Motorcycle Licence in Abu Dhabi 2026
Everything you need to ride legally in Abu Dhabi — requirements, the full process, and exactly what it costs. No hidden fees.
What Is a Category 1 Licence?
In the UAE, motorcycles fall under Category 1. It is a standalone licence — holding a car licence (Category 3) does not permit you to ride a motorcycle, and you must complete separate training and testing to obtain it.
ALWAFAE is a licensed training institute in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, running motorcycle training alongside light vehicle, heavy truck and equipment licences. Instruction is available in English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.
Requirements & Eligibility
To open a motorcycle licence file in Abu Dhabi you will generally need:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Passport and residence visa copy
- Passport-size photographs
- An eye test from an approved optician
- To meet the minimum age set by the licensing authority
- A no-objection certificate, if required by your visa sponsor
Already hold a driving licence? Whether an existing UAE or foreign licence reduces your required training hours is decided by the licensing authority, not by the school. Bring your licence to our counter and we will check your file before you pay anything.
Step-by-Step Process
Open your file
Register at ALWAFAE with your documents. We handle the file opening and registration on your behalf.
Eye test
A standard vision check at an approved centre, required before training begins.
Theory classes and test
Traffic rules, road signs, hazard awareness and motorcycle-specific safety. Available in five languages.
Practical training
Yard training on balance, slow control, braking and manoeuvring, followed by road riding with a certified instructor.
Road test
Assessed by the licensing authority, not by the school. We prepare you for it, but the examiner's decision is theirs alone.
Licence issued
Once you pass, your Category 1 licence is issued and you can ride legally in the UAE.
Full Cost Breakdown
Our motorcycle licence package is AED 4,878 in total. That figure includes both what you pay ALWAFAE and what is paid to the government on your behalf:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| ALWAFAE service fee | AED 302 |
| Government fees (file, tests, licence issuance) | AED 4,576 |
| Total | AED 4,878 |
Government fees are set by the authority and may change. Re-test fees, if you need another attempt, are charged separately. See our full 2026 cost guide for every licence category.
Pay in instalments. Tabby is available, so you can split the cost rather than paying it all upfront. Ask at the counter when you register.
How to Pass the Motorcycle Road Test
The most common reasons riders fail are avoidable with practice:
- Poor slow control — putting a foot down during low-speed manoeuvres is one of the most frequent faults
- Not doing shoulder checks — examiners watch for head movement before every lane change and turn
- Harsh or late braking — brake progressively and early
- Poor lane positioning — hold a confident, visible position rather than hugging the kerb
- Missing safety gear — arrive with the equipment the authority requires, or you may not be allowed to test
Our instructors run mock tests before your real one, so the format is familiar on the day. Many of the same principles apply to the car test — see our guide on passing the Abu Dhabi road test first time.
Why Train With ALWAFAE
- Over 40 years training drivers in Abu Dhabi
- ISO 9001:2015 certified training institute
- Instruction in English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi
- Located in Mussafah — Emirates Driving School Building 1, Counter 4
- Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tabby instalments available
We also train for light vehicle licences, heavy truck (Category 8) and forklift and equipment licences. See all training packages and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a motorcycle licence cost in Abu Dhabi?
Do I need a car licence before getting a motorcycle licence?
How long does it take to get a motorcycle licence?
What happens if I fail the motorcycle road test?
What languages is motorcycle training available in?
Where is ALWAFAE located?
Start Your Motorcycle Licence
Bring your Emirates ID to our counter in Mussafah, or call us first — we will tell you exactly what you need.
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