How to Get Your Motorcycle License in Abu Dhabi: A Complete Guide
This article is based on the first-hand experience of one of our team members who went through the entire process of obtaining a driver’s license in Abu Dhabi. This detailed description provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone preparing to get their car or motorcycle license.
Owning your personal vehicle in Abu Dhabi is a practical necessity. On the one hand, the city boasts a well-developed road network and plenty of parking spaces. On the other hand, walking isn’t much of an option. The scorching summer heat, lack of pedestrian crossings and walkways, infrequent buses, and limited metro coverage in some areas make driving essential.
Once you become a resident of the UAE, you can no longer drive using an international license—you must obtain a local one.
Unfortunately, there is no option for direct license exchange for residents from non-exemption countries, meaning most expats must go through the full process of obtaining your motorcycle or car license.
Preparation
I had over ten years of driving experience in another country. After researching reviews of driving schools, I realized there wasn’t much point in overcomplicating things, so I chose the nearest one to me, close to my home.
Half a year later, I’m convinced I made the right choice—it saved both time and money.
At the driving school, I was pleased to learn that because I had over five years of driving experience, I qualified for the fast-track program. Instead of the standard 20 hours of practical training, I only needed 10 hours, costing me around 4,000 AED.
The school also offered comprehensive motorcycle training and driver training programs, covering theory and practical lessons.
The Process
After finalizing the details with my manager over WhatsApp, I downloaded the driving school app and made my first payment.
Next was the eye test, which I completed the same day at a nearby optical store. Once I passed, the results appeared in the app.
After that, I watched 10 video lectures covering local traffic laws and regulations. I also took the online practice tests multiple times (there are about 350 questions similar to those on the theory exam). Once I felt ready, I asked my manager to schedule the theory exam, which took about a week to get a slot.
The theory exam was straightforward. I arrived at the driving school, found the assigned room, and took a seat at the computer. In 10 minutes, I answered 40 out of 40 questions (the passing score is 30). After passing, I received a confirmation form.
Practical Training and Driving Test
After passing the theory exam, a local instructor approached me and explained that since I was on the fast-track program, they wanted to verify my skills before I could proceed. I took a short test drive around the practice lot with an instructor, who seemed satisfied with my abilities.
The training required 10 hours of practical training, broken down into:
- 6 hours of regular city driving,
- 2 hours on the practice lot,
- 1 hour on roads with speeds between 80-100 km/h,
- 1 hour on highways reaching 120-140 km/h.
If you’re getting a motorcycle license in Abu Dhabi, you’ll go through a similar structure but tailored to motorcycles, focusing on maneuvering, balance, and handling traffic conditions.
Most lessons are conducted with the school's own vehicles, which is very convenient. I would book a date, head to the nearest branch of the driving school, and begin my session.
Most instructors were from Pakistan and spoke decent English, so communication was smooth.
Over the 10 hours of practical training, I worked with three different instructors.
After each phase of training, the school conducts an internal exam covering both city driving and the practice lot exercises. If you don’t pass, you’ll need additional lessons before retaking the test.
The Final Exam
To get your motorcycle driving license or car license in Abu Dhabi, you must pass three exams:
- Theory exam (completed early in the program),
- Practice lot exam (where you demonstrate emergency stops, parking, and hill starts),
- Road test (the final exam).
For the lot exam, you perform five exercises alone in the vehicle, monitored by sensors and cameras installed in the car.
Finally, it was time to take the final RTA road test. I waited about a week for my slot, which was scheduled for 8:00 AM. In the car with me were the Emirati police examiner, an Indian man who was visibly nervous, and another Arab expat.
Since I had a good idea of how things worked, I tried to break the ice with the examiner by chatting a bit.
The examiner asked me to drive first. I completed the course within five minutes, and he seemed pleased with my performance.
The Indian gentleman went next. Despite his nerves, he seemed either very well-prepared or experienced, as the examiner tested him for 15 minutes and let some minor mistakes slide.
The last driver—a visiting Arab—spent the entire wait time praying with prayer beads in hand. Once he started driving, it became clear why. He struggled to control the car and came dangerously close to driving into oncoming traffic.
The examiner had to grab the steering wheel several times and even step on the brakes. After 10 minutes of chaos, the examiner ended the test early and drove us back himself.
Results
The examiner immediately told me I passed but noted in his report that I had forgotten to turn my head to check my blind spot during a lane change. Within 30 minutes, I had my brand-new UAE driver’s license in hand. The entire process took about 1.5 months and cost 4,300 AED.
Tips for Success
If you have real driving experience, your preparation will mainly involve studying the local traffic rules, which differ slightly from other countries—especially regarding roundabouts and right-of-way.
Choose a driving school close to your home to save time and taxi costs.
And always ask your manager to reschedule your lessons or exams to more convenient slots if needed.