Getting a Driving License in Abu Dhabi-The Golden Chance

Getting a Driving License in Abu Dhabi-The Golden Chance

There is much confusion around the process of getting a driving license in UAE, But the process is not very tough, I have gone through the process recently and here I am sharing my experience in case that may help anyone.

Opening a Driving License file

First things First-You have to keep all paper works ready and handy
Not all of the below documents might be needed sometimes, but by keeping all things handy you can avoid getting stranded in case they ask you for something in Particular.

1.       Copy of your passport (Front and Back Page and VISA page)
-You don’t necessarily carry your original passport, but if you are having it with you it is good.

2.       Emirates ID

3.       NOC from your Employer in the Company Letter head.

4.       Legal Translation of Your Home Country License

-You can get it from a typing center, they charge you around 50-75 dhs.

Then the Second thing You have to Open your File for driving Classes
You can do this at Mussafah-Emirates Driving Company.
Once you open a file it is valid for a period of 6 months, in this time you can choose classes and tests as per your convenience, you can also renew this post 6 months.
To open a driving license file
the first thing is eye test-They charge you 100 dhs. For the eye test.and then you can continue to verify the documents as directed.
After this process inside the building you can open your driving license file from a typing center, It is available on the left side of the Emirates Driving Company building.
For this you have to pay a fee of 220 dhs.

Theory classes and Test

After opening the file you will get a traffic file number which will be send as SMS to the mobile number you gave at the time of registration. You can then go to the Emirates driving Company to book your Theory classes.

While booking the theory Classes you have 3 options to choose from

1.       4 days-(2 hrs. each day)-872 AED

2.       2 days-Special-1120 AED

3.       1 day-VIP-1610 AED

You can choose one out of the above as per your convenience.
Make sure you select the classes which you can attend for sure, and arrive 10 minutes early for the classes. If you are late by even a minute you will have to rebook the class paying an additional 150 AED.

There is an option to postpone your classes, but you have to do so before 48 hours of the commencement of the scheduled classes.

After the last class you will be asked to register for the test on which ever date you prefer, you can do the registration at the counter from which you register for the classes.

You don’t need to pay any additional amount for the tests as this is included in the initial payment for the classes.

The test will be computer based but if you have chosen any languages other than English for the classes. An instructor will be reading out and explaining each question and the corresponding 3 options during the exam which will make it further easy.
The test is pretty easy for an average person, you just have to pay attention in the classes and go through the text book provided.
36 out of a total of 45 is required for a PASS. And you will get to know the results as soon as the test is over.

Issuing Try Date and Training

After this you have to register for A Try date.

You can do this via the Abu Dhabi Police app or visit a typing Centre. If you are using the Abu Dhabi Police app which is available in the play store, you will have to register first using your emirates ID, and make the payment of 115 AED (100 fee and 15 courier charge) using your Credit/debit card.The process is very easy.
Most probably, you will receive your training card via post within the next one week of doing so, but it may be further delayed. In the meanwhile you can use the view training card function on the app itself or if you are booking from a typing center you can ask for a print out of your training card, if your test date is very near and you can wait for your Training card to arrive.
The test date is computer generated and so you don’t get to choose the dates. But you can postpone the test dates an unlimited number of times if you wish so.

A training of at least 10 hours with a certified instructor is recommended, even though this is not mandatory, But you have to go for training anyhow.
They charge you from 60 up to 75 AED an hour.

Nowadays going for training is compulsory even though the number of hours is not specified. This is because you will be required to produce a certificate of training.

After training from an instructor he will provide you with a certificate of training which is required to be produced on the try date. A hard copy of the certificate is not required as it is updated online by the instructor. Sometimes they may also provide you with a hard copy, but this is not mandatory.

On The Try Date.

You only need to carry your training card for the test.

You must go to the same place where you went to open the driving file, Get a token from the counter and produce the training card when asked for. You will be told a Bus number from the counter. The buses will be parked nearby and you should board your bus, but before that you should pay 40 AED fee for the test in a counter you will be directed to by the security staff. Pay the fee, collect the receipt and board the bus.

In the bus just sit calm, relax and wait for your turn. Recollect all the lessons and tips and you are good to go.

All the names of those in the bus will be called out before the bus leaves, make sure your name is on the list and inform the officials if your name is not called out.

Turns for the test from the bus are on a voluntary basis, there is no specified order, give yourself time to relax and go once you feel comfortable.

During the Test
The most important-Don’t Panic.
Control your nerves and just drive casually

Adhere to the basic rules like-

-Checking the mirrors occasionally (once every 6 seconds they say)

-Checking the mirrors and blind spots while changing lanes and exiting roundabouts.

-Checking the rear view mirrors while slowing down, breaking and whenever required.

-Proper and sensible use of indicators and hazard lights.
-Make sure you don’t park in No parking areas (like yellow grey curb painted areas, Bus parking which are not in Lay by, In front of fire hydrants, manholes etc.)

-Remember to release and engage the handbrakes while parking and starting.

-Check the dashboard lights in a glance to make sure all doors are closed, the handbrake is disengaged and you are in proper gear (in case of automatic). It is said that sometimes the Policemen may leave a door slightly opened to trick you. (Act smart and Confident, but never act Over Smart)

-Remember the policemen are also good men, the will not deliberately make you fail unless they find you are not road ready. No people are happy to see random people Fail, the same applies to them.
So be Confident.

-And lastly quoting words from my own driving instructor-Don’t go for the test to get the driving license, forget it and just think you need to drive perfectly and at your best for 5 minutes.

Once you finish the test you will be told you may leave the car, you can ride back to the driving school in the same bus that will be trailing the car or you are free to choose your own way back. There is nothing more to be done.

You will receive a message on your registered mobile number regarding your result for the test, that your current road test Status is (PASS). (Stay Positive-It will be.)

Getting Your Driving License. (finally)

You can go to the Abu Dhabi police app and Select issue driving license (You can also do this from a Typing Centre)once you get the message. You will be required to make a payment of 315.For the driving license. The driving License will be sent to you by Post. In the meantime you can view your driving license in the app itself soon after you make the payment.

Overall it will cost you roughly around 2150 AED for the whole process.

ALL THE BEST...HAPPY DRIVING..!! J