Abu Dhabi boasts an efficient taxi service regulated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Individuals aspiring to become taxi drivers in Abu Dhabi must obtain their permits from the ITC through a streamlined process. Here we will walk you through each step of obtaining a private taxi driver permit in Abu Dhabi and provide insights into the necessary documents and associated fees.
Documents Required to Apply for Taxi Driver Permit in Abu Dhabi
The documents that a UAE national or child of an Emirati mother needs for a private taxi driver permit in Abu Dhabi application include:
Document | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) | Issuing Entity |
|---|---|---|
| Passport copy + Unified number page | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) – | Issuing Entity Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship |
| Initial approval from the concerned authorities | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) 12 months | Issuing Entity Abu Dhabi Police |
| A recent personal photo of the driver with a white background | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) 3 months | Issuing Entity – |
| A valid UAE driving licence | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) – | Issuing Entity Abu Dhabi Police |
| Criminal Status Research Certificate | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) 3 months | Issuing Entity Abu Dhabi Police |
| Health Status certificate proving suitability for work | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) 3 months | Issuing Entity Department of Health |
| A medical certificate for Eye Examination | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) 12 months | Issuing Entity Department of Health |
| Valid residence for Children of Emirati mothers | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) – | Issuing Entity Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship |
| Emirates ID | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) – | Issuing Entity Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship |
| A Pass Assessment Certificate from ITC | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) 3 months | Issuing Entity Integrated Transport Centre |
| Birth Certificate for Children of Emirati mothers | Expiry (Upon the permit issuance) – | Issuing Entity – |
It is important to note that the period shall be calculated from the issuance date of the document from the relevant authority to the date the taxi driver’s permit is issued to the driver.
Steps to Become a Taxi Driver in Abu Dhabi
To provide taxi services in Abu Dhabi, you must have a taxi driver permit which you can obtain by following these instructions:
Step 1: Creating a New Driver Profile and Initial Approval
The first step in obtaining a private taxi driver permit in Abu Dhabi is to create a new driver profile and apply for initial approval through the Licensing and Enforcement System (LES). Here’s the list of documents as part of the Abu Dhabi taxi driver permit requirements:
Required Documents
- Coloured copy of your passport
- Your photo with a white background
- A copy of your school certificate showing successful completion of ten academic years
It is crucial to ensure the authenticity of the documents you submit, as the ITC Abu Dhabi reserves the right to cancel your driver profile and blacklist you if any submitted documents are found to be forged.
You will receive an electronic record of the initial approval or rejection from the Abu Dhabi Police.
Step 2: Uploading UAE Driving Licence and Updating Profile
The second step requires you to upload your original UAE driving licence in the LES and update your online driver profile. Additionally, you must upload a personal photo of yourself wearing the UAE uniform.
Step 3: Completing 5 Training Courses
Before proceeding further, you need to complete five mandatory training courses through the Smart Training System. These courses are essential for preparing you for the responsibilities of a taxi driver and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of your passengers. The courses include:
- Excellence in Customer Service
- ITC Regulation
- Traffic Skills
- Risk Management
- Communication
Step 4: Scheduling the ITC Assessment
In this step, you need to schedule an appointment for the ITC Assessment through the LES. Passing the ITC Assessment is a crucial requirement to obtain a private taxi permit. The assessment includes an oral assessment and a written assessment. You will receive an electronic record of the assessment result.
The ITC Assessment appointment is given if you complete these requirements:
- Creation of an ITC driver profile
- Completion of the specified training courses by ITC
Note that the drivers must arrive at the assessment halls at least 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment. They must bring their UAE driving licence with them. If you are late for more than 90 minutes, it will result in automatic failure. Moreover, to pass the ITC Assessment, you must answer at least 60% of the questions correctly.
Step 5: Issuing a Private Taxi Permit
After successfully passing the ITC Assessment, you need to provide several additional documents to complete the process of obtaining a private taxi permit.
Required Documents
- Criminal status research certificate
- Health status certificate proving your suitability for work
- A medical certificate for an eye examination
- A valid visa for non-Emiratis
- Emirates ID
To validate these documents, you must present true copies of the original documents, which should be approved by the Customer Happiness Office in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain. Furthermore, once the documents are verified, you will be granted your private taxi permit.
FAQs
What happens if my taxi driver’s permit in Abu Dhabi has expired?
In the event of an expired taxi driver’s permit, the ITC retains the authority to suspend your permit. If your permit faces suspension due to expiration, you must initiate the procedure for obtaining a new taxi driver’s permit.
What happens if my UAE driving licence expires during the validity of my taxi driver’s permit?
You may face suspension of your taxi driver’s permit if any one of the following documents expires during the validity of the driver’s permit:
- UAE driving licence
- Valid residence visa
- Emirates ID
In such a scenario, you must upload the documents on the LES system and then have them approved by the Customer Happiness Office.
That is all about how to apply for a taxi driver permit in Abu Dhabi. That said, obtaining a taxi driver permit in Abu Dhabi involves a well-defined process, ensuring that drivers meet the requirements and maintain their credentials while riding a taxi. That said, you can also become a taxi driver in Dubai, Sharjah or other emirates by qualifying through the respective authority’s processes. Moreover, if you are already a taxi driver in any of the Emirates, go through these useful tips for taxi drivers to boost passenger ratings and increase customer satisfaction.
Nevertheless, if you want a private car for your family, here is a plethora of used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi to help you find your ideal ride.
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