The Short Answer

How long it takes depends entirely on which of the three pathways applies to you:

Full Training (new learner, no recognised license): 3–6 months
Golden Chance (eligible foreign license from any country not on the Direct Exchange list): 1–4 weeks
Direct Exchange (license from 52 approved countries): 1–2 weeks

If you do not know which pathway applies to you, take the 60-second eligibility quiz before reading further. Your country and current license status determine everything.

Timeline Overview by Pathway

Pathway	Typical Duration	Theory Test?	Practical Lessons	Road Test?
Full Training	3–6 months	Yes	19–40 lessons	Yes
Golden Chance	1–4 weeks	Knowledge test only	Optional (recommended)	Yes
Direct Exchange	1–2 weeks	No	None	No

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Full Training Pathway: Step-by-Step Timeline

Full training is for learners with no driving license, or a license from a country not covered by the Golden Chance or Direct Exchange programs. This is the most common route for expats arriving in Abu Dhabi.

Step 1: Eye Test & File Opening — 1–2 days

Your first visit is to the Department of Transport (DoT) for a mandatory eye test and to open your traffic file. Bring your passport, visa, and passport copies. Both tasks are usually done on the same day.

Step 2: Theory Classes — 2–4 weeks

Abu Dhabi requires 8 mandatory theory classes covering road rules, hazard awareness, and UAE traffic law. Each class is approximately 2 hours. Both EDC and YDA run morning and evening sessions so you can fit them around work. Most people complete this phase in 2–4 weeks.

Step 3: Theory Test — 1–2 weeks after classes

After theory classes you book the computer-based theory test through ITC. Test slots are usually available within 1–2 weeks. If you fail, the minimum wait before retaking is 2 weeks.

Step 4: Practical Lessons — 2–4 months

This is the longest phase. EDC requires 19 lessons for beginners; YDA requires 13 standard lessons. Lesson frequency is the biggest factor in your timeline. Book 2–3 times per week to finish in 2–3 months. Book once a week and the same lessons take 4–5 months. Private instructors may offer more flexible scheduling to speed this up.

Step 5: Internal Assessment — 1 week

Once you complete the minimum lessons, your school runs an internal assessment — a mock road test conducted by the school. You must pass this before booking the official road test. Most students pass on their first attempt; if not, a few extra lessons and a second attempt follows.

Step 6: Road Test — 1–2 weeks to book + 30 minutes

After passing the internal assessment, you book the official road test with DoT. Test slots are typically available within 1–2 weeks. The test itself is a 15–20 minute drive with an ITC examiner. Failing means waiting approximately 5–7 days before a retake.

Step 7: License Issuance — same day or next day

Pass the road test, and your license is issued on the spot or the following business day. You can drive legally from that point forward.

Total for Full Training: 3–6 months for most learners booking 2–3 lessons per week.

Golden Chance Pathway: 1–4 Weeks

Holders of valid licenses from any country not on the Direct Exchange list (often referred to as Golden Chance countries) skip mandatory theory classes and the full lesson requirement. They still need a knowledge test and road test to prove they can drive to UAE standards.

File opening & eye test: 1–2 days
License verification (translation if needed): 2–5 days
Knowledge test: ~1 week to book and sit
Optional practice lessons: 1–3 weeks (recommended; ~AED 210/hour)
Road test: 1–2 weeks to book

Total for Golden Chance: 1–4 weeks. The critical risk: if you fail the road test, you lose Golden Chance eligibility and must complete the full training pathway. Optional practice lessons are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended.

Read more in our complete Golden Chance guide.

Direct Exchange Pathway: 1–2 Weeks

This is the fastest option. If your country has a reciprocal driving license agreement with the UAE, your foreign license converts directly to a UAE license — no tests, no lessons.

Document verification & eye test: 1–2 days
License processing: 1–2 weeks

Total for Direct Exchange: 1–2 weeks. Eligible countries include most of Europe, the GCC states, and others. Check the full countries list to see where you stand.

What Slows People Down

Infrequent Lessons

The single biggest controllable factor in your timeline is how often you book lessons. Two lessons per week versus one lesson per week is the difference between finishing in three months and finishing in six. Treat lessons like gym sessions — consistency beats intensity.

Test Failures

Failing the theory test adds at least 2 weeks. Failing the road test adds at least 1 week plus however long extra practice takes. Preparation reduces both risks significantly. Read our road test tips for how to minimise the chance of needing a retake.

Peak Season Backlogs

September through November is peak enrollment season as new residents arrive. Theory test and road test slots fill fast. If you can start the process in January–August, you will generally face shorter wait times at every booking stage.

Document Issues

For Golden Chance and Direct Exchange, translation and attestation of non-English licenses can add 3–7 days. Have these handled at the same time as your file opening rather than waiting until later.

How to Speed Up Your Process

Book your next step the same day you complete the current one. Test slots fill up. The moment you pass theory, book the road test. Do not wait.
Book 2–3 lessons per week minimum. One lesson per week is the slowest pace. Three per week is the fastest most people sustain.
Avoid school holiday cancellations. If your instructor cancels frequently, consider switching or supplementing with a private instructor.
Study for the theory test properly. Two to three focused evenings of mock tests is enough to pass first time for most learners. Failing adds two weeks minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driving license in Abu Dhabi in one week?

Only via Direct Exchange. If your country qualifies, the administrative processing takes 1–2 weeks. Full Training and Golden Chance both take longer due to testing requirements.

Does training at EDC take longer than YDA?

Both schools require similar lesson numbers and operate comparable class schedules. Your timeline at either school depends more on how frequently you book than on which school you choose.

How long is the theory test result valid?

One year from the date you pass. If you do not complete your practical test within 12 months, you must resit the theory test.

What is the fastest I can realistically complete Full Training?

Around 10–12 weeks if you attend daily or near-daily lessons, pass every test first time, and get lucky with test slot availability. Most people take 3–4 months.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Driving License in Abu Dhabi? (2026)

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