_4&_afrLoop=10209810249050480
Reply

Shafeeq August 30, 2014 at 11:10 PM

Hii, Yesterday i completed my Practical Evaluation Programme(PEP) and upon completion i received a certificate
stating AREA-3 PASS, does it mean i have to do practical training from AREA-3 to 5 or from AREA-4 to 5.

Thank You
Reply

Replies

TransitioningThoughts January 31, 2017 at 10:00 AM

what is a practical evaluation programme.. is it conducted on a simulator..?

Reply

Anonymous November 27, 2014 at 9:55 PM

I have an Indian driving licence but it's only 18 months old, I read in a few places that to appear for the road test
directly you need to have at-least a 2 year old licence. Anyone has any idea about it?
Anyways the post was very informative. Thanks for sharing!!
Reply

Replies

jhon mila January 15, 2015 at 10:48 AM

Translation in English, Arabic, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Turkish, Uzbek, Hindi
and more than 100+ languages.

Reply

Muhammed Ramshad December 3, 2014 at 1:57 AM

I opened license file in abudhabi with indian driving license mannual gear transmsssion... my test on 22 dec 2014.
presently i hav interest to change gear transmssion into automatic, is it possible to change ?
anybody know ?????,,,, pls help me
Reply

Akash Kahout December 24, 2014 at 3:15 PM

Thanks
Reply

Anonymous February 1, 2015 at 6:53 AM

If my license says Heavy Vehicles ..can I still drive Light Vehicles? I called them but no one could understand what I
mean.. thank you
Reply

sahil March 31, 2015 at 9:09 AM

I Need to reschedule my theory exam date anyone know the email id where shud i mail thm
Reply

Jesica Alba May 18, 2015 at 12:29 AM

I constantly emailed this site post page to all my friends, because if prefer to read it then my all friends will too.Above
All Safety
Reply

Anonymous August 18, 2015 at 6:16 AM

Thank you..
Reply
Amruth S August 29, 2015 at 2:07 AM
Hi Guys ! This blog is really helpful. Just wanted to share my latest experience.

Recently I had been to mussaffah to open a file for the driving license. They offered me an immediate road test as I
had Qatar DL.I requested for a post dated test and took 8 private classes.

On the test day , I made my presence early morning at 7 am.Took my token and waited my turn for the test in mini
bus. My turn came and I made sure that I followed all basic safety and traffic rules.Bingo ! I cleared the test.

Few tips from my side.

1. Once you are in the car. Remember SMB. i.e Seat Mirror and Belt. Make sure you follow this in order.

2. Keep you hands at 10:10 o clock position in the steering.

3. The tests are done in Nissan Sentra Car. Make sure you have experience driving this car.

4.Make sure you drive at high speed at 80-100 kph when road is clear. Traffic police dislikes driving at low speeds
when road is clear.

5. Keep checking all mirrors every 10-15 seconds. While changing lanes make mirror check , shoulder view check
and turn indicator.

4. Maintain a speed of 40kph at Roundabouts having three lanes. For smaller roundabouts with 2 lanes maintain 20-
25 kph as the turning radius is sharp.

5. I recommend to have a driving class on the day of test. This will boost confidence.

6. Relax. Be confident. Don't take a test unless you are confident. Its better to have additional external classes.

7. The more you are confident , the better the chances of clearing the test.

I wish everyone best of luck and also remind to have a safe and happy driving !
Reply

Prem September 8, 2015 at 3:11 AM

Hi Guys
If anyone looking private instructor in “Abu Dhabi”, Please contact MR Rafiq. [971 50 691 8454] He is best instructor.
He’ll give his 100% to teach you.
Let me share my experience
I was beginner in driving. After opening my file in Musaffash Police station, I joined EDC beginner course first as per
rule I need to complete my theory class room [8 classes].
On completion of theory classes, I scheduled my written test.
In between I read all chapter of EDC book, and I refer few web sites [Foreign web sites] to use with written test.
Note – All foreign web site, not applicable to UAE written test.
But u’ll get enough knowledge about road rules and test.
http://myrta.com/odkt/servlet/ODktDemoServlet?actionname=startdemo
This one help me more and same practice question as UAE written test questions

http://mylicence.sa.gov.au/my-car-licence/practice-theory-test

http://www.dmv.org/drivers-license-practice-test.php
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/interactive/tdrive/exam

After doing this much, I Cleared my written test in first attempt [Most of question form book only, same word as
written in book]
After complete written test I scheduled my practical classes in EDC , every things goes well and I completed my
classes.
Now I have to clear parking test.
Before parking test EDC give me one mock class only for parking.[everyone get this class ].
Note – My tips to clear parking test is goes slow as much slow you can do it.
1 revers parking – come back, turn right when see cone in back triangle windows, go inside, turn left when see cone
right hand site on front glass. Make straight and park. Don’t forget to keep car slow as much slow you can do. But
don’t stop, slow and move.
2 side parking – go straight, when you see cone on mid of right shoulder widows turn full right, and go when car
become straight just go little bit inside and stop.
I cleared my parking test in first attempt.
Reply

Prem September 8, 2015 at 3:12 AM

After clearing parking test you need to go for outside practical class’s registration.
I went outside EDC and search trainer, I got one person MR Mo. Shaeed -0559902782, {don’t join shaeed, he totally
useless teacher, always telling I have 20+ year experience, I ll teach very well, a big fatty person, never teach properly
and always asking money, one of my bad experience in life, I selected shaeed, I am strongly Recommending guys
don’t hair him.}.
I took a contract and registered in EDC and I got my first road test date.
Note- Before selection of trainer please check with friends and office collogue.
Mr Shaeed start training , never teach me full things and always telling forget about what ever u learn in EDC , on
road you have to teach new way.
My experience was very bad with Shaeed, and I lost my first road test because of his training [he didn’t teach me
shoulder view and blind spot view how to see in mirror, how to change lane, he always catch staring while turning
and occupied right hand mirror for his view. So my training was horrible and I frustrated with him.]
After lost my first road test I entered second road test with another trainer but result was same. I lost my second
chance also.
Then I lost my all hop, I was fully frustrated, I have to return back to school if I lost third chance also
Then I meet my rafiq with reference of one of my friend of friend, he become an angle for me, only 15 days class he
make me expert, and he teach me all rule and ways to drive, and I love the way of teaching, he leave you on road,
drive and learn, never touch staring, never try to break your driving.
He always point only your mistakes, he teach you to control staring very well , cross round about , drive fast as much
as possible , the best way of teaching. The moral support, and how to get rid of nervousness, within 15 classed I
become expert of driving. Thank to MR Rafiq [971 50 691 8454].
Now the day come and I entered for third round [last round], I was so nervous I just call him and he just told me one
word do what I teach you , and don’t forget to see mirror, shoulder view blind spot . and until instructor told you any
instruction go straight with 80 speed either is round about or any things don’t change lane until instructor told you or
u have to overtake , after crossing round about or overtake first come to right lane as soon as possible.
Reply

Prem September 8, 2015 at 3:12 AM

I entered in bus and waiting to my turn, and I cannot say I was relaxed [people are telling do show nervous face to
instructor, all are useless, everyone nervous at that time and this thinks instructor knows very well].
Finally my turn came , I entered in car and says salaam to both instructor, give them training card ,car seat and mirror
was at good position but I set it one again[ as MR Rafiq told me do it once again, if it’s in good condition also, to
show instructor you are following all rules] and put my seat belt.
My instructor told me you have to take U turn from round about , are you ready to go? I say yes I am ready, I started
normal speed, and to maintain average speed [30-40 km] I took U turn properly, after entered in main road he told me
go 100 km in same lane don’t chance lane , I press full speed [ I didn’t see speedometer it’s 100 or less or above ]
and suddenly he told me chance lane , I was in left lane and I have to come in middle lane and then right as per rule ,
I check right shoulder view blind spot [ as Mr Rafiq told me and teach me] and to seeing center and right mirror I
change lane , than he told me keep center lane , I was driving in center lane and I kept it center lane , round about is
coming near and he was not giving me any instruction,[As Mr Rafiq told me go straight if he ll not give you any
instruction ] after that I kept in center lane and cross round about in center lane after crossing roundabout I come
back to my lane and then he told me park . I got one parking, it’s coming near to me I parked in parking.
As then both instructor was happy mood and I was seeing smile on their face, and he asked me how you felling, I
supersized did I do any mistake, I am aging fail, he told me get relax you are passed, you drive very well, more than
expectation without a single mistakes [May be it’d happens with all person but its best remarks for me], I happy and I
thanks to MR Rafiq as he trained me. Finally I got my DL and now I am driving in UAE and enjoying my life.
Note-
Don’t be panic, everyone will be nervous at that time.
Keep watching mirrors.
Check Shoulder view before changing lane or turning staring.
Fallow instruction, and try to keep maintain all rules.
And last, my personal opinion, don’t be hurry to give test in morning, I saw people was running to get there best
place, but they forget morning was rush of traffic and chances are more of mistakes.
Rest of everything’s every one know how to do it.
At last I’ll thanks again to my trainer Mr Rafiq [971 50 691 8454] and his best training
Reply

Salafi September 15, 2015 at 4:24 AM

Rent A Car in Dubai
http://www.fastonerentacar.com/
Reply

Anonymous September 30, 2015 at 3:30 AM

Hi,
I am moving to Abu Dhabi in a month.
My nationality is not included on the list, however, I currently hold a unified GCC License from Oman. I would like to
know if I am still required to do the test even if I have the Unified GCC License.

http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Driving-licences-issued-to-expats-now-valid-across-all-GCC-states-3sfo

This is the assumption on the article, however, I couldn't find any new on the UAE side which indicates that they now
recognize this.

Sympe
Reply

Unknown October 4, 2015 at 4:36 AM

i failed my golden chance, can anyone tell me next step for me,,thanks
Reply

Replies
 Anonymous October 24, 2015 at 11:33 PM
you need to to driving school, the police person will sign on your appointment slip, then you have to go
evaluation section, they will book for your training classes,,

Reply

Anonymous October 14, 2015 at 5:19 AM

Reply to unknown. I took the same exam and failed. Now you have to do a preparation test where they evaluate how
many classes you need.

This entire process is way too prolonged in my opinion unlike Dubai where they have several driving schools where
this can be done quickly.

The pressure they put on you at the exam from the moment you get into the mini bus is ridiculous. No matter what
anyone says it's the locals that have the highest number of road accidents as opposed to the expats yet they pass
making Many mistakes. I was able to see this in front of my own eyes
Reply

Unknown October 19, 2015 at 10:46 PM

i had passed the theory class 4 years before and after that i cannot continue with the classes because of moving
back to home country. I came back to abudhabi last week.can you please advise for the next procedure. My file is still
open? Did I want to attend the theory again?
Reply

fauzia March 14, 2016 at 6:42 AM

I went to take d date for road test today, the lady in a counter was very rude and unprofessional, her behavior
towards me was like as if she has some personal grudge. ��
Moroover I got my test date like after 2n half month when I asked her is thr anyway I can change It to earlier date .
She dint respond. I asked her thrice n den she just told me to visit www.adpolice.gov.ae.. I can't change d date here .
They say I will hav to get it changed from thr office only.
M so irritated.. il do d process whatever il hav to do.. but wud definitely want to register d complaint on dat lady in d
counter.
Anyone knoz whr ?

Reply

sex April 3, 2016 at 3:41 AM

what is tower 2,3?
Reply

Anonymous May 10, 2016 at 2:10 AM

I undergo the road test, after that I received my test permit as passed (as encircled in the permit)but there are 6
mistakes checked downside. I called the operator and the system recorded as "failed". Operator suggested me to go
 to the office where I applied and took my road test (Mussafa) to check personally.In your opinion, Is there any chance
for me to get that results as passed?
Reply

Inquiry May 16, 2016 at 12:52 PM

I failed my golden chance ,then after evaluation ,,they remark me at area two ,, if i book for area two this all included
until last area or do i need to book again for area 3-4-5??
Reply

Shahabaz SMK September 26, 2016 at 12:24 PM

I didnt provide indian driving licesne when opening file.. i atended theory classes.. i got learners test date.. can i
submit this document after learners test and wil i get the golden oppurnity for driving test
Reply

Padhma January 12, 2017 at 9:32 PM

Really a pretty thing you had said here. I think this will be useful at many people. So please keep update like this.

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Reply

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