uae driving license abu dhabi 2026 - process, fees, requirements & emirates visa guide

How to Get a UAE Driving License in Abu Dhabi in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

19-Nov-2025 0 Comments 0 Views

If you’re planning to live, work, or study in the UAE, getting a UAE driving license in Abu Dhabi is one of the most important steps toward becoming fully independent. Whether you're a new resident or upgrading a foreign license, this 2026 updated guide explains the entire process clearly—from documents to tests, fees, and timelines.

This guide is designed to help new expats, professionals, students, and residents understand how the process works in 2026 and how your Emirates Visa plays a key role in your eligibility.

Why Getting a UAE Driving License Matters in 2026

The UAE is built around mobility and convenience. In 2026:

  • Public transport has improved, but is still limited compared to driving.

  • Fuel prices remain low and affordable.

  • Most employers prefer candidates with a driving license.

  • Renting or buying a car is easier than ever.

A UAE driving license is also recognized in several countries, making it highly valuable for international travel.

Driving License Eligibility Criteria in 2026

Age Requirements

To apply in Abu Dhabi:

  • 17 years → Motorcycle

  • 18 years → Light vehicle

  • 20 years → Heavy vehicle

  • 21 years → Bus

Residency & Emirates Visa Requirements

To legally apply for a UAE driving license, you must have:

  • A valid Emirates Visa

  • A UAE Emirates ID

  • A residency permit

Visitors cannot apply unless they convert an eligible foreign license.

Types of Driving Licenses Available in Abu Dhabi

Light Vehicle License

For sedans, SUVs, and small cars — the most common license type.

Motorcycle License

Ideal for delivery riders, couriers, and bike enthusiasts.

Heavy Vehicle License

For trucks, trailers, and commercial heavy-duty vehicles.

Bus License

For school, commercial, and public transport buses.

Documents Required for Abu Dhabi Driving License 2026

You must prepare:

  • Original Emirates ID

  • Valid Emirates Visa page

  • Passport copy

  • Eye test report

  • Passport-size photos

  • NOC (if required by employer)

  • Previous driving license (if converting)

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UAE Driving License in Abu Dhabi (2026 Updated)

Step 1: Open a Traffic File

You can do this at Abu Dhabi Police or any authorized driving school.

Step 2: Eye Test

Must be done at an RTA-approved optical center.

Step 3: Enroll in Approved Driving School

Popular choices include Emirates Driving Company (EDC) and others.

Step 4: Theory Classes & Test

You’ll learn:

  • UAE traffic laws

  • Road signs

  • Safety rules

  • Hazard perception

Step 5: Practical Training

Includes both yard and road practice.

Step 6: Yard Exam (Parking Test)

Covers slope, parallel parking, angle parking, and emergency braking.

Step 7: Road Test

Final exam to determine if you qualify for a driving license.

Driving License Fees in Abu Dhabi (2026 Updated)

On average:

  • Theory training: AED 800–1,200

  • Practical training: AED 2,000–4,500

  • Tests: AED 200–400 each

  • License issuance: AED 310

Fees vary based on the number of classes required.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Driving License in 2026?

Usually:

  • Fast-track: 15–25 days

  • Regular track: 30–60 days

  • Beginner-level: 2–3 months

Timeline depends on:

  • Experience

  • Number of attempts

  • Driving school schedule

  • Your Emirates Visa validity

Top Driving Schools in Abu Dhabi

  • Emirates Driving Company (EDC)

  • ADNOC Driving School

  • Al Sahil Driving School

Common Reasons People Fail the Driving Test

  • Not checking mirrors

  • Failing to stop fully at Stop signs

  • Misjudging roundabouts

  • Incorrect lane discipline

  • Nervousness or hesitation

Tips to Pass Your Driving Test in Abu Dhabi on the First Attempt

  • Practice mirror-signal-maneuver consistently

  • Stay calm and composed

  • Follow road markings strictly

  • Maintain safe distance

  • Show confidence while driving

How to Apply for an Emirates Visa to Start Your Driving License Process

Step-by-Step Emirates Visa Application

  1. Visit our website.

  2. Select your citizenship and living country.

  3. Choose the required Emirates Visa type.

  4. Fill in details and upload required documents.

  5. Submit application and complete payment.

  6. Track your Emirates Visa status anytime.

Why Apply for an Emirates Visa Through Our Website?

  • 100% visa approval rate

  • Fast processing within 4 business days

  • We work even on weekends

  • 24/7 customer support

  • No need for external sponsor—we sponsor you

  • Real-time email updates

  • Secure and verified visa platform

Apply Now and Begin Your UAE Driving License Journey →

Risks of Using Unverified Agencies or Offline Agents

  • Fake visa scams

  • Incorrect documentation

  • Delays or rejections

  • Hidden charges

  • No support after submission

Using a trusted, official website like ours protects you from all risks.

🚀 Ready to Move to the UAE? Apply for Your Emirates Visa Today!

Begin your driving license journey with a valid Emirates Visa.

👉 Apply Emirates Visa Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The motorcycle course at EDC will cover topics like general traffic rules and basic information about bikes. To teach applicants about the safety, precautions, and cognitive qualities needed for driving a motorcycle. For beginners who completed the driving theory test without theory lesson fall under category 1. Theory classes on a regular and intensive level will cost AED 860 and AED 1080. The VIP bronze theory classes for beginners cost AED 1710. Practical classes for regular is AED 1870, for intensive is AED 2070 and VIP gold is AED in 4500.

The driving license fee at Emirates driving company starts from AED 830 (4 days, 8 classes) to the maximum rate of AED 4500. The cost differs according to the course type and vehicle type. 

The main vision of the Emirates driving company is to be the foremost for encouraging safer roads and focusing on traffic rules. The main purpose of the Emirates driving company is innovation, funding, and collaboration in new projects and technologies.

No, Emirates driving company does not open on Friday. EDC remains open from Saturday to Thursday.  

The Emirates driving company in Abu Dhabi opens at 7:00 AM. The Emirates driving company closes after 5:30 PM.

The Emirates driving company was established in the year 2000 in Abu Dhabi. Emirates driving company is shortly referred to as EDC

All the locals staying in Abu Dhabi will need to obtain a driving license from the Emirates driving company. A driving license is required by every person willing to drive on road in Abu Dhabi. Expatriates staying in Abu Dhabi should also receive it through the EDC company.

The total revenue of Emirates driving company or EDC is around $65.61 million. The stock symbol of EDC is "DRIVE" in Abu Dhabi. 

Emirates driving company is the leading is the driving institute or school, training institute, and road safety institute for local and expatriates in Abu Dhabi. The company especially give training and lesson to new drivers for light-weighted to heavily weighted vehicle. The EDC company is the only driving institute in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 

If you are willing to obtain a driving license. Then, you must register first for a driving license at Emirates driving company. All the interested applicants have to go through the details in the file named "Driving license company and Abu Dhabi Drivers". After registration and opening the file, you must travel to the Emirates driving company for "registration of driving lessons". After completing all the steps for registration submit the fee and documents. After this applicant can start driving lessons at Emirates driving company.

The headquarters of Emirates driving company is in Abu Dhabi. The address of its headquarters in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) is Street Number 17, Mussaffah Industrial Area. 

You will need to provide the file application number at the EDC for driving lesson registration. If you already have an old driving license in Abu Dhabi. Then you should submit a copy of the old driving license at EDC. For locals in Abu Dhabi, Emirates ID is required to be submitted. Residents staying in Abu Dhabi registering for the driving lesson should submit a copy of a valid visa and valid passport. Under 18 years old applicants should submit the no-objection certificate for registration. If you have a training permit, then submit a copy of the permit at EDC. Submit one passport size photograph.

Emirates driving company provide courses according to the vehicle type. Theory lessons and practical lessons both are provided at Emirates driving company. The course can be done at regular level, intense level, and VIP bronze. It is further divided into beginner, intermediate, and upper-intermediate.

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