Emirate guide
Driving theory test in Abu Dhabi: practice format and licence steps
In Abu Dhabi, driving licences are handled by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), through the TAMM platform. Here is the practice format the app uses for Abu Dhabi and the steps to each licence.
Practice format in the app
General UAE practice format
Abu Dhabi does not publish its theory-test format, so the app uses a general UAE practice format (35 questions in 30 minutes, 23 to pass) and says so on the test card. Ask your driving institute what to expect.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
- Questions
- 35
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Pass mark
- 23/35
Licence steps in Abu Dhabi
The same steps as the licence journey in the app, checked against the pages linked under each step. Fees are not listed: pay the fees your institute or the portal shows.
Light vehicle (car)
Check you can apply
In Abu Dhabi the minimum age for a car licence is 18. Your residence visa must be issued in Abu Dhabi, and you need a valid Emirates ID and UAE Pass to use TAMM. Licences are handled by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Pass an eye test Eye test
In Abu Dhabi, pass the eye test before you open your traffic file. It must be done at an optician that the licensing authority recognises. TAMM has a locator that shows approved opticians and driving institutes near you. If you wear glasses, wear them for the test.
Open your traffic file Traffic file
Open your traffic file on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at an Integrated Transport Centre service centre. Submit your Emirates ID and pay the fees shown, and your traffic file number arrives by SMS. The file lets you join theory and practical training courses.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Register at a driving institute
Register with an approved driving institute in Abu Dhabi. TAMM directs learners to Emirates Driving Company or Yas Driving Academy for the theory course, the theory test and the internal practical training. Compare course options, and pay the fees the institute shows.
Attend the theory lectures Lectures
Attend the theory course at your institute. It covers traffic rules, road signs and safe driving, and prepares you for the theory test. Ask which languages and class times are offered, and keep your Emirates ID with you at every class.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Book your theory test Theory booked
When your lectures are finished, book the theory test through your institute or your licensing authority's app or website. Add the date and time to your checklist in the Learners Test UAE app, then use the app's practice tests to work on your weak topics before the day.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Pass the theory test Theory test
In Abu Dhabi you take the theory test through your driving institute. Ask the institute about the format, the languages and what happens if you fail. You can change or postpone test appointments on TAMM. Questions in the Learners Test UAE app are for practice only.
Finish the internal training
After the theory test, your institute gives internal practical training and runs its own tests on car control. Ask which yard and parking tests you must pass. When the institute confirms you are ready, you can book your road test on TAMM.
Book your road test
Book a road test date on TAMM. When you book, you also receive a training vehicle permit by SMS, which you need for lessons on the road. If the permit runs out before your test, renew it on TAMM.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Take your road lessons
With your training permit, take practical lessons with an approved driving school until you can drive safely in normal traffic. The number of lessons you need depends on your experience. Carry your permit and Emirates ID to every lesson.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Pass the road test Road test
On test day, confirm your attendance on TAMM and pay the test fees shown. You receive an examiner committee number, take the test with the examiner, and then receive your result. Bring your Emirates ID and your training permit.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Get your licence
After you pass, apply on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at a service centre, to issue your licence. Pay the issue fees shown; they are lower if you are under 21. TAMM also has a service to print and receive your licence card.
Source: TAMM: issue a driving licence
Your first licence period
A new UAE licence is valid for 1 year if you are under 21, or 2 years if you are 21 or older. Renew it before it expires; you must pay any traffic fines first. Drive with extra care in these early years, because offences add black points to your licence.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Motorcycle
Check you can apply
In Abu Dhabi the minimum age for a motorcycle licence is 17. Your residence visa must be issued in Abu Dhabi, and you need a valid Emirates ID and UAE Pass to use TAMM. Licences are handled by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Already have a UAE licence?
If you already hold a UAE licence for another vehicle, motorcycle is added to it as a new category. You still need a valid eye test, and you must complete the motorcycle training and pass its tests before the category is added.
Pass an eye test Eye test
In Abu Dhabi, pass the eye test before you open your traffic file. It must be done at an optician that the licensing authority recognises. TAMM has a locator that shows approved opticians and driving institutes near you. If you wear glasses, wear them for the test.
Open your traffic file Traffic file
Open your traffic file on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at an Integrated Transport Centre service centre. Submit your Emirates ID and pay the fees shown, and your traffic file number arrives by SMS. The file lets you join theory and practical training courses.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Register at a driving institute
Register with an approved driving institute in Abu Dhabi. TAMM directs learners to Emirates Driving Company or Yas Driving Academy for the theory course, the theory test and the internal practical training. Compare course options, and pay the fees the institute shows.
Attend the theory lectures Lectures
Attend the theory course at your institute. It covers traffic rules, road signs and safe driving, and prepares you for the theory test. Ask which languages and class times are offered, and keep your Emirates ID with you at every class.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Book your theory test Theory booked
When your lectures are finished, book the theory test through your institute or your licensing authority's app or website. Add the date and time to your checklist in the Learners Test UAE app, then use the app's practice tests to work on your weak topics before the day.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Pass the theory test Theory test
In Abu Dhabi you take the theory test through your driving institute. Ask the institute about the format, the languages and what happens if you fail. You can change or postpone test appointments on TAMM. Questions in the Learners Test UAE app are for practice only.
Finish the internal training
After the theory test, your institute gives internal practical training and runs its own tests on motorcycle control. Ask which yard and parking tests you must pass. When the institute confirms you are ready, you can book your road test on TAMM.
Book your road test
Book a road test date on TAMM. When you book, you also receive a training vehicle permit by SMS, which you need for lessons on the road. If the permit runs out before your test, renew it on TAMM.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Take your road lessons
With your training permit, take practical lessons with an approved driving school until you can ride safely in normal traffic. The number of lessons you need depends on your experience. Carry your permit and Emirates ID to every lesson.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Pass the road test Road test
On test day, confirm your attendance on TAMM and pay the test fees shown. You receive an examiner committee number, take the test with the examiner, and then receive your result. Bring your Emirates ID and your training permit.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Get your licence
After you pass, apply on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at a service centre, to issue your licence. Pay the issue fees shown; they are lower if you are under 21. TAMM also has a service to print and receive your licence card.
Source: TAMM: issue a driving licence
Your first licence period
A new UAE licence is valid for 1 year if you are under 21, or 2 years if you are 21 or older. Renew it before it expires; you must pay any traffic fines first. Drive with extra care in these early years, because offences add black points to your licence.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Heavy truck
Check you can apply
In Abu Dhabi the minimum age for a heavy vehicle licence is 20. Your residence visa must be issued in Abu Dhabi, and you need a valid Emirates ID and UAE Pass to use TAMM. Licences are handled by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility). Ask your institute whether you also need a medical report.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Already have a UAE licence?
If you already hold a UAE licence for another vehicle, heavy vehicle is added to it as a new category. You still need a valid eye test, and you must complete the heavy vehicle training and pass its tests before the category is added.
Pass an eye test Eye test
In Abu Dhabi, pass the eye test before you open your traffic file. It must be done at an optician that the licensing authority recognises. TAMM has a locator that shows approved opticians and driving institutes near you. If you wear glasses, wear them for the test.
Open your traffic file Traffic file
Open your traffic file on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at an Integrated Transport Centre service centre. Submit your Emirates ID and pay the fees shown, and your traffic file number arrives by SMS. The file lets you join theory and practical training courses.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Register at a driving institute
Register with an approved driving institute in Abu Dhabi. TAMM directs learners to Emirates Driving Company or Yas Driving Academy for the theory course, the theory test and the internal practical training. Compare course options, and pay the fees the institute shows.
Attend the theory lectures Lectures
Attend the theory course at your institute. It covers traffic rules, road signs and safe driving, and prepares you for the theory test. Ask which languages and class times are offered, and keep your Emirates ID with you at every class.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Book your theory test Theory booked
When your lectures are finished, book the theory test through your institute or your licensing authority's app or website. Add the date and time to your checklist in the Learners Test UAE app, then use the app's practice tests to work on your weak topics before the day.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Pass the theory test Theory test
In Abu Dhabi you take the theory test through your driving institute. Ask the institute about the format, the languages and what happens if you fail. You can change or postpone test appointments on TAMM. Questions in the Learners Test UAE app are for practice only.
Finish the internal training
After the theory test, your institute gives internal practical training and runs its own tests on truck control. Ask which yard and parking tests you must pass. When the institute confirms you are ready, you can book your road test on TAMM.
Book your road test
Book a road test date on TAMM. When you book, you also receive a training vehicle permit by SMS, which you need for lessons on the road. If the permit runs out before your test, renew it on TAMM.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Take your road lessons
With your training permit, take practical lessons with an approved driving school until you can drive a truck safely in normal traffic. The number of lessons you need depends on your experience. Carry your permit and Emirates ID to every lesson.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Pass the road test Road test
On test day, confirm your attendance on TAMM and pay the test fees shown. You receive an examiner committee number, take the test with the examiner, and then receive your result. Bring your Emirates ID and your training permit.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Get your licence
After you pass, apply on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at a service centre, to issue your licence. Pay the issue fees shown; they are lower if you are under 21. TAMM also has a service to print and receive your licence card.
Source: TAMM: issue a driving licence
Your first licence period
A new UAE licence is valid for 1 year if you are under 21, or 2 years if you are 21 or older. Renew it before it expires; you must pay any traffic fines first. Drive with extra care in these early years, because offences add black points to your licence.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Check Abu Dhabi truck ban times
In Abu Dhabi city, heavy vehicles are banned during the morning and evening rush hours from Monday to Thursday, with different hours on Fridays. Other roads may have their own rules. The hours change, and may differ in Ramadan, so check the latest Abu Dhabi Mobility notice before you drive.
Light bus
Check you can apply
You must be at least 21 to get a bus licence. In Abu Dhabi you apply through TAMM with UAE Pass and your Emirates ID, and your residence visa should be issued in Abu Dhabi. Ask your institute whether you also need a medical report before light bus training.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Already have a UAE licence?
If you already hold a UAE licence for another vehicle, light bus is added to it as a new category. You still need a valid eye test, and you must complete the light bus training and pass its tests before the category is added.
Pass an eye test Eye test
In Abu Dhabi, pass the eye test before you open your traffic file. It must be done at an optician that the licensing authority recognises. TAMM has a locator that shows approved opticians and driving institutes near you. If you wear glasses, wear them for the test.
Open your traffic file Traffic file
Open your traffic file on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at an Integrated Transport Centre service centre. Submit your Emirates ID and pay the fees shown, and your traffic file number arrives by SMS. The file lets you join theory and practical training courses.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Register at a driving institute
Register with an approved driving institute in Abu Dhabi. TAMM directs learners to Emirates Driving Company or Yas Driving Academy for the theory course, the theory test and the internal practical training. Compare course options, and pay the fees the institute shows.
Attend the theory lectures Lectures
Attend the theory course at your institute. It covers traffic rules, road signs and safe driving, and prepares you for the theory test. Ask which languages and class times are offered, and keep your Emirates ID with you at every class.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Book your theory test Theory booked
When your lectures are finished, book the theory test through your institute or your licensing authority's app or website. Add the date and time to your checklist in the Learners Test UAE app, then use the app's practice tests to work on your weak topics before the day.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Pass the theory test Theory test
In Abu Dhabi you take the theory test through your driving institute. Ask the institute about the format, the languages and what happens if you fail. You can change or postpone test appointments on TAMM. Questions in the Learners Test UAE app are for practice only.
Finish the internal training
After the theory test, your institute gives internal practical training and runs its own tests on bus control. Ask which yard and parking tests you must pass. When the institute confirms you are ready, you can book your road test on TAMM.
Book your road test
Book a road test date on TAMM. When you book, you also receive a training vehicle permit by SMS, which you need for lessons on the road. If the permit runs out before your test, renew it on TAMM.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Take your road lessons
With your training permit, take practical lessons with an approved driving school until you can drive a bus safely in normal traffic. The number of lessons you need depends on your experience. Carry your permit and Emirates ID to every lesson.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Pass the road test Road test
On test day, confirm your attendance on TAMM and pay the test fees shown. You receive an examiner committee number, take the test with the examiner, and then receive your result. Bring your Emirates ID and your training permit.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Get your licence
After you pass, apply on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at a service centre, to issue your licence. Pay the issue fees shown; they are lower if you are under 21. TAMM also has a service to print and receive your licence card.
Source: TAMM: issue a driving licence
Your first licence period
A new UAE licence is valid for 1 year if you are under 21, or 2 years if you are 21 or older. Renew it before it expires; you must pay any traffic fines first. Drive with extra care in these early years, because offences add black points to your licence.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Optional: school bus driving
In Abu Dhabi, school bus drivers must be at least 25 and have held a UAE licence for at least a year. They must be able to read Arabic or English and need a recent good conduct certificate, the required school bus training and a medical every two years. School buses must never go above 100 km/h.
Source: Gulf Today: Abu Dhabi school buses ready for the new year (August 2026)
Heavy bus
Check you can apply
You must be at least 21 to get a bus licence. In Abu Dhabi you apply through TAMM with UAE Pass and your Emirates ID, and your residence visa should be issued in Abu Dhabi. Ask your institute whether you also need a medical report before heavy bus training.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Already have a UAE licence?
If you already hold a UAE licence for another vehicle, heavy bus is added to it as a new category. You still need a valid eye test, and you must complete the heavy bus training and pass its tests before the category is added.
Pass an eye test Eye test
In Abu Dhabi, pass the eye test before you open your traffic file. It must be done at an optician that the licensing authority recognises. TAMM has a locator that shows approved opticians and driving institutes near you. If you wear glasses, wear them for the test.
Open your traffic file Traffic file
Open your traffic file on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at an Integrated Transport Centre service centre. Submit your Emirates ID and pay the fees shown, and your traffic file number arrives by SMS. The file lets you join theory and practical training courses.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Register at a driving institute
Register with an approved driving institute in Abu Dhabi. TAMM directs learners to Emirates Driving Company or Yas Driving Academy for the theory course, the theory test and the internal practical training. Compare course options, and pay the fees the institute shows.
Attend the theory lectures Lectures
Attend the theory course at your institute. It covers traffic rules, road signs and safe driving, and prepares you for the theory test. Ask which languages and class times are offered, and keep your Emirates ID with you at every class.
Source: TAMM: open a traffic file
Book your theory test Theory booked
When your lectures are finished, book the theory test through your institute or your licensing authority's app or website. Add the date and time to your checklist in the Learners Test UAE app, then use the app's practice tests to work on your weak topics before the day.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Pass the theory test Theory test
In Abu Dhabi you take the theory test through your driving institute. Ask the institute about the format, the languages and what happens if you fail. You can change or postpone test appointments on TAMM. Questions in the Learners Test UAE app are for practice only.
Finish the internal training
After the theory test, your institute gives internal practical training and runs its own tests on bus control. Ask which yard and parking tests you must pass. When the institute confirms you are ready, you can book your road test on TAMM.
Book your road test
Book a road test date on TAMM. When you book, you also receive a training vehicle permit by SMS, which you need for lessons on the road. If the permit runs out before your test, renew it on TAMM.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Take your road lessons
With your training permit, take practical lessons with an approved driving school until you can drive a bus safely in normal traffic. The number of lessons you need depends on your experience. Carry your permit and Emirates ID to every lesson.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Pass the road test Road test
On test day, confirm your attendance on TAMM and pay the test fees shown. You receive an examiner committee number, take the test with the examiner, and then receive your result. Bring your Emirates ID and your training permit.
Source: TAMM: book a driving test date
Get your licence
After you pass, apply on TAMM with UAE Pass, or at a service centre, to issue your licence. Pay the issue fees shown; they are lower if you are under 21. TAMM also has a service to print and receive your licence card.
Source: TAMM: issue a driving licence
Your first licence period
A new UAE licence is valid for 1 year if you are under 21, or 2 years if you are 21 or older. Renew it before it expires; you must pay any traffic fines first. Drive with extra care in these early years, because offences add black points to your licence.
Source: u.ae: Get a driving licence (categories and minimum ages)
Optional: school bus driving
In Abu Dhabi, school bus drivers must be at least 25 and have held a UAE licence for at least a year. They must be able to read Arabic or English and need a recent good conduct certificate, the required school bus training and a medical every two years. School buses must never go above 100 km/h.
Source: Gulf Today: Abu Dhabi school buses ready for the new year (August 2026)
Fines that apply only in Abu Dhabi
These are on top of the fines that apply everywhere in the UAE. All fines and black points.
| Offence | Fine | Black points | Impound | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not registering your vehicle for Darb tolls in timeYou have 10 working days after your first toll crossing to register. | AED 100–400 * | – | – | Source |
Abu Dhabi: questions and answers
What is the theory test format in Abu Dhabi?
The app practises with 35 questions in 30 minutes, 23 correct to pass. Abu Dhabi does not publish its theory-test format, so the app uses a general UAE practice format (35 questions in 30 minutes, 23 to pass) and says so on the test card. Ask your driving institute what to expect.
Who issues driving licences in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, licences are handled by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), through the TAMM platform. You train and take your tests through an approved driving institute. tamm.abudhabi
Which licences can I practise for in Abu Dhabi?
All five: light vehicle (car), motorcycle, heavy truck, light bus and heavy bus. The practice format is the same for all five in the app; the steps to get each licence differ and are listed on this page.
Practise on your phone
Original questions for all five licences, your emirate's practice format and every answer explained, in six languages.
Android app by Blue Orbit