A Complete Guide to Abu Dhabi Road Test: Requirements, Steps, and Tips for Success

Your dream has come true: you have moved to the United Arab Emirates and have finally received your Residence ID. The happiness is so close! But if you plan to drive a car in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, (and let’s face it, driving here isn’t a luxury but a necessity, especially in the scorching summer heat), you will have to face the hurdle of obtaining the local driving license and passing the road test. 

To help you out there, we’ve done our research and gathered all the tips and tricks from those who’ve been there, done that, and survived to tell the tale. You won’t learn these tips in a driving school. They come from real-life experience, and we’re more than happy to pass it on here.

Follow our guide and you will pass the road test in Abu Dhabi with flying colors on your first try!

Why is it a challenge even for seasoned drivers?

The legend goes that passing the road test in Abu Dhabi is a big challenge and a real feat, not for the faint-hearted. Those who already have driving experience may be a bit skeptical about it. With a driving record of more than 10 years, what can possibly go wrong? Surprisingly, your international driving experience may be of little to no help or could even work against you when it comes to passing a driving test in the UAE. Many experienced drivers fail after several attempts, accusing instructors of being biased. But the real reason behind this is cultural differences and the style of riding. 

Expats often don’t realize that their driving style is a complete mismatch for the UAE road test. Even if you’re the king of the highway and can parallel park with your eyes closed, an Emirati driving instructor might see things differently. For them, passing the test means driving like a fresh graduate straight out of a local driving school, not like an experienced rally driver.

Overview of the procedure

The procedure of applying for a driving test is different for those who already have a driving license and for those who are new to driving. Understandably, if you don't have any experience, you will need to take lessons first. Beginners must complete 30 hours of mandatory training before they’re eligible to pass the road test. In this article, we won’t go into the details of the training process but will instead focus entirely on the road exam itself.

All in all, you will have to pass 3 stages: 

-Theory test: Consists of 40 questions, with 7 mistakes allowed. The questions are much simpler compared to what you might encounter in many other countries. If you’re applying for a Category B license (standard car), you won’t be asked about truck driving, first aid, vehicle mechanics, or any other unnecessary details. You can download any Theory Test app to practice answering the questions correctly before the exam.

- Parking test: This is done on a practice driving lot. You’ll need to reverse into a garage-style parking space and a diagonal parking spot. You’ll also face the “hill test,” where you drive up a slope, stop using the handbrake, and then safely descend.

- Final road test in the city: This one is believed to be the most challenging part of the exam. You can only book the practical driving test after you successfully pass the theory test. To book your exam day, head over to the Traffic and Licensing Department which is conveniently located near Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi.Bring your passport, Emirates ID, photos, and proof of passing the theory test. Scheduling the appointment will cost you 50 AED and the test itself will be 200 AED. 

The Big Day: how to pass your road test like a pro

To make this stressful day easier for you, we have outlined some useful tips that will help you navigate the exam process with more confidence. 

Before the test:

• On the scheduled day, arrive at Hall #2 (the middle building) 30 minutes early. Wait for the bus that will take you to the test site. Your bus number will be sent to you via SMS. The exam order is displayed on a screen inside the bus. When your number is called, go to the assigned car. You’ll have just a few minutes to demonstrate your driving skills, so make them count!
• The point of the examination process is to make all your actions visible to the instructor and show them with your every action (maybe in a little bit aggregated manner) that you do everything step by step without skipping a bit. 
• When the examiner invites you into the car, wait for them to get in first. Don’t touch anything until they are seated.
• Once you are seated in the car with the examiner, engage the handbrake, even if it’s already engaged, to show the examiner your attentiveness.
• Even if the seat feels perfectly fine, adjust it slightly. This small move shows the inspector that you’re serious, responsible, and attentive behind the wheel.
• After adjusting your seat, take a moment to adjust the rearview and side mirrors using both hands. Even if they’re already in the right position, this simple action signals to the examiner that you’re focused and attentive to detail.
• Fasten your seatbelt and ask everyone in the car to do the same – make sure you say it out loud and check that everyone has complied.
• Place both hands firmly on the steering wheel and confidently say, “I am ready.” Keep your hands on the wheel at all times during the exam to show control and focus.

On the road:

The most important thing you need to keep in mind is that as a trainee you must drive only in the far-right lane. 

• Exiting the parking spot: When backing out, turn on the indicator for the direction you’re moving toward. Do not use hazard lights as is customary in some CIS countries; use the turn signal only. 
• Head check: The UAE driving rules require a head check, also called a shoulder check in some countries. This technique requires a driver to make certain head movements when turning or changing lanes. Here is how you are supposed to do it before any maneuver: 
  • Look in the rearview mirror.
  • Turn your head and check the side mirror in the direction where you’re turning.
  • Turn your head further to check the rear passenger window so that your chin touches your shoulder.
  • Finally, return your gaze to the rearview mirror.

Not following these steps could result in a failure right from the start.

• Roundabouts: In the UAE, roundabouts typically have two lanes – an outer and inner lane. Here’s how to handle different exits and turn signals:

- 1st Exit (Right Turn): Stay in the outer lane and turn on your right indicator immediately upon entering the roundabout.

- 2nd Exit (Straight): Stay in the outer lane. Turn on the right indicator after passing the first exit.

- 3rd Exit (Left Turn) and 4th Exit (U-turn): Drive in the inner lane. Use the left indicator upon entering and switch to the right indicator when preparing to exit.

Do NOT switch to the outer lane before exiting the roundabout. Only enter a roundabout when the left side is clear. And don’t forget: always use your right indicator when exiting!

• Turn signals: Use the turn signal even on long curves if the road bends to the right. 
• T-Junction rules: When entering a main road from a secondary road at a T-junction, always come to a full stop before the "STOP" line for at least 3 seconds, even if the road appears clear. Enter smoothly at a controlled pace, then gradually accelerate to match the speed limit.
• Speed limits: On wide roads, the speed limit is 60 km/h. Stay slightly below this as going 61 km/h will count as a violation. On two-way roads with a single lane in each direction, the speed limit is 40 km/h. There are no signs, so you must know this in advance. On service roads (side lanes with parking areas), drive between 30–40 km/h. Remember that driving too slow is not a good idea – just drive confidently within the speed limit.  
• Parking: the examiner might ask you to do the parallel parking, park at a 45-degree angle, or park on a dirt surface. No matter which type of parking you’re doing, always perform a head check before starting. After parking, shift to park mode, engage the handbrake, and turn on hazard lights if it’s a dirt surface. 
• Hazard lights: Use hazard lights when stopping for a pedestrian at a crosswalk or giving way to a large vehicle turning or reversing in front of you. 
• Horn: Lightly tap the horn if you see a pedestrian walking or cycling along the road to alert them of your presence. 
• Keeping a safe distance: Leave enough space between you and the car ahead so you can see its entire back, including the wheels.
• Both hands on the wheel: Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, and avoid crossing them while steering.
• Do not wear sunglasses: Avoid wearing sunglasses during the test. The examiner needs to see your eye movements, especially when you're checking mirrors and changing lanes.

More tips for boosting your confidence and managing anxiety

Exams are always stressful. And a driving test in a new country with a new culture and driving manners? That can take your anxiety to a whole new level. You’ll hear plenty of people saying, “Relax, it’s no big deal,” but let’s be honest, it is easier said than done.

The best advice we can give you is practice, which, as we all know, makes perfect. If you don’t feel confident enough, please take more lessons. In the long run, this will save you both time and money. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – this is what your instructor is here for. If you feel your instructor isn’t helping you improve, don’t hesitate to switch. There’s no point wasting time and money on ineffective lessons. Ask around for recommendations to find a better fit. 

If possible, practice driving on the roads where the test will take place. This will make you feel more comfortable with turns, signals, and common traffic patterns.

Eat light before the test. A heavy meal might make you sluggish, while an empty stomach can make you feel jittery. Eat something light and balanced before your test.

Don’t rush in anything you do. Try to arrive early to the venue and give yourself time to settle in, review your documents, and mentally prepare. Rushing will only add unnecessary stress.

During the ride, follow the examiner's instructions and don’t argue, stay concentrated on the process. 

Final steps after the test

If you don’t pass the road test, you’ll need to book a new test date. There’s no official limit on how many times you can retake it, but after three failed attempts, you might have to take extra driving lessons before trying again.

Once you pass, you can apply for your Emirati driver’s license at the Emirates Driving Company. Just collect the approval paper from your examiner, head to the Pass Counter, and submit your ID along with 200 AED. They’ll take your photo, print your license, and within minutes you're officially a licensed driver in the UAE. Congratulations!

With your new license, you’re free to drive anywhere across all seven emirates.

In conclusion, passing the road test in Abu Dhabi isn’t as daunting as it seems. With the right preparation and a few insider tips, it’s totally doable. Now that you’ve got all these tricks up your sleeve, you’re fully ready to ace your test. 

Good luck and see you on the Emirates roads!