Abu Dhabi Driving License For Expats: Eligibility, Cost & How To Convert Your Driving License In UAE

by Deeplata Garde
Abu Dhabi Driving License For Expats: Eligibility, Cost & How To Convert Your Driving License In UAE

If you have moved to the UAE and have a valid driving licence from your home country, you might be able to exchange it for a new UAE licence without taking any further driving lessons or exams. Below is a guide to help you understand how to convert your licence into an Abu Dhabi driving license.

Here’s How Expats Can Get An Abu Dhabi Driving License

Abu Dhabi Driving License
Pic Creds: Canva Stock Images

UAE citizens must have an Abu Dhabi driving licence in order to legally operate a car on UAE roads and acquiring one is simple. That’s because, for the majority of foreigners, converting your driving licence in Abu Dhabi just requires you to take a few simple steps.

Eligibility:

Here’s a detailed list of countries that are eligible to convert their country’s license into an Abu Dhabi Driving license.

  1. Austria
  2. Australia
  3. Belgium
  4. Canada
  5. Denmark
  6. Finland
  7. France
  8. GCC countries
  9. Greece
  10. Germany
  11. Hong Kong
  12. Ireland
  13. Italy
  14. Japan
  15. Norway
  16. Netherlands
  17. New Zealand
  18. Portugal
  19. Poland
  20. Romania
  21. South Korea
  22. Singapore
  23. South Africa
  24. Sweden
  25. Switzerland
  26. Spain
  27. Turkey
  28. USA
  29. UK

Documents:

All you need to carry is your Emirates ID & valid driving license authorised from your homeland.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Duty Free Launches Online Shopping And Home Delivery Across The UAE

Where To Apply?

Abu Dhabi Driving License
Pic Creds: Canva Stock Images

Check if you are eligible from the above-mentioned list of countries and visit the Vehicles and Drivers Licencing Directorate in Al Sa’adah. All you need to get your licence converted to Abu Dhabi is to have a current driver’s licence from one of the nations listed above.

The offices are operational between Monday to Thursday, from 7.30 am to 4 pm. There is no need to schedule an appointment before visiting.

Steps To Apply:

  1. Visit the centre
  2. Take an eye test
  3. Visit the other building to get your license translated into Arabic & uploaded to the system
  4. Download The TAMM App
  5. Make the payments
  6. And wait for the magic to happen!

In less than 10 mins your converted license will be in your hands!

Cost:
The required eye exam costs Dhs 100, and your driving licence must be converted into Arabic for Dhs 157.50. Also, there would be the conversion and printing of your licence cost Dhs 600 (plus a Dhs 3 service tax).

You must pay Dhs860.50 in total to change your licence to an Abu Dhabi driving licence. It’s important to keep in mind that each transaction must be paid for separately. First, the eye exam can be paid for with a card or cash. But remember the translation fee must be paid in cash. The Dhs600 fee can either be paid in person at the reception desk or online through the TAMM app.

Sounds easy to convert a driving license, isn’t it?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images

First Published: July 25, 2023 4:13 PM