How Much Does a Driving License Cost in Abu Dhabi 2026

Quick answer

A new Abu Dhabi driving license in 2026 costs AED 1,050–1,800 for most expats when you include the eye test, medical, theory, and practical exam fees. The final price depends on your nationality and whether you hold a valid foreign license.

Who needs an Abu Dhabi driving license?

Anyone staying in the emirate for more than six months must convert or obtain a UAE license. Tourists may drive on an International Driving Permit for 6 months, but residents need the local plastic card to avoid fines of AED 400 and vehicle impoundment.

Current Abu Dhabi RTA fees (2026)

Here are the official Abu Dhabi Mobility fees you will pay at approved centres:

• Eye test: AED 100
• Medical fitness test: AED 300–400 (varies by DHA-approved clinic)
• Theory test: AED 150
• Practical test: AED 250 per attempt
• License issuance (5 years): AED 500
• Smart service fee: AED 20

Verify current fee with Abu Dhabi Mobility before you pay, as minor adjustments happen each January.

Step-by-step process and cost breakdown

1. Open a file at an approved institute

Popular centres include Emirates Driving Company (EDC) in Mussafah and Yas Island, and Al Ahli Driving School. Opening a file costs AED 100 and is valid for one year.

2. Eye test and medical

Book an eye test at any Tasjeel or Al Fahad branch (AED 100). Next, visit a DHA-approved medical centre for the fitness certificate (AED 300–400). Bring Emirates ID and one passport photo.

3. Theory test

Study the official handbook (AED 50) or use the RTA mobile app. The computer test has 40 questions; you need 75 % to pass. One attempt costs AED 150. Most people pass on the second try, adding another AED 150.

4. Practical lessons and test

Automatic transmission lessons cost AED 80–100 per hour. The average student needs 8–12 hours. Add AED 250 for the final RTA practical test. If you fail, each retry is another AED 250 plus lesson fees.

5. License printing

Once you pass, pay AED 500 for a five-year card plus AED 20 knowledge fee. The plastic license is printed instantly and linked to your Emirates ID.

Cost comparison: new vs conversion

Common mistakes that increase the cost

• Skipping the eye test and discovering a vision issue on test day.
• Using an expired foreign licence, forcing you to start as a beginner.
• Choosing manual transmission when you only need automatic.
• Paying for extra lessons because you booked the test too early.

Tips to keep the cost down

• Study the handbook and take the free online mock tests; most expats pass theory first time after 10 hours of study.
• Book the practical test on weekdays; weekend slots fill fast and sometimes cost more at private institutes.
• Use the RTA mobile app to pay for tests and download your digital learner permit to avoid printing fees.
• If you hold a valid UK, EU, or Australian licence, complete the conversion in one day and save over AED 1,000.

Where to pay and collect documents

All payments are made through the Abu Dhabi Mobility portal or at Tasjeel self-service kiosks. Carry your Emirates ID, passport copy, and eye-test receipt. Digital receipts appear instantly in the app and are accepted by traffic police.

Key takeaway

Budget AED 1,500–1,800 for a full Abu Dhabi driving licence in 2026 if you start from scratch, or AED 650–900 if you can convert an existing licence. Book everything through official channels, prepare documents early, and you will avoid the expensive re-test cycle that catches many newcomers.