All the steps you nee to know about
Getting settled in Abu Dhabi comes with its fair share of admin, but converting your driving licence doesn’t have to be one of the more complicated jobs on your to-do list.
For residents from certain countries, the process is relatively straightforward and can be completed without having to take driving lessons or sit a road test.
Instead, you’ll need to head to the relevant licensing centre, complete an eye test, have your licence translated and uploaded to the system, and pay the required fees.
Not sure whether you qualify or what you need to take with you? Here’s everything you need to know about converting your driving licence in Abu Dhabi.
Who can convert their driving licence?
The good news is that residents holding a valid driving licence issued by an approved country can apply for a UAE licence conversion.
The eligible countries include:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
UK
USA
GCC citizens can also benefit from the conversion process. However, this does not apply to expats who are living in another GCC country and obtained their licence there.
Your existing driving licence must be valid, and you’ll need to be a UAE resident.
Where do you convert your licence?
Once you’ve established that you’re eligible, head to the Vehicles and Drivers Licensing Directorate in Al Sa’adah.
There’s no need to book an appointment in advance, making this a relatively easy piece of admin to tick off your list.
The centre is open Monday to Thursday, from 7.30am to 4pm.
What do you need to bring?
Thankfully, you don’t need to arrive with a mountain of paperwork. Make sure you have:
Your Emirates ID
Your original, valid driving licence
Your smartphone
It’s worth making sure you have everything with you before setting off, as you’ll need your phone during the application process.
How does the conversion process work?
Once you arrive at the licensing centre, the process is fairly simple.
1. Start at reception
Head to reception when you arrive and explain that you want to convert your driving licence. Staff will point you towards the relevant office, where you’ll complete your mandatory eye test.
2. Complete the eye test
The eye test is one of the first steps in the process. Once you’ve passed and paid the fee, you’ll be directed to the next stage.
3. Get your licence translated
You’ll then need to head to another building to have your driving licence translated into Arabic and uploaded to the system.
One important thing to remember: the translation fee needs to be paid in cash. If you don’t have any on you, there is an ATM in the main building.
The translation costs approx. from AED 157.50.
4. Wait for confirmation
Once your translated licence has been uploaded, you’ll receive an SMS from AUH Traffic confirming that your request has been received.
The system should then process your application, after which you’ll receive another message confirming that your licence conversion has been completed.
5. Download TAMM
During the process, you’ll be asked to download the TAMM app, which is used for a wide range of Abu Dhabi government services.
Once you’ve received confirmation that your conversion is complete, you can use TAMM to pay the licence conversion fee.
Alternatively, you can return to reception and pay there.
6. Collect your new licence
The final step is having your new Abu Dhabi driving licence printed.
Once you’ve paid the relevant fee, your card can be printed at the centre. Then you’re officially ready to hit the road with your new UAE licence.
How much does it cost?
You’ll need to pay for several parts of the process separately. The approximate costs listed are:
Eye test: AED 100
Arabic translation: AED 157.50
Licence conversion and printing: AED 600
Service charge: AED 3
That brings the total cost to AED 860.50.
Keep in mind that payment methods vary depending on the service. The eye test can be paid by cash or card, while the translation fee must be paid in cash. The AED 600 conversion fee can be paid through TAMM or at the centre using cash or card.
How long does it take?
One of the biggest advantages of the conversion route is that, provided everything is in order, you shouldn’t have to wait weeks for your new licence.
The system processing itself can take around 10 minutes, while the physical licence can also be printed relatively quickly once the payment has been completed.
So, if you’re eligible and have all the required documents with you, you could potentially get the whole thing sorted in a single visit.
For further information, visit tamm.abudhabi
