My boss kept urging me to get a driving license since I joined the company. Perhaps he was keen to mold me to be one of his sales team. No doubt, it is a lucrative job compared to my current post but selling is simply not my cup of tea.
Anyway, I still pursued my driving. My driving saga started in late November 2008. Being a neophyte with no knowledge at all in driving, my route was quite lengthy and financially draining.
Here are the guidelines you can refer if you wish to get a driving license in Abu Dhabi.
File Opening. You can open your file in the Traffic Police in Muroor district or in Emirates Driving School (the only legitimate driving school in Abu Dhabi) in Musaffa. The required documents will include passport copy with the visa stamp, passport picture and one Arabic letter from your company which you can always ask from your HR Office.
Then there will be an eye test also. Don’t worry because this service is available in the Traffic Police in Muroor. Once you finish the registration, you need to enroll for the theory class. Regardless of your driving skill level, this four days theory class is mandatory when obtaining a driving license in Abu Dhabi. It is followed by a written exam on the fifth day though the written exam is given only every Wednesday in Muroor area.
This entire process (file opening, eye test, theory class) will cost between AED 800 – AED 1,000.
After you pass the written exam, the next step is to go to Emirates Driving Company in Musaffa which is 20-30 minutes drive from the city proper.
Actual Driving Class. If you are a beginner, you need to enroll for the actual driving class that is consisting of five lessons. It is given in two sets, lessons 1-3 and lessons 4-5. Schedule for the classes are stretched from morning to late in the evening.
Lessons 1-3 will take you around one week to complete and lessons 4-5 for 10 days. Basically you will have a one-to-one session with the instructor. Your classroom will be the driving yard of Emirates Driving Company.
The schedule of your classes will depend on the availability. In my case, I passed my written exam in end of November but the earliest available for the actual driving class was on January only. There was more than a month gap from my theory class and actual driving lessons 1-3. The same scenario when you will get a schedule for lessons 4-5.
If you are flexible with the time, then the interim will not be long. As for me, I could only take evening classes, which I believed the most sought after schedule, because I have a fulltime job.
The fee for the actual driving class was between AED 2,200 – AED 2,400. This covers the entire lessons from one to five.
Because Mussaffa is far from the city proper, the taxi fare is quite expensive. I had to shell out between AED 35 – AED 50 per way for the taxi fare to Mussaffa for my daily driving lessons.
Parking Test. Parking test is scheduled only after you finish the entire driving lessons. That’s why you need to remember your lesson 3 because this will be the parking test. Fortunately, they offer refresher class for lesson 3.
Before you get a schedule for parking test, make sure you are scheduled for refresher class. This will give you better chance of passing the parking test.
Driving Yard of Emirates Driving Company
Green I.D. Card. After you pass the parking test, the Traffic Police will issue you a green ID card. It is a temporary driving card which will allow you to contract driving instructors. During your driving class in Emirates Driving School, you are driving only in the vicinity of the school. When you contract a driving instructor, you will be driving in the real road with his guidance.
There is no required number of hours. You have to personally gauge your capability. If you think you are already confident to drive alone, then you can proceed with the road test.
The driving instructor charges between AED50 – AED70 per one hour lesson however most of them take only a minimum of two hours. The instructor will pick and drop you off unfortunately this is already counted. It means for the two hours lesson, your actual driving class is only one hour and thirty minutes because fifteen minutes will count for your pick-up and another fifteen minutes for your drop off.
Road Test. Be early during your schedule for road test. Bring your appointment sheet, green card or temporary Driving ID, passport copy and AED 200. There will be two police, one seated in front and the other at the back, in the car.
When the policeman returns to you the green card, it means you didn’t pass. If the policeman hands you the appointment sheet, it means you pass.
After you pass, you have to go back to the Traffic Police, pay AED 200 and give the appointment sheet and passport copy. They will take you a photo and after 10-15 minutes, viola! You have your driver’s license.
Advance Level. If you know how to drive or have a driver’s license back home, you can skip the driving classes. Simply take a schedule for road test. If you pass, then you will instantly get your driver’s license. If you don’t pass, you need to take the driving lessons in Musaffa.
However, driver’s license from Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, Canada, UK and most of the European countries can transfer their current license to UAE license.
Personally, it was quite a long agony for me. Fortunately, I passed my road test and parking test in my first attempt.
Frugal Tips:
- Try to find a buddy when taking driving lessons in Mussaffa. It is cheaper to share the taxi bill with your buddy.
- There is a shared taxi from Musaffa to Abu Dhabi. Taxi drivers charge for AED 5 per person however if you don’t want to share, make sure you haggle for the fare. The average fare should be AED 25-AED 40 varying on your drop off location.
Update July 2012: A kind reader by the name of Sameer has informed me about the changes in driving license procedure. You will see his comment below for your info. Thanks again Sameer!
~~~~
Hi Buddy,
really thankful for ur tips on applying for a fresh license. just this morning i opened my file in mussaffah. it seems there are some changes in the procedure recently unlike mentioned in ur blog.
- though i directly went to driving company with all documents, i was asked to go to mussaffah police station bcos file opening is done there. (i got this info after waiting in queue for 20 mins 
)
- in mussafah police station, u have to submit any valid id card (emirate id/ labor card) in front desk so that they will give u a temporary pass to enter inside. carry a photocopy of the emirate id/ labor card, they may need a copy inside.
- collect a token frm the token machine for driving section (the machine has multiple choice) and wait for ur turn. they wil check ur documents and will give u a physical examination form- this is for eye test.
- collect a token in the same token machine for eye test- u can find the optometry technician’s room very next to ur previous counter.
-pay 25aed there, finish ur test and get the result. go back to token machine and collect a token again for driving section. submit all documents. if all ok they will give u some forms to handover to driving school.
- now u can go to driving school, and in the reception show ur documents. he will give u a application form to fill- attach passport copies and photos together and if all ok he wil give u a token for scheduling theory class. wait for ur turn and pay 830aed in counter and schedule ur classes- khallaaas!!
my tips: 1)photocopying is available free of cost in police station, so make 2 copies of passport and one copy of ur id card there. u will be charged 1aed per page if u take photocopy in driving school.
2) don’t forget to return ur temporary pass and collect ur original id back in police station as it would cost u as additional 12aed, to and fro from driving school and police station
3) taxi drivers may confuse u saying there are 2 police stations in mussaffah- just tell them the one behind/ nearest to the driving school.
hi! will add this blog on my blogroll ha. i wonder why the rest of your blogs arent working anymore… hope to get more tips here.
you are so good
Hey buddy, It was quite a informative subjects ou have chosen to put it up here & quite enjoyed reading it too.. My wife works for Eitihad airways as Cabin crew & im stuck up here in LOndon, I’m a fully qualified driving instructor in UK but wud like to move to Abudhabi & was wondering if I can use my advance driving licence to teach ppl in Abudhabi, My wife 2 yrs back exchanged here UK licence to UAE licence with in hours.
any more information wud be appreciated….
@ Ash: Thanks for the appreciation.. I sent you a PM regarding your query. Hope it helps.
@ Vidhyaa: Thank you!
@ Lorela: Thanks for dropping by Lor!
My visa is from Abu dhabi I can get classes in Dubai driving schools if possible please write down where can I get .
Thanks/ Kiran.Download: eType1.com/f.php?FDcc8Y
@ Kiran: As far as I know, you can open your file for driving to the same Emirate where your visa is issued..
I have visa of store keeper can i take driving license in Abu dhabi ?
Hi cyra…
The blog was really informative and quite interesting.. hey i plan to start the process to obtain my driving license on the start of jan.. actually i already have my indian driving license wit dat help me 2 reduce the length of my process 2 get the license.. Plz do tell me approx how long(in terms of months) wil it take 2 get my licence if i start it at jan 2010.. also if my indian driving license helps me out then hw long wil it take… ur info is appreciated..
Regards,
Tash
Hi Tash,
Thank you for dropping by and I am glad that you find this blog to be informative. Somehow it serves its purpose…LOL!
If you have a driving license back home, you can request for road test schedule. If you pass, then the license is issued on the same day. If you fail, then you must enroll for the driving class.
Alternatively, you can book for assessment. They will evaluate your driving skill and will be asked to take the lessons required according to your level of driving.
The theory class is mandatory regardless if you are a beginner or seasoned driver already.
Lastly, I cannot tell you the duration because it varies. It depends on the earliest available slot for the classes.
Good luck!
Cyra
Dear
Can you tell me total expense (Including Theory Class to the Final Test) for obtain diriving license and how much time required if i start from the month of March 2010.
i have dubai visa. can i apply from abu dhabi to get my licence
Hi Shahid,
As far as I know, you can apply or open your license file only to the same Emirate in which your visa is issued.
Cheers
i visa is in dubai.now i am working in abudhabi branch.can i apply from abudhabi to get my licence.i have lisence from home country.
@ Abdul: As far as I know, you can only open a file for driving to the Emirate where your visa is issued. If you have license from your country, you can schedule a driving test. If you pass, then you will have the driving license. If not, then you have to take the classes. Thanks!
which profession could open the file, and which not.pls. notify me early as possible.
dubai visa holder can open an driving file in Abu dhabi?
Hi Mayura,
You can only open your file in the same Emirate where your visa is issued.
Cheers
Cyra
i have dubai visa. can i apply from abu dhabi two wheeler motorcycle licence and how much the total fee for file opning to get the licence
and what is the required documents i have india licence so any facilities
can i apply from abu dhabi two wheeler motorcycle licence and how much the total fee for file opning to get the licence
and what is the required documents i have india licence so any facilities
my vissa is dubai can i opening file in abu dhabi
@ Ashish: Thanks for dropping by. You can only open your file in Dubai. I suggest that you contact the driving schools in Dubai for more details about your motorcycle license requirements and cost as I am not sure if it is the same for light vehicles.
Please send me the Chart of How I Get License Which is There on 1st floor of Emirates Driving Company in Musaffa
Hi Cyra,
Thank you for sharing this. It is indeed very helpful. I just came back from Muroor today and have finally opened my own driving test file. I’ve never had any formal lessons in the past but am hoping for the best.
I am moving to Dubai soon so I can’t wait to get this all over with…successfully, I hope. Sounds like I have to brace myself…there are a lot of steps (and money) involved!
I’m happy I came across your blog.
@ Pam: Thanks Pam that this blog helps you one way or another.. All the best! It is not a rocket science..
Hi, Cyra, I chanced upon your blog while looking up for some parking test tips. I just had my parking test this morning in Emirates Driving Company, unfornately, I failed. Could you care to share some tips? I managed to park perfectly during the parking lessons (lesson 3) training and referesher, however, I still failed. I just noticed that the area of the parking test is quite bigger than that of what is being used for parking lesson.
Hi Nette,
I was just lucky that the instructor was very kind during my parking test so I managed to pass it.
All I can say is my parkng skills improve only after I started driving.
All the best!
Cheers
i also failed my parking test and i m 100 percent sure that the area they offer in parking1 it has big difference with that of while u practise in training..hope parking 2 i could passs…grrrrrr
Hi.. Cyra
Quick one ..i have to go for 6 classes traning .. and need to pay 1500AED.. can i do my payment through my credit card, as m following short of some money .. please advise .. thanks ..
Hi Libran..I am not really sure if they accept credit card. Better to check with them directly.
Cyar . thanks for the info.. i will check and update your .. thanks ..!!
I have my home country licence, please tell me documentation that is to be submitted to apply for new licence or precise me procedure to obtain DL.
Hi, My home country licence already translated in Arabic, is attestation from embassy mandatory???
This was very informative.. Id like to ask though, what should be ur title in the visa to be qualified in getting the Abu Dhabi license?? Do archive clerks allowed to obtain a license??
Hi Cyra!
I just want to let you know I passed my road test today — on my first try (same with theory and parking test).. woohoo!! Thanks for sharing this blog with the internet audience.
@Libran – Yes, you can pay by credit card.
By the way, I completed everything from opening a file to getting a license in less than 2 months! Go for intensive courses so you wont have to go to Mussafah everytime. It will cost you 200.. If you want to get an earlier booking for parking test, you pay an additional 200 for “special services.” That way they keep you on priority.
Pay 50 with muroor police if you want an earlier sked, too!
Pay pay pay that’s all you have to do. But that beats the purpose of this blog because it’s called frugal expat… bottom line is it’s tough to be frugal when you are trying to get a license in the uae. I paid about 6000 for everything (classes, taxi and private teacher)
@ Pam: Thanks for sharing Pam.
Ay mali, I completed everything in exactly 2 moths pala! I was reading my first post and saw the date. how time flies.
hi there, just dropped by and this is really helpful, thanx. im a Chinese BTW
hai, my visa profession (tylor curtain)abu dhabi, i cant open driving file what i do.
also i want to open file how i open file.
please helpme you have any idea i hope…..
Hi ,
I want to apply for my wife’s driving license, but as she have never drive i think she needs to take the classes as well. i already have the Abu Dhabi Driving license. Can you please guide me how i can apply for her driving license and what will be the step by step procedure for it.
It’ll be very informative for me if you provide the required information.
Thanks in adv.
Fahad Ahmed Khan
@ Fahad: When I applied for driving license, I had zero knowledge about driving too. I believe the bove blog covers the steps of obtaining driving license in Abu Dhabi.
hi cyra…this blog has helped me a lot from the very first step of opening a file up to this final step before going thru the road test.
i’ll be having my driving test tomorrow, hope everything will turn out well. any tips of on how to past the road test?
I got it!! first try as well!
my tip, check the mirrors, use the signal well and don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat his instruction.
@ Ivan: Thanks for tip Ivan!
Hi There,
Maybe somebody can helpe out there…I am working in Taweelah Abu Dhabi which i svery far from city of abu dhabi and my family is here too.but i cant get driving license because my visa is Machine Operator what will i do to have an open file?
Hope to your help
hi my visa is concret form controller my company give me NOC paper i go to open my file in but he cant open my file muroor told me my visa is not vaild for driving licence tell me what i do i want to make my driving licence pls help me and give me your valueable advice thanks
which kind of visa can not get driving licence in abu dhabi? Am a seniear
which kind of visa can not get driving licence in abu dhabi? Am a Seniear Electrician but my visa in Distribution cable techenicen so can I open file for driving licence in Abu Dhabi?
kaindly help me
Does all of this apply for a motorcycle drivers licence as well? Any advise, I purchased a BMW motorcycle and need to get a licence .
very good information
Hell there, you site was very informative. I hold my home country driving license. But i want to brushup my skills before going for the test. Could you share some private driving instituitons in AD?
Tx
how to get abu dhabi DL in 27 days
1. Translate your company letter and local driving license in arabic for 50 dirhams each.
2. Get an NOC letter in muroor if you have a dubai visa. Bring the trading license (photocopy only) of your company – abu dhabi branch
3, Open a file at EDC musaffah for 100 dirhams and 20 dirhams for eye test. bring 2 passport size pictures during file opening as well as the necessary documents.
4. After file opening, register for a theory class for 830 dirhams, inclusive of theoretical exam. They gave me only one day theory class because i have an engineers visa. TIP- read the book from cover to cover before you take the class. You will be familiar of the lectures during the class.
5. Schedule for a theoretical exam after the class. The exam would be 45 items and you should get 36 correct answers to pass. I got 42 correct items because read the book from cover to cover.
6. After passing on the same day, they will give you an appointment sheet for police road test.
For me, i pass on the 5th of april and they schedule it on the 30th of may, police road test. On april 6 i go to counter # 8 ( same office during file opening) to ask for an earlier date. There is one high ranking official inside the office of counter # 8, just ask him to have an earlier date and he will change the date with his initial on it. For me, first he agree for 9th of may but i beg him to make it a little bit earlier, so he change it to april 25.
7.Try to contact a private instructor before the police road test, it will cost you 60dirhams per hour. For me, I have consumed 6 hrs road driving, mostly on the road near the EDC.
8. On the day of police road test. Be there at EDC before 7 am, so that you will be seated in front of the bus. Pay the 50 dirhams for rescheduling of police road test on the counter, same office during file opening. Before you ride on the bus you have to pay 40 dirhams for police road test.
9. The police road test will be very easy, if you are confident enough to drive and you have learned the lesson of the private instructor you have hired before. I pass my first police road test after 27 days, beginning from file opening on the 29th of march.
10. Go back to EDC immediately if you pass, photocopy your emirates ID. Submit your theoretical certificate, appointment sheet, photocopy of emirates ID and pay 200 dirhams.
11. My expenses is 1800 dirhams from file opening until receiving my abu dhabi DL
hi I’m a housewife but have home country driver’s license. I haven’t been driving for long time now so I know its better to get full training to get AUH license. My worry, I have been reading lots of blogs on how some policemen will try to confuse you when you are taking your road test exam, that they will talk in arabic then suddenly give instructions like turn left, turn right, overtake, that sort of things. I don’t know how to speak arabic. I am just wondering if the applicant for driver’s license is a woman are they still going to give male policeman to accompany during road test? My husband has been telling me not to believe all those blogs it will just scare me. Is there also tips you can give on the attire when taking those lessons and the actual road test? thanks!
@ Mrs. Fernandes: Based on my experience, policemen gave proper instructions and in English during the road test. I didn’t feel any confusions with their instructions. If you have already a driving license back home, the driving school will ask you for the translation copy. If you have the translation copy, they will issue a temporary driving permit to allow you for driving practice with the driving instructors. You can schedule for road test. If you pass, you’ll get the driving license. However, if you fail, you need to take the driving class.
Theory class is mandatory.
It is true the policewoman confuse while giving instructions they speak in Arabic and all of sudden give instruction so you get confused so they keep a policeman to accompany policewoman . And it is not that if you fail you are bad driver it depends on your luck.Really it is a painful efforts.
my visa is jabelali freezone visa , but i am living in mussafha can i open my file for driving liesence from mussafha
@ Rovin: Just double check if the policy has changed because as far as I know, you can only open your file to the Emirate in which your visa is issued.
plz.. can any one tell me about i know driving and hav driving license in Pakistan
on this basis i can apply direct on road test and pakistan i have attest from Abu dhabi Pakistan embassy or from karachi ministry of foreign affairs kindly tell me on my email zubi_libra@hotmail.com
Dear Zubair I have the same problem so if u know the answer can u plz share it on this blog as I have pakistani DL (BOOK type) and I am working here and have fathers visa in Abu dhabi.
Thank you very much for giving us great information.
Just one question I have, these procedures for Auto or Manual?
@ Rashadi: Thanks for dropping.. Perhaps I didn’t mention that in the email. It’s for automatic..
Hi Cyra…this was really a good information..bcos..i asked so many guys regading this..no one cud answer correctl…anyway thanx 4 the informations….
@ Azhar: Thanks for visiting my blog… glad that it serves it purpose..
what about colour blindness, if i apply for an Abu Dhabi driving license. i have indian driving licence and drive car for the last 4 years. an early advise on this so i can do it in the Holy Ramadan.
hi Dear em new in Abu Dhabi , wanna apply for Drivng License , just wanna know that i have an International License of Pakistan which i make before comin to Abudhabi , guide me will it be helpfull to me ????
Nice piece, you should continue to write and i guess the thought of sharing and helping others and getting down to doing it is worth.. quite bit!!
Thanks Shekhar..
Thanks FX for the information. Do you think it’s possible for me to obtain a D/L within 25 days? I’m on local leave so it will help a bit on the expenses since i can take weekdays for lessons. Thanks!
@ Renen: Someone shared to me earlier that they have a special class that will allow you to finish in two weeks time. Better to check with them directly.
I have open a driving license file in rak and now i am under road test level.I failed 2 times in road test and my next appointment is 26 september 2011.But now i cancel my visa in Rak and i joined in a new company in abu dhabi(Al Jaber group).please advise can i attend next appointment in rak or not? If not how to transfer my file to Abu Dhabi?
hii,
thanks for the artical mate.. i opened my file today. It was really hectic day:( My visa is from dubai but I am working in abu dhabi on this current project. so here are the things i have done up till now. i hope it helps
1. I went to the EDS to open my file with all the documents that they told me over the phone, Go as early as you can. I think they start at 7:30
2. After getting the eye test (20 AED) done i waited for my turn just to find out i need NOC from Abu dhabi traffic police dept.
3. So i again wenf to Abu Dhabi, their office in muroor i think was the name. In order to get the NOC you will need commericial license of your company, NOC from employer, 1 picture i think .
4. Than go to EDC , if you are a professional ( e.g i m an engineer , i just need to take 1 class of theory) now my test is on thursday 8pm. Wish me luck. Will keep you guys posted for the frther updates.
opening a file plux theory class and test i guess costed me 830 AED. Plus around 40-45 AED one way from City (Madinayat Zayed) to Musaffa. Also on my way back today i found out that BUS 116 comes straight from EDS to CIty in just 2 AED
gudluck. please remember me in prayers
Ali
@ Muhammad: Thanks for sharing this helpful info..
I have philippines driving license and i want to apply for a driving license in abu dhabi. what are the documents that i need to prepare before going to EDS and how much do i need to pay?
@ Allan: Thanks for dropping by. You can go through my blog post “How to Obtain Driving License in Abu Dhabi?” because it mentions your requested info.
we need one help
my visa is welder that visa possiple to open the file?
please give me advise urgent
Hi,
I have a driver’s license from my home country but it has expired now; after i came to the UAE. Can I still use it?
my profession is messenger can i open driving license
So helpful of you guys!
I got My driver’s license (AUTOM.) from Abu Dhabi in 2008. Now I want to get a motorcycle license as well.
I contacted EDC and they told Me AED120(Reg.) + AED170(3 theory classes of 2hrs each) and then I can book My date with the Muroor.
But the problem I face is I need to learn to ride a motorcycle first!
They (EDC) do not providing training for motorcycle, and I contacted some other driving schools as well like Santana, they neither provide as well.
So any help or idea on where can I practice or learn??
I’m confident that I’d be probably needing just 3 sessions and I’ll be a good to go.
kindly advice if school open saturday for regisiteration and other activities
I have been through a lot. I have been taking classes and such since March. I opened my file at EDC in end of March. passed my parking test in April and then gave my first driving test in mid June which i failed. I made my second attemp right after a week and failed again. Got extremely disappointed so took a long break and finally attempted 3rd time today, which is October 2nd 2011 and FAILED again!!! I am so disappointed, i think i can never get a license. Don’t know what to do. have heard so much about the EDC that I fear before going there. Please help me and tell me what to do… Thanks,
Do you require Emirates ID card to open the file?
sir, i m working in electromechanical company.my visa Profession is Centralcooling Equpment mechanic.can i open file for the driving lichence in my profession.please sir replay mail me
I’m on my husband’s visa, do I need the NOC letter from his company before going to Muroor to open a file?
hi guys!
just want to know if only those who have higher level in profession can have a DL in AUH?
hi all,
can somebody inform me, if i can transfer my traffice licence file to Abu dhabi? actually previously I was working in Ras Al Khaimah where I openned my licence file, I cleared inside and reverse parking test, and was on raod test. then I switched to a new job in Ruwais, Abu DHabi. Now it is very hard and tiring to go for driving test in RAK. I managed to appear there two times, but failed as I am not allowed to take driving classes in Ruwais.
Can I transfer my licence file from RAK to Abu Dhabi? should I need to take all test and theory classes again?
Please if anybody has an idea, share with me.
Thanks
S.M. Alam
good information. i have cleared my doubts regarding the procedure. Thanks lot
hai
how can i get a licence
IT IS TOO VALID INFORMATIONS…….TNX
tnx for information
After failing all the three test even i am scared to go to EDC now they are asked to do the assessment test , why they are not giving date for one more attempt after doing the assessment test is that i have to start from the beginning please advise.
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i have a doubt please help………… i got road test on 17 th june sunday2012, its a public holiday,this day as given by
traffic dept, that day muroor is working or what?
manjusha said,
I have a visa sponcered by my husband,i would like to open the file .please request you to kindly send me the information about the required documents for opening a file.
You have to get a No Objection letter from your husband typed in Arabic at the typing centre. Its about DH10. Get your passport copy and head to EDC where you have to open a file either for auto or manual at the traffic dept in the EDC itself and you have to undergo an eye test. Then you proceed to the female section and pay for the theory classes. If you want to expedite the lessons, you can pay DH200 extra. Good luck.
Hi All, Those who think that file can only be opened where the visa is issued then its wrong, I have a dubai visa and I have taken a license from Abu dhabi in March 2012.
Abdul jabbar
Hi,
I also have Dubai Visa and my company is working in Sweihan, I like to apply License in Abu Dhabi, please help me what are all the documents required to apply.
My company is not registered in Abu Dhabi but company is ready to give NOC with Company’s Dubai Stamp. Is it possible to get my license in Abu Dhabi with that NOC Letter??
Hi,
I’ve read your blog and its very helpful to those who are aspiring to get their license. I’d like to ask you some info if there are specific job positions inorder to apply a driver’s license, like for ex. a sales/marketing exec, accounts, receptionist/secretary or do an “archieve clerk” honorable to get a license?
Thanking in advance for your reply.
Regards,
Christy
Frugal Tips:
■There is bus #116 (abu dhabi to and fro musaffah delmamal) which has stop infront of the driving school . (only AED 2)
@ Ajeev: Thanks for the update..
Hi, I am an Indian and will be in UAE for my post graduation. Is a student visa to do post graudation at a university in dubai, the same as a Resident Visa? Am i permitted to apply for a driving license while I study in UAE? Thanks!
@ Lizzy: I am not familiar about student visa. As far as I know, residence visas are issued to those who are working or living here either under the sponsorship of the company or family (i.e. father).
Hi Buddy,
)
really thankful for ur tips on applying for a fresh license. just this morning i opened my file in mussaffah. it seems there are some changes in the procedure recently unlike mentioned in ur blog.
- though i directly went to driving company with all documents, i was asked to go to mussaffah police station bcos file opening is done there. (i got this info after waiting in queue for 20 mins
- in mussafah police station, u have to submit any valid id card (emirate id/ labor card) in front desk so that they will give u a temporary pass to enter inside. carry a photocopy of the emirate id/ labor card, they may need a copy inside.
- collect a token frm the token machine for driving section (the machine has multiple choice) and wait for ur turn. they wil check ur documents and will give u a physical examination form- this is for eye test.
- collect a token in the same token machine for eye test- u can find the optometry technician’s room very next to ur previous counter.
-pay 25aed there, finish ur test and get the result. go back to token machine and collect a token again for driving section. submit all documents. if all ok they will give u some forms to handover to driving school.
- now u can go to driving school, and in the reception show ur documents. he will give u a application form to fill- attach passport copies and photos together and if all ok he wil give u a token for scheduling theory class. wait for ur turn and pay 830aed in counter and schedule ur classes- khallaaas!!
my tips: 1)photocopying is available free of cost in police station, so make 2 copies of passport and one copy of ur id card there. u will be charged 1aed per page if u take photocopy in driving school.
2) don’t forget to return ur temporary pass and collect ur original id back in police station as it would cost u as additional 12aed, to and fro from driving school and police station
3) taxi drivers may confuse u saying there are 2 police stations in mussaffah- just tell them the one behind/ nearest to the driving school.
@ Sameer: Thanks for the update!
Thanks a lot sameer.. this info is very useful.. Did u skip ur practical classes?? IF so, please tell me what is the process is to do so.. I have my license back in Sri Lanka..
Thank you for the information, very nice of you ..Do you have any Idea if I apply in Tarif for the drivers license? (open file and etc? What is the office hours? Are they open during weekends? thank you!
which emirates driving licence is faster to get . abhudhabi or dubai
please do reply
@ Jimi: Honestly, I don’t have an answer for your question as personally I don’t have a point of comparison. My license is issued in Abu Dhabi.
Dinidu, my practicals haven’t started yet. as of now I hav no plans to skip them. still if u get a good answer for ur question, just let me know.
I would like to chat with one of the customer representative
I would like to know how to reopen my file which I had opened in 26-01-2009.
Hi can any one tell me timing to get admission i heard from friends in morning they prefer to get small vehicle and after 2:00 pm they prefer to take big vehicle its that true?
I had been there once to open the file…The file opening has to be done Mussafah police station behind the Emirates Driving Institute. The timings what the customer care person said is from 7.30-9.30. But when I spoke to the official he said till 2pm. Not still sure what are the timings exactly.
I was sent back as I didn’t have the NOC from my company in Arabic..Also you might need the license to be tranlsated to Arabic if you are planning to go straight for the road tests.
I had been there once to open the file…The file opening has to be done Mussafah police station behind the Emirates Driving Institute. The timings what the customer care person said is from 7.30-9.30. But when I spoke to the official he said till 2pm. Not still sure what are the timings exactly.
I was sent back as I didn’t have the NOC from my company in Arabic..Also you might need the license to be tranlsated to Arabic if you are planning to go straight for the road tests.
@ Steffin: Thanks for the update!
Hi,
I have Dubai Visa and my company is working in Sweihan, I like to apply License in Abu Dhabi, please help me what are all the documents required to apply.
My company is not registered in Abu Dhabi but company is ready to give NOC with Company’s Dubai Stamp. Is it possible to get my license in Abu Dhabi with that NOC Letter??
hi buddys it have been 2month in abudhabi i need a driving licence of AD i have my home country driving licence so what am i supposeto do next can i go for a road drive directly and how much it will cost me to get all the things done plz help me with all the necessary details
hi buddys it have been 2month in abudhabi i need a driving licence of AD i have my home country driving licence so what am i supposeto do next can i go for a road drive directly and how much it will cost me to get all the things done plz help me with all the necessary details so that it can be easy for me
Hi can you tell me,which categories are required for getting Driving Licence from Abudhabi.Because today i went to EDC in Abudhabi,they told me ”not allowed” when i show my visa copy.My visa is Electrician visa.
how many months valid for licence papers.i stoped the class april 3 2012 any problems for continues my licence class please help me anybody.pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
go to emeriates driving school inside murror office is their go with paper they will help u for forther process.
hi!thanks for the info it’s very helpful
i would like to ask if my driver’s license frm the philippines expired already last september and i would like to have my license here in abudhabi, can i still show my xpired licenswe back home so i will not have to take lessons anymore? thank u ur reply would be appreciated
Hi Carl.. Thanks for dropping by. I am not quite sure. For my friend who has a Philippine driving license, she took only the theory class. Then she tried the driving test, she passed. So she got her license right away.
Hi my visa is Labour issue in Abudhabi i want apply driving licence so please tell me what i do thanks
@ Imran: I suggest you contact directly the Emirates Driving School. thanks
Hai….
I’m having an engineer visa Abudhabi …. If I’m not getting Arabic Letter from company .what’s the procedure.pleas let me know…now@ Abudhabi
Hello I want to also have UAE, Abu Dhabi Driving Licence but My company is not giving required document can anybody advice me how to I can get driving licence in abu dhabi….??
hi boss, this is ahamed, now i am going parking classes, but next month i will go to join other company in RAK, so can i tranfer my file, pls give the details.
Sorry Ahamed, I am not sure about this. I suggest you contact directly the Emirates Driving School.
Just want to know if there is any fee to get the training card after you passed the parking test? thanks for info in advance…
@ Paul: During my time, they issued the green temporary ID.
I need a driving licence of AD i have my home country driving licence so what am i supposeto do next can i go for a road drive directly and how much it will cost me to get all the things done plz help me with all the necessary details so that it can be easy for me
@ Abdul Raheem: I am not quite sure if the procedure remains the same. As far as I know, you still need to open a file and attend the mandatory theory driving class. After that you can ask for driving test schedule. If you pass, you will get your driving license. If you fail, you have to undergo practical training lessons. I suggest you contact directly the Emirates Driving School for details.
These are some of the things that I have noted during my visit to the Licensing Department.
1. You can open the file in 2 different places(Timings 8am – 2pm)
a. Mussafah Police Station
b. Licensing Department in Muroor.
2. You need to have NOC from your employer stating that you are working in Abu dhabi. In some cases, they are asking for Trade License of the company.
3. All the documents have to be in Arabic.
a. The driving license from the home country has to be attested if it’s in a book format from the embassy,
b. If it’s a card format, then need to get a legal translation of the document. No need to translate.
c. Driving license from home country has to be provided only if you are planning to apply for direct road test.
4. You can open the file in Abu dhabi if your company has a trade license/Office in Abu dhabi, no matter what the visa is.
I would also like to say that my visa is from Dubai and I am working in Abu Dhabi. I have my NOC from my Dubai office. But they rejected the file opening request saying that they need letter from an Abu Dhabi company, thereby to prove that I am an Abu Dhabi resident. So my procedures are stuck till there.
@ James: Thanks for sharing this detailed info.
DEARS,
I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN FILE . CAN I GET MUROOR TIMEING
Dear sir ,
My profession is sales can I able to apply for driving license if my company gave me NOC certificate
Please reply to my email
Best regards
Chennursatish
055 6636341
Hello All,
I opened my file a week or so ago and have some advice:
PASSPORT PHOTOS:
You can get these done in Marina Mall next to the Carrefour at the Kodak shop. They have a studio set up, and the end result was really flaterring (when does that ever happen!)
EYE TEST:
I made the mistake of getting an eye test beforehand at yateem opticians in Hamden St, which I was assured was valid for driving license application and cost AED50. This eye test was deemed invalid by the traffic police, and I had to pay AED25 and get their test anyway.
WALKING:
If you’re on a budget and weather is not too hot you can walk from the Police station to the Emirates Driving School (come out of the building and turn right and then right again down a sandy track and the take the first right) Takes about 15-20mins and is dusty so wear old comfy shoes.
SPECIAL SERVICE:
If you have all your paperwork (police file, photos, passport copies etc), go to the main reception desk in the Emirates Driving School and collect forms to complete. Once completed you are sent to book your classes. When you do this ask about special service theory classes – it costs an extra AED100 and means you do 2x 5 hour sessions rather than 4 blocks of classes. If you are travelling to the school by taxi (rather than bus) this could half the costs, so may actually work out cheaper.
CLASSES:
If you are doing the 5 hour blocks, be warned that you dont get long between the 1-1.5hr classes, and you are not officially allowed food or beverages (other than mineral water) in the classroom, so eat plenty beforehand!
@ Flo Nash: Hi, thanks for sharing this updated info.
very informative blog my dear friend..tnx…i want to know one think!! i am staying at abudhabi in a resodence visa..can i proceed for driving licence?
Hi, Please can anybody tell me how much should I invest just for theory classes.(I dont have my own country license)
Asitha …Thanks in advance
@ Asitha: During my time, it was almost AED 1,000.
Well you have AED25 for the eye test at the Police station.
Then its AED930 For special service theory classes (4 classes a day over 2 days) OR Non-special service classes (2 classes a day over 4 days) = AED830
@ Flo Nash: Thanks again for the update!
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i’m George – head of corporate communication in the Emirates Driving Company, please feel free to contact me for any request on your driving lincense, corporate training and defensive driving. Good Luck
how can i pass rooler test plz give me advise
khalid
can we pay the practical fees through Credit card at the Driving license company…
Hi!
I a trying to open file in traffic department in alain but they rejected me due for my proffession as electrician. What I should do to be able to open file for driving license?
Please I need help, what are cetegories not allow to open file for driving license?
HARI, Mussafah
We can open File even in Khalifa city Police station also.
@ Hari: Thanks for sharing..
Hi Im about to start getting a license very soon. Filipino with 20 yrs Phil license (will have translated they say)… whats the fastest way to get a driving licenses here in Abu dhabi.. An American friend who had his US license expired had to take driving test as well, bu He said he got his in a week. He and police grab a taxi cab and they test drove it and after a few minutes of driving he was given a passing grade. Of course a Filipino can’t get that easy.. Any advise should be helpful thanks
@ Arnold: My friend who has a driving license from Philippines did the test drive. She passed and got her license right away. I am not quite sure with the theory class, I think that’s mandatory.
If you fail the test drive, then you have to enroll in Emirates Driving School.
Driving license in very time consuming and if you need it urgently you’re out of luck. Here’s my experience:
Open a file in Muroor and I was asked if I have a driving license in my home country. I do but I have been out of practice for 5 years so I said what the heck and I would take the classes anyway. Thinking it will just set me back a few weeks.
Theory class, enrolled for the special classes and I was booked for next week (5 hours x 2 days) and paid 930 AED. Done and took the theory test passed which was easy finished it within 5 minutes and perfect marks. Was very happy and eager at this phase.
Went for a PEP exam for 50AED in which the school will gauge your skill. They put me in advance phase and upon booking I have to attend 16 classes (8 days) and paid 1800AED which will start in 3 WEEKS! Okay still saying to myself no problem just pushed back a few weeks. Upon completing Area 4 I was told to go and see booking. On the booking I was disappointed as they gave me more classes which are Area 5 that comprises of 8 more classes no (4 days). No additional fee as they say its included in the fee as why they haven’t given me a straight booking that I didn’t know but the frustrating part is this will start again after 10 days. At this moment I was converted from eager to disappointed about getting my driving license. How would you be able to learn properly if they would gap your classes for weeks in between?
Yesterday I finished my last class (finally) and tried to book the parking test, the booking staff is trying to give me a schedule on the 24th a full 20 days delay. I declined and asked if there is anyway I could pay to get a better schedule. I’m already frustrated at this point as I have already purchased a car which took 45 days in transit and now has already arrived and been sitting in the parking for a few weeks now which I can’t drive because of legality.
They pointed me to a special reservation section which gave me a schedule on the 7th which is 2 days delays instead of 20 days but no refresh class. Hopefully pass this and then proceed to external driving school.
Once I am on the phase at which I am already using an external driving school. How many hours are required before I can get a certificate and book a road test? I am really confident in my driving skill and it has been a mistake to not present my home driving license thinking I will learn anything from the school.
@ Alvin: Thanks for sharing these details. For my case, as soon as I felt comfortable with my driving skills, I booked for the test drive.
A search in Bing brought up your site – I’m thankful it did, thank you.
Dear All, I have now passed my parking test at the school. I was given a certificate but no green card? I was instructed to go outside the driving school to get a bit of paper (a contract) from a private instructor. However when I wandered about outside there were only male instructors, mostly Indian or Pakistani, with very dubious English. One virtually kidnapped me, promising someone with good english, he took me most of the way to a typing centre before my progressively hysterical ‘no I do not want lessons with you, please take me back’ actually sunk in. Basically I then stood outside the school trying not to cry and eventually left without a contract.
Can someone please advise how I can find a really good (I am a total beginner) registered driving instructor, male or female, who speaks fluent English? Ideally someone with English as a first language. I need to pass my license to get off my probation at work so am keen to get going!
Thanks,
Flo
Hi Florence, sorry to hear about your experience. Honestly, during my time I just randomly called a number that I saw in one of those registered cars (for driving practice) parked outside the driving school and glad that I found a good a instructor.
I would love to recommend this guy to you though English is not his first language. Unfortunately I don’t have his number anymore. Sorry.
Thanks for this site Frugal Expat kabayan. I might go for the license end of this month.
@ Arnold: Glad that it helps..
Which profession could open the file abudhbai and which not .pls pls notify me early as possible . May viza .abudhabi .may profession. Central cooling equp mechanic
School is open on Saturdays but not for file opening