I’ve just arrived in Abu Dhabi and, although the roads look a bit scary, I think I need to buy a car to get around. Where can I get my driving licence from?
You’re a brave individual, but then again all this waiting around for a taxi and then putting your life in your driver’s hands can be a testing experience. If you’ve passed a test in your home country, it depends entirely on your nationality as to whether you can transfer your licence here or not. At present, there are 24 countries which have agreements with the UAE to allow transfers – including most EU and GCC countries, Australia, South Africa, Japan and South Korea.
First of all, you need to have a residents’ visa and secondly you’ll need an eye test, which can be done at most opticians or the Traffic and Licensing Department itself. Once you have a certificate showing your eyes are working reasonably well, take this to the licensing department (it’s located on 27th Street between Muroor Road (4th) and Airport Road (2nd)) while also wielding your original passport plus a photocopy, three passport photos, all parts of your driving licence documents with photocopies of all sides, a letter from your sponsor or workplace saying they have no objection to you having a licence, plus Dhs200 in cash. It’s also worth pointing out that you must have the nationality of the country where your driving licence was issued to allow the transfer to go ahead. Once all the paperwork is complete, you’ll have your picture snapped on a digital camera and a few minutes later you’re presented with your shiny new licence.
If you’re not from these countries, and in Abu Dhabi this will includes a sizeable chunk of the population, then we’re afraid it’s back to driving school for you. First up, pay another visit to the Traffic and Licensing department with a letter from your visa sponsor, your lease agreement and cash in your wallet to pay a Dhs150 registration fee. Then it’s time to book some lessons and get learning. The Emirates Driving Company (02 551 1911) is one of the most reputable in the city, although there are smaller firms you could learn with. Once you’ve had your lessons and passed a test, you’ll need to head along to the licensing department and pay Dhs200 to get your licence. And there you have it. Just be careful out there, won’t you…
