How to Book Your Road Test Online in Abu Dhabi – A Step-by-Step Guide
When searching for information on how to book your driving test in Abu Dhabi, you may notice that it is scattered, some details are missing, and some are outdated. Official websites can be confusing, apps may lag, and some links just refuse to work. All this can be quite overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We have analyzed the most up-to-date resources and came up with a short guide that will walk you through the process of booking your road test quickly and without any hassle.
We’ve already covered the road test requirements and how to pass your road test in Abu Dhabi in one of our articles, but now let’s take a step back. Before you can even think about the test, you need to register for it first, which, as you might guess, isn’t as simple as clicking a button.
Each emirate in the UAE has its own process for obtaining a driving license. First, every applicant—whether a citizen or a resident—must enroll in a registered driving institute in that emirate. This means attending training classes and passing multiple tests before even reaching the final road exam.
Unlike Dubai, where you have multiple driving schools to choose from, Abu Dhabi has just one officially recognized driving institute – Emirates Driving Company (EDC). So, that's where you need to go to start with.
Who Needs to Book a Road Test?
You’ll need to book a road test appointment if you are:
- A new driver applying for a UAE driving license for the first time.
- An expat whose home country license is not eligible for direct conversion.
- A driver retaking the road test after a previous failed attempt.
The procedure is different in all three cases.
Residents who already hold a valid driving license from their home country may be eligible for a fast-track license conversion, known as the Golden Chance. This option simplifies the process, saving both your time and money.
Here, we’ll focus on the Golden Chance application, as it’s one of the most popular options. Given that the UAE is home to a large expat and immigrant community, this fast-track method is widely used. However, as the name suggests, you only get one shot. If you fail the exam, you'll have to complete the full driving course from the beginning.
What you need to do
NOTE: you can only book your practical road test date after passing the theory test. This is relevant for Golden Chance participants.
New drivers must go through all the stages and may only book their road test after passing the theory test and the parking lot test.
1. Open a Traffic File
To begin with, you need to open a Traffic File. For this, you need to register on the Abu Dhabi Mobility website or through the TAMM portal. You can also complete this process at any authorized typing center or at any branch of Emirates Driving Company.
2. Register on Tamm
Go to the TAMM website or download their app. The platform will ask you to sign in using UAE PASS. Apparently, these days when everything can be done online, the pass has become essential for almost every online service in the UAE. So, it’s a good idea to set it up as soon as possible, which can be easily done online.
On TAMM, create the request to open the Driving License File. The system will immediately create the Traffic File No which you will need for signing up for the driving school.
It costs 200 AED to apply, and you will need your Emirates ID for this.
3. Driving School
As we have mentioned above, Abu Dhabi has only one registered driver in school - Emirates Driving Company - and you need to either visit it in person or register online through their website https://www.edcad.ae/. The school is located in the Mussafah Industrial area.
Once you access the website, you should see the available course options. As of now, the Golden Chance program includes an E-learning course and six simulator sessions, with a total cost of AED 1,243.
4. Complete theory classes
After doing all the registration routine, you need to go through the driving theory classes. This can be done either online or in person at the school. Then, you need to attend simulator classes which can be done only in person at the school.
If you want to save your time and money on going to the classes in person, you’d better choose the E-learning option. After registering on the school website, you will have access to the Student’s Portal. There, on the Student Dashboard page, you will find downloadable course materials and a link to the online learning platform.
It’s a good idea to download the course book so you can read it in your free time and start working through the lessons. Each lesson consists of a 20-30 slide presentation, summarizing the key points from the UAE Traffic Rules and Regulations.
The course includes a total of 8 lessons but they must be completed in order. Once you finish a lesson, you won’t be able to go back and review it again. After completing all eight lessons, you’ll be eligible to apply for the theory test.
5. Book the theory test
Remember that you must complete the theory course first before you can book a simulator session. However, it is not very clear how to book the actual exam. The E-Learning portal does not make it easier either as there is no such an option. We have found out that there are two ways to register for the exam:
1. In person
You can visit the Emirates Driving Company in Mussafah in person to schedule your test.
If you are not fluent in English, you can request to take a special test for non-English speakers. This is not a full theory exam but rather a simple road sign knowledge check. If you struggle with reading and understanding questions in English, ask to be registered for this version of the test.
2. Via email
If you are confident in your English skills, you can book the exam by sending an email to booking@edcad.ae. In the email, include your File Number and Traffic Number. You should receive a response within one working day with your test date and a route slip.
The route slip must be printed and brought to the exam along with a copy of your Emirates ID.
For any questions, you can contact 600 588880.
6. Pass the theory test
At the scheduled time indicated on your route slip, you need to arrive at Building #3, which is located to the right of the entrance. The exam consists of two parts: the Simulator Test and the Theory Test.
Simulator test
The Simulator Test comes first, and only after completing it will you be allowed to take the Theory Exam. According to the schedule, the simulator session lasts six rounds of 15 minutes each. It features a driver’s seat model, multiple screens, and even some special effects like vibrations to make it feel realistic.
To begin, you must adjust the seat, fasten your seatbelt, put on the headphones, and press the start button. The system will guide you on where to go. Some people experience motion sickness on the simulator, so they stop within the first five minutes. There’s no need to worry—the Simulator Test is not graded. Its main purpose is simply to let you practice driving in a virtual environment.
Theory test
The actual theory exam takes place on the second floor at the exact time mentioned on your route slip.
If you finish the simulator early, you can wait outside, visit the cafeteria, or use the free WiFi.
For the exam, students are seated at individual desks and given a briefing before starting. The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you have 30 minutes to complete them. If you're unsure about a question, you can flag it and return to it later after answering the easier ones.
To pass, you need to answer at least 33 questions correctly, meaning you can make up to 7 mistakes. Keep in mind that the test questions differ from those found on practice websites, so it’s essential to thoroughly study the official driving rules.
Examiners ensure that no phones are used, but they are generally friendly and may even help with English translations if needed.
What happens after?
If you pass, you’ll receive an SMS with a link to the website, where you need to schedule your practical driving test.
If the link doesn’t work, it’s best to go directly to Hall #1 at the typing center and book your test in person.
If you pass the theory exam, you can move on to the next steps. However, if you fail, you may need to retake the theory course and exam for an additional fee.
7. Book the road test and take on-road training
Since you applied for the Golden Chance, you can skip the yard training exam.
However, it is now mandatory to have a certificate proving that you have taken on-road training. In other words: you must complete 6 academic hours (45 minutes each) of mandatory driving lessons with an instructor. Without the instructor's mark, you will not be allowed to take the practical road exam.
After successfully passing the theory exam, you will receive an SMS with a link to the website, where you need to book your practical driving test. If the link doesn’t work, it’s best to go directly to Hall #1 at the typing center and register there.
Otherwise, you can book your road test with the Traffic and Licensing Department or on the Abu Dhabi Mobility website.
The driving test booking fee is AED 180. Upon payment, you will receive a receipt along with a copy of a temporary driving permit (trainee card), which allows you to drive a training vehicle. The original trainee card will be sent to you by mail.
Instructors can be found in the parking area near the school. They are easy to recognize by their white cars with orange stickers. You can also ask for recommendations to find a suitable instructor.
Most trainers offer two consecutive sessions, which is 1.5 hours of training in one go. The cost for 1.5 hours of driving lessons is AED 150.
Training takes place at Mussafah, near Dalma Mall, or along Carrefour on Airport Road.
8. Take the road test
On the scheduled day, arrive at Hall #2 (the middle building) 30 minutes early. Wait for the bus, your bus number will be sent to you via SMS.
Test groups are divided by gender, and each bus carries 8-10 candidates. The exam order is displayed on a screen inside the bus.
The most important thing is to stay calm. Examiners are not looking to fail you, the system is transparent and fair.
Take a deep breath, get into the car, adjust your mirrors, fasten your seatbelt, smile at the examiner, check your surroundings for safety, and start driving.
The test usually lasts about one to two minutes, and your results will be sent via SMS.
What’s next?
If you fail, you’ll need to rebook your test and try again.
If you pass, go to the Typing Center in Hall #1 and pay AED 318 to get the physical copy of your driving license. You can also complete this process online via TAMM using the link in your SMS, if it works.
The entire process – from converting your foreign license to receiving your UAE driving license – takes about two months.
Final Thoughts
All in all, those candidates who are eligible for the Golden Chance, can expect to have a relatively smooth experience. They will just need to go through the theory classes and tests and take the final road test.
For absolute beginners, the procedure is different as they will also need to take parking classes and pass the yard test.
Wishing you good luck and safe driving!