Have you heard about driving license conversion in the UAE? When you want to convert driving license Abu Dhabi, you’re changing your driving license’s region to another. This is required for anyone who moves to UAE or any other country. This process is necessary for whoever moves to Abu Dhabi and wants to drive there.
To convert driving license Abu Dhabi, you must know how to start the procedure, what documents to prepare, where to go, and how to apply. The steps to converting your license are all essential. Therefore, knowing each step and ways to perform it well is important for a smooth process. In this Lookinsure mag article, we will cover all the necessary details and provide tips on how to convert your license in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Answered Questions
Can I convert my Saudi driving license to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. All GCC countries including Saudi Arabia are eligible to convert their driving license all over the Emirates.
How to convert a Qatari driving license in Abu Dhabi?
Converting a GCC country driving license, including a Qatari license is very easy in the UAE. Just gather the necessary documents and visit the Abu Dhabi traffic department.
Can I trust online driving license conversion services?
The only official online driving license conversion website/app is the RTA.
What should I do if my driving license is not eligible for conversion?
In case the country your driving license is from isn’t eligible, you need to retake RTA road tests and theory tests and apply for a valid UAE driving license.
How long does the driving license conversion process take?
The process can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks depending on the completion of your documents, and whether or not you have taken tests during the process.
Why Convert Your Driving License in Abu Dhabi?
In case you’re a foreign resident, business owner, or moving to the Emirates for whatever reason, Abu Dhabi driving license conversion is one of the most important legal procedures you need to do. It is necessary to have a valid Emirates license in case you plan on owning a motor vehicle in the UAE.
If you’re converting your license in Abu Dhabi, it’s also useful to be familiar with testing procedures in other emirates. Understanding Dubai driving test tips can help you prepare for road assessments and improve your driving skills, ensuring a smoother experience when obtaining your license.
Here are all the important reasons why converting your license is necessary:
Legal Compliance
In case you’re an Abu Dhabi resident (or a resident in any other Emirate) you need to have a valid Driving in the UAE to drive there legally. If you do not convert your license after you move to Abu Dhabi and start driving, you will face financial penalties and legal consequences.
If you’re converting your driving license in Abu Dhabi, you might also need to handle other vehicle-related processes. Understanding vehicle ownership transfer Abu Dhabi is essential if you’re buying or selling a car, ensuring a smooth and legal transition of ownership.
Ease of Driving
An Abu Dhabi driving license conversion allows you to drive with ease throughout the country. Traffic authorities across the UAE recognize your license and in case of all circumstances, you can refer to your license.
Access to Services
There are several motor vehicle government services in the UAE, and most of them require a valid driving license. Not having a valid UAE driving license prevents you from using these services. For example, registering a vehicle, applying for parking permits, or updating records with traffic authorities are some of these services. Registering a vehicle is essential in the UAE before you’re able to drive it legally.
Who Can Convert Their Driving License?
In the UAE, not all countries are eligible to convert their driving licenses in Abu Dhabi. This means that some nationals can convert their licenses without the need to take a driving test when moving to the Emirates, while others have to pass several tests all over again.
If you’re familiar with the license conversion process in Abu Dhabi, you may also need to know how to convert driving license Dubai. While both emirates have similar procedures, there are key differences in requirements and processing times that you should be aware of.
List of countries whose licenses are eligible for conversion
Eligible countries still require an eye test and several documents. Let’s take a look at eligible countries for converting driving license in Abu Dhabi:
| Region | Countries |
| GCC Countries | Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait |
| European Countries | United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Sweden, Denmark |
| North America | United States, Canada (certain provinces) |
| Australia and New Zealand | Australia (all states), New Zealand |
| Asian Countries | South Korea, Singapore, Japan |
| Others | South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong |
Required Documents and Prerequisites
To convert driving license Abu Dhabi successfully, you will need a couple of documents. Let’s take a look:
Original foreign driving license
Your foreign driving license from your original country is required. Since this license will be converted, it is the most essential document.
Emirates ID or UAE residence visa
Your Emirates ID and if not applicable your proof of residency is essential to start your conversion procedure.
Copy of passport
A copy of your valid passport is required
Eye test certificate
Even if your country is part of the eligible countries on the list, you will still need to provide a certificate proving that you have passed the eye test from an official authority.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Driving License Abu Dhabi
Converting your driving license to a UAE license is not very difficult. If you know the steps, it can be very easy. These steps include both eligible and non-eligible countries. Make sure to learn them so you don’t miss any. The steps are as follows:
1. Check Your Country’s Eligibility
To start the process, you need to check your eligibility first. In case you are not eligible, meaning your country isn’t on the list, you will need to take the theory test and practical test in Abu Dhabi. Even if you are a skilled driver in your own country, in case it is not considered eligible, you will need to learn how to pass the RTA road test in the UAE since some rules and regulations might differ.
2. Apply for a New Driving License (if applicable)
In case your country is ineligible, you will need to apply for a new driving license in the UAE. This means that all other steps do not apply and you will need to start the process from the very beginning.
3. Gather Your Documents
The necessary documents mentioned earlier in the article are important to complete your conversion process.
4. Visit the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department
To submit your documents, you will need to go to the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Licensing Department. Alternatively, you can go to the RTA app for some online services as well. The RTA app is very practical and essential for all UAE drivers.
5. Submit Documents
Submit documents to either of those verified authorities.
6. Pay the Essential Fees
Required fees for converting your driving license in UAE is somewhere between AED 300 to AED 600. Pay the fees to complete the process.
7. Wait for Your UAE License
After doing all the necessary steps, you can wait for your license. This usually takes a few days, but it can even go up to a couple of weeks depending on your application and additional tests.
Abu Dhabi Driving License Automatic to Manual Conversion
In case you plan on upgrading your driving skills or you have just discovered the world of manuals, you can’t drive a manual car with an automatic license. Here is how to convert driving license Abu Dhabi automatic to manual:
Eligibility and Requirements
Meeting certain criteria to convert your automatic license to a manual one is necessary. They are as follows:
| 1 | You must have a valid UAE driving license |
| 2 | You must not have any Black Points or unpaid fines on your current license |
| 3 | You must be over 18 years old |
| 4 | Your license should be valid and not expired |
Training and Testing Procedures
After making sure you meet the certain criteria for getting a manual driving license Abu Dhabi, you need to complete a driving course. In case you have never driven manual before, taking these courses is essential and will prepare you for the road test. These courses will teach you all the necessary skills to drive a manual car. Most driving schools examine you with mock tests before the official road test that will get you ready. Afterward, you need to book your practical or road test and take it. Passing this driving test will lead to a manual license.
Discover Abu Dhabi Car Insurance Plans on Lookinsure
When converting your driving license and aiming to drive your car, you need to get insurance first. This means that even after you convert your license, you can’t drive your car as long as it is not insured and registered. Both of these acts are illegal and have consequences. Driving an uninsured car will result in penalties such as fines and four black points on your license. Lookinsure has gathered all of Abu Dhabi’s best insurance policies for drivers who wish to insure their vehicles. With Lookinsure, you can browse through all types of policies and choose the one that suits you best. We also have many add-on policies as well as standard plans that can help you personalize your plan regarding your needs and priorities.
In case you are moving to Abu Dhabi or wish to drive here for any reason, you will need to convert driving license Abu Dhabi. This applies to all other Emirates as well. Certain countries have eligible licenses and you can easily convert your license when you move to the UAE. However, ineligible countries require you to retake several driving tests such as practical and theory tests to get a valid UAE driving license.
Converting a license is also essential when you want to switch the Abu Dhabi driving license automatic to manual. This usually requires taking courses and practicing. No matter what your purpose is, in case you wish to drive your car in the UAE even after converting your license, you will need valid car insurance and that is what Lookinsure is here for. With Lookisnure, you can simply compare quotes and choose the ideal insurance for your vehicle. Make sure to visit our website and contact us to get started!
