Abu Dhabi - The 1st Experince - How To Obtain Driving License in Abu Dhabi

10/28/13 Abu Dhabi - The 1st Experince: How to Obtain Driving License in Abu Dhabi
abudhabi-expats.blogspot.ae/2011/04/how-to-obtain-driving-license-in-abu.html 1/25
Hello Expats, I am pleased to share my first few months experience in UAE, especially Abu Dhabi with
you. As like anyone, I use internet to search the details about, Obtaining Residence Visa, Driving
License, Emirates ID, Transportation, Bus & Taxi Services, etc. But what I found was, either the newest
details are at least 6 months old; and most of the other details are a year or two old. Hence, I thought
about providing you the current information as I go through everything.
Abu Dhabi - The 1st Experince
Saturday, April 23, 2011
How to Obtain Driving License in Abu
Dhabi

Though, the Driving License you obtain is valid throughout UAE, how you obtain it varies
state to state. There are three categories of people who are trying to obtain the driving
license in Abu Dhabi; even in UAE.
Category 1: First time drivers
Category 2: People who have home country Driving License, but they cannot
be transferred to UAE Driving License (I am in this category)
Category 3: People who have home country Driving License and it can be
transferred to UAE Driving License (Normally USA, Canada, Most European
countries, Australia, New Zeland, Singapore, etc citizens could do this).
Whatever category you are, everyone has to,
Open a Driving License file.
Attend the theory classes conducted by Abu Dhabi Driving Company (The
Only Authorised body for Driving License theory & practical training).
Pass the theory Test.
Obtain the Driving License.
Category1: Attend the practical classes in AD Driving Company in Mussafa and take
the practical exams to obtain the Driving License.
Category2: Go through a practical exam and obtain the Driving License (practical
classes are not compulsory).
Category3: Change their home country Driving License to UAE Driving License.
Submitting the initial application for obtaining the UAE driving license is called File
Opening. I know there are several websites claims that you can open the file at Muroor
Traffic Police. Even the AD Police website says so. But my experience was against this. When I
went to open the file in Muroor Traffic Police, I was told that only ladies can open the file
there, and gents have to go to AD Driving Company in Mussafa.
Getting to Muroor Traffic Police
If you are a lady and if you want to open the file in Muroor Traffic Police, its exactly in the
Street 27 between Muroor Road (also referred to as Street 4 / E Road / New Airport Road)
and Old Airport Road (also referred to as Street 2 /Shaiek Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
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How to Obtain
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Nimo
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3

Street) in Muroor area. You can reach here easily by taxi. If you want to reach by bus, router
no 32 & 52 buses goes through Street 2 and route no 34, 54 & 56 goes through Street 4;
whereas route no 44 goes through street 27 (very long route).
Getting to Abu Dhabi Driving School / Company in Mussafa
You can reach AD Driving Company in Mussafa by metered taxi, shared taxi or route Bus.
Metered taxi from city centre (TCA) will easily cost 50AED (I havent tried it) and will take
30minues. If you could get a shared taxi (the old taxies) they will charge 5AED or 10 AED. But
shared taxi is not a suitable option for ladies.
The cheapest way to get to AD Driving Company is using bus route no 116. The route no 116
starts from Kalifa Street (Street 3) and you could get this bus anywhere in Street 4 or AD
Central Bus Station. The fare is 2AED fixed price and it will drop you right before the AD
Driving Company. The journey time is approx 45 minutes to 1 hour. There is bus service from
6am to 11pm every 30minutes.
Opening a file
Once you reach the Abu Ddhabi Driving School building, you could see there is an
Information Desk straight ahead, and it is surrounded by more than 10 counters to serve
people. You dont need to go to any of these initially. On your right side, you could see the
sign board for Traffic Section. Follow the sign and turn at the 1
st
right corridor. You will
reach the File Opening section for Gents and Ladies which are two separate rooms. As soon as
you reach the room, you will find a help desk where you will be checked by the staffs whether
you have the right documents.
Keep the following documents in your hand.
Copy of the passport information page
Copy of the UAE Residency Visa Page
1 x Passport size photos
No Objection letter from your company (Needs to in Arabic. You can get it from
your HR)
Copy of your Emirates ID card. If you dont have it yet, you can provide a
photocopy of your Emirates ID application form. You have to provide the copy,
not the original as this will not be returned to you.
In case you have your home country driving license (plastic card), Arabic
translation of your home country driving license.
Home country Driving License - plastic card (for verification purpose)
Note: You do not need any International Driving License from your country. They will check
for the home country driving license which is the plastic card. The Arabic translation doesnt
needs to be authorised by your embassy even. Just a plain Arabic translation is enough.
Once you give all these to them, they will check and verify everything and send you for eye
test, which is in the adjacent room. You will find a lady sitting over there. You will be asked to
read different size of alphabets and numbers on the wall using both eyes separately. Then she
will show you some A4 sheets which consist of numbers. Each A4 sheets consists one number
written using small hexagons in different colour hexagons as background. You have to
identify it. Once its done, she will charge you 20AED and give a paper which says you are fit
for your driving. Take this paper to the help desk people again and show it to them. They will
give you a token / number which you have to take it to the room which is behind the help
desk. Wait for your number to be called patiently.
When your number is called, go to the counter and give your documents with the eye test
results. They will check all your documents again. Once all the documents are checked, they
will take a photograph of you. This photograph will be used in your Driving License. You will
be charged 100AED as the processing fee. Once this is done, you will be given two identical
sheets of Drivers Test Appointment which you have to keep it with you until you obtain the
Driving License. You will be asked to wait for few minutes until your trainee driving license
card is printed out. Once it is done, collect it from them and go to the Information Desk which
is at the entrance of the building.
Booking for Theory Classes / Orientation Course
Tell them that you have opened your file and you want to register for the theory classes. They
will give you an application form to be hand filled. You have to enter your personal details
and other details such as, type of license (light vehicle, etc), manual/automatic, language, etc.
Fill it carefully.
Before turn back to submit the application form, you need to take a photocopy of the trainee
license card and the Drivers Test Appointment sheet. There is a photocopy machine available
in the right side corridor where you have to do it by yourself. Its a coin operated machine
each copy is 1AED. So, have some coins with you by-hand.
Note: You might need to keep a blank A4 sheet behind your plastic card to make a copy.
Otherwise it wont work.
You need the following documents to be submitted with the application form.
Copy of the passport information page
Copy of the UAE Residency Visa Page
Copy of Trainee license
Copy of Drivers Test Appointment sheet
2 x Passport size photos
Upon verification of the documents, you will be given another token/number. Take it and
wait patiently. Once your number is called, go to the counter and submit the documents. You
will be charged 7 80 AED as the course fee and 50 AED as the Theory exam fees. You will be
also given a theory lesson hand book.
Now, the number of theory classes vary depends on the profession mentioned in your UAE
Visa. By default, its 8 classes (4 days). There are 1 and 2 day courses also. You may ask them
whether there is any speed course so you could reduce the number of classes. If you are lucky
to be an Engineer or Manager (Your Visa should state that) you need to attend only 1 day
class which consist of 2 courses. Each course is just an hour; so within 2 hours, you theory
classes are done.
I went on a Sunday evening to open the file and my classes are scheduled for Monday
7 .30pm. I got 1 day classes as my profession in the Visa reads as Engineer.
By now, you have opened the file and booked for your theory classes.
Theory classes
Theory classes are held in the first floor. Be on time for the theory classes. If you are
happened to be late for 10minutes you will be considered as absent. Once you attend the
classes, you can schedule the Theory Test date at Ground Floor Information Centre /
Counters.
Theory Test
Again, be on time for the theory tests. Test halls are on the 1
st
floor. If you are late by 10mins,
you have to re-schedule the test means extra money.
You should take the drivers test appointment sheet which was given to you while opening
the file with you. In addition you should have some sort of photo ID such as passport, home
country driving license, Labour card. If you failed to provide any of this, you will be turned
away in the exam hall.
Prepare yourself by reading the theory hand book page to page. You do not need to memorise
anything. But read it. Thats enough.
Theory test consists of 45 questions which you have to do it within 30 minutes. You have to
get 36 or more correct answers to pass the exam. Each question has 3 answers where you
have to select the best answer. The test is a computer test, where you will be reading and
answering the questions in the computer screen. Each individual in the exam hall will get
different set of questions. Believe me; the exam can be finished within 15-20minutes max.
Once you passed the theory exam,
1
st
time learners can book for the practical classes.
People who have their home country driving license which are not transferrable
can schedule for the practical exams straight away. When I went to collect the
Theory Exam sheet, I have been given the Road Test date with that. Its highly
recommended to brush-up the driving and parking skills by attending the private
diving institutes. This is important, as you have only 1 chance to pass the practical
test. If you fail the test, you have to go through all the classes offered by the Abu
Dhabi Driving School and then do the practical test again.
People who have their home country driving license which are transferrable will
get the UAE driving license. I do not have any information about this as I havent
experience this. I appreciate if someone could share their experience on this as
this will be really helpful for other readers.
Practical Driving Classes
Practical driving class consist of five lessons and it is given in two sets, lessons 1-3 and lessons
4-5. The length of the course varies depends on whether you have enrolled to beginners,
intermediate or advanced course depends on your knowledge and skills of driving.
Schedule for the classes are stretched from morning to late in the evening and you will be
trained in the driving yard of Emirates Driving Company where you will experience a one-to-
one session with your instructor. Lessons 1-3 will take around one week to complete and
lessons 4-5 for approx 10 days. The schedule of your classes will depend on the availability
and the fee will be Approx 2500 AED depends on the number of classes you are enrolled to.
Practical Test
Once you finished all your practical courses, the first time learners have to do two practical
tests which are Parking Test and the Road Test.
Parking Test:- Parking Test is based on lesson 3. In case you need refresher classes for
lesson 3, you can opt for one. This will give you better chance of passing the parking test.
After you pass the parking test, the Traffic Police will issue you a green ID card. It is a
temporary driving card which will allow you to contact driving instructors if you need so for
real road training.
During your driving class in Emirates Driving Company, you will be driving in Driving Yard.
When you contact a driving instructor, you will be driving in the real road with his guidance.
This will give you more training to go for the road test. If you think you are already confident
to drive alone, then you can proceed with the road test.
Road Test:- This is the final test to obtain the driving license in Au Dhabi. Be early during
your schedule for road test. Bring the Drivers Test Appointment sheet, temporary Driving
ID, passport copy and AED 200. There will be two police, one seated in front and the other at
the back, in the car.
If the policeman hands you the appointment sheet, it means you pass. When the policeman
returns to you the green card, it means you didnt pass.
After you pass, you have to go back to the Driving Company, pay AED 200 and give the
appointment sheet and passport copy. They will take you a photo and provide you the UAE
Driving License.
There you go; you have obtain the driving license and you are ready to drive in Abu Dhabi &
UAE roads!!
My small piece of advice:-
Dont take the driving for granted. While you go through your theory and practical classes,
you will learn the road manners and how to drive in the road. Use that knowledge to drive
safely in the road.
Make sure your actual designation is stated in the Visa page. Sometimes companies change
the designation to obtain the Visa. But sometimes this might create some problems for you.

Updates:-
22/11/2011
Recently I met a guy who had his driving License from Saudi Arabia. He managed to obtain
the UAE license withn 2 days. Whoa..!! Thats really fast. Incase if any of you had GCC DL, you
do not need attend the theory test. You can straight away book for the Practical exams.
Posted by Nimo at Saturday, April 23, 2011
+3 Recommend this on Google
127 comment s:
maldita July 16, 2011 at 2:28 PM
yay! thanks for the info, it really helps me a lot. I'm planning to go there by tom. Keep
it up, more post to come.
Reply
Anonymous July 31, 2011 at 10:11 AM
thanks for the info.. will have my theory test tomorrow, wish me luck ;)
Reply
GMG October 30, 2011 at 8:42 AM
Wow! A complete guide to obtain auh license. Awesome explanation. Just an add on
info for people holding visa from other emirate. In addition to noc from the company
u need a company letter in arabic confirming ur place of work as AUH with AUH
company seal. This is needed even if u r on husband's visa (noc from husband & place
of work from company for husband ). Important u can only open the file in murror
license department and not in edc in mussafah .
Reply
Anonymous November 19, 2011 at 9:21 PM
thank you for post.. it is really helpfull! i am going tomorrow for theory classes. And
one more time thx that you give the # of bus to get to Emirates Driving company in
Musaffah...
Reply
Anonymous December 14, 2011 at 9:11 PM
You are the best! this really helps,,, thank you so much as Im planning to take my
class this Month so exited.. What is the timings for the driving lessons? God bless you.
Reply
Anonymous December 24, 2011 at 11:28 AM
really informative for the new commers like me
Reply
Anonymous December 28, 2011 at 7 :40 PM
Thanks a lot for the post :)
Reply
Anonymous January 18, 2012 at 3:12 PM
superb information..really u have all the points..good job
Reply
Anonymous February 1, 2012 at 3:19 PM
Replies
great info......
Reply
Hi ,this a such a great info for all...I have one doubt i am undergoing theory classes, i
dont have home ocuntry license but i have driving experience,should i start practical
as beginner or will they take my practical assesment and tag me as
beginner/intermediate depending on my performance..?
Reply
Nimo February 1, 2012 at 6:56 PM
You can take an assessment test before starting the practical classes. After this
assessment, they will tell you which stage you should go for the practical. But, before
going to the assessment, make sure you know about reverse parking, parallel parking,
round about and fast driving. Good Luck.!
Reply
kim March 26, 2012 at 3:31 PM
Hi i am living in muroor road 23 street beside the new kindergarten al mushrif school.
i want to take a bus because i had been taking taxi for a few days now. where should i
exactly go to take a bus? please help.
Reply
Nimo March 26, 2012 at 9:14 PM
check this website. The timing and the route and mentioned clearly.
http://www.ojra.ae/en_bus.htm
Reply
Rohail Khan March 28, 2012 at 2:56 PM
great info..good work
Reply
Intans April 3, 2012 at 9:00 PM
Great info, could I translate it into my home country language, then I will post it on
my blogspot?
Reply
Nimo April 4, 2012 at 9:53 PM
You may do it, considering that you specify the source in your blog.
Reply
sunil_shrivastava14 December 18, 2012 at 1:14 AM
Dear Nimo,
This blog has become A-Z guide for driving licence seekers.
Many many congrats and thanks for your such a helpful work.
I got my DL in 15 days without any difficulty. All credits goes to you only....
Reply
Replies
Thanks once again.
Anonymous January 7 , 2013 at 11:25 AM
Sunil did you get your Indian DL's arabic translation attested by the
embassy or its notrequired
sunil_shrivastava14 April 16, 2013 at 11:32 AM
No, Driving licence's authentic translation is mandatory but not attestation.
Anonymous May 14, 2013 at 8:40 PM
Hi Sunil, Did you have an Indian licence previously? Did you have to take a
parking test as well as a road test?
sunil_shrivastava14 September 12, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Yes, I am having Indian Driving Licence. Having that, you are eligible for
direct road test after attending Theory Classes.
No Road test required.
m895 April 29, 2012 at 1:02 PM
very much thank you for the detailed information
Reply
Thank you Very Much ...
Reply
do they still required 1 photo for opening the file and 2 for registering for theory
classes. On one of their brochures its 4 and 2
Reply
no trainee card for first time drivers who has no license at all
Reply
arman May 22, 2012 at 12:07 PM
hey what about those who failed 3 times in road test?.
Reply
you can still apply no problem at all. you must be ready to pay fee for all
your tests........
Reply
azhar August 1, 2012 at 9:22 PM
azhar,
as you mentioned i also use to search on net for anything .. inthat case i found this
very useful detail. thanks lot
Reply
Anonymous August 22, 2012 at 9:10 AM
thanks a lot! very helpful considering that edc website does not provide any
guidelines.
Reply
psonnaik August 22, 2012 at 4:50 PM
really a helpfull blog Nimo
Reply
Anonymous August 24, 2012 at 12:27 PM
hi Nimo you did a great job,keep it up,well i dont have experience in driving cars only
motorbike and eager to do so,with your info i will try.
Reply
Narender September 8, 2012 at 6:09 PM
Thanks your advise and suggestions are very helpfull.
Reply
Anonymous September 10, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Very informative and helpful post. Really feeling a bit more comfortable now to apply
for the license.
Reply
Has there been any changes/updates after this has been written?
Reply
Anonymous October 17 , 2012 at 2:53 PM
Wow no words man for your great help. Its exactly like how you explained. Really its
a great gesture educating others from our learning. You made it easy for all of us Man.
GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Reply
Anonymous November 12, 2012 at 9:11 PM
I am on Sharjah Visa and I am working in Abu Dhabi at client site,I am software
consultant by profession,, my company has no trade license of Abu Dhabi. Can I still
Replies
Reply
follow the same above procedure dor DL.
Reply
This comment has been removed by the author.
hi!
If I have my home country license and I have passed the theory test, will I also have
to take the parking test or just the road test??
Reply
hi. is any photo id valid for the theory exam? dont have my emirates id and passport
for i am in the process of shifting jobs. thanks.
Reply
Hi,
1. You are not required to appear in parking test if you have your home country
license (please make sure you have mentioned this while opening the file).
You can straight away book for your road test, still it is advisable to freshen up your
driving skill with some private driving school. It will increase the probability of your
success in road test.
2. In case of non availability of your emirates id and passport you can show your
medical insurance card as your photo id.
Reply
Some inputs which may help you..
1. I was having home country driving licence. Got UAE driving licence in exact 15
days.
2. I booked fast track theory classes by paying some additional fee. You can ask about
this when booking for theory classes. Please note, this facility is for the people having
visa stating their designation as engineers / managers and above. I need to attend
only four classes in place of eight. Still i strongly advise to go through the theory book
given to you while booking for theory classes. It is very essential for read the entire
book, irrespective of which classes you attended. This will really help in increasing
the probability of your success in theory test.
3. For road test you will be travelling in a bus behind the test vehicle. You have to get
down and reach to test vehicle when its your turn. Some important tips for road test...
a. Keep your learners licence in your hand. On arriving to test vehicle first of all hand
over this card to the examiner.
b. Be patient, take your own time to settle down on the driving seat. Follow all
procedure like Seat adjustment, Mirror adjustment, Shifting of gear, Release of hand
brakes etc. Do not show hurry even if you are asked for by examiner.
c. While driving viewing back mirror and side mirror at frequent intervals is as
important as viewing in front.
d. and last but not least... maintain the speed between 60 - 7 0 kmph. My personal
observation is failure ratio of slow drivers is higher than the good speed drivers.
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Hope this information helps you...
Reply
Anonymous January 27 , 2013 at 7 :36 PM
I have a Qatar driving license. Can I give test in automatic vehicle? How
long we need to drive in the road test and on which road?
Please help
can anybody give me information that which visa title holder can not apply for
driving license.thanks
Reply
Anonymous December 30, 2012 at 4:26 PM
I just passed my test 10 days back (first attempt). Recently there has been a slight
change in the system, after you finish the parking test you have to find a good
instructor as you will be driving in the real road with his guidance, you now need to
make a contract with the instructor for the classes, the instructor evaluates you and
will let you know how many classes you need to take before you go for the final road
test. You have to produce this contract before the road test or you will not be
evaluated for the road test.
Reply
Anonymous January 12, 2013 at 1:05 AM
Hi congratulations first and thanks for these information. from the new
system thus this instructor you're referring to is coming from Abu Dhabi
Driving Company who authorized body only to give driving theory classes
& practical training? Thank you
Anonymous January 7 , 2013 at 11:26 AM
Is it compulsory for us get out home country DL attested (arabic translation) ?? the
blog says its not .. please help
Reply
sunil_shrivastava14 April 16, 2013 at 11:40 AM
No need for attestation but translation should be legal translation (with
stamp of typing cente etc.)
Anonymous January 9, 2013 at 9:16 AM
I had already a file before and already took a theory, i did not continue this because of
Replies
Reply
my hectic working schedule, i received a text message that my driving application is
expired, so now i transfer in another company and different visa which is ( dubai
visa)but my company now is residing here in abu dhabi. Can i continue driving classes
even if my visa change?
Reply
Can u please tell me within how many days we need to open file from the date of NOC
from our sponsor?
Reply
TayZ January 15, 2013 at 4:16 PM
Thanks to the gentleman/lady who posted this blog. It was detailed enough to get the
necessary formalities over with. And I just got my license on Sunday. I am sure this
blog will help a lot of new aspirants pursuing the UAE license.
Thanks again.
Taz
Reply
Anonymous January 22, 2013 at 7 :05 PM
Appreciate if you can post me link to practice theory test in online. .
Reply
http://myrta.com/odkt/servlet/nswrta.odkt.bo.ODktDemoServlet
thnx,ur this shared experience is very helpful for newcommers
Reply
jayp1964@gmail.com February 3, 2013 at 2:16 PM
Thanks my friend,I surely hope the information given by you is very useful to me and
others.Once again I wish for the broaded mind for posting this information.God bless
you and your family.After I gets success I will be posting again.Tommorrow I am
going to step forward to get the licence
Reply
George Zakhem February 4, 2013 at 12:05 AM
hi, i'm George, head of corporate communication from the Driving Company,, Thank
you Nimo for your post, it is comprehensive... Please viewers, feel free to contact me
for any request for driver licensing or corporate training or defensive driving
(0553008848); Good Luck
Reply
Part 1
------
My experience of opening a driving test/training file between 28 and 30 Jan 2013 was
terrible. To help newcomers, I propose that Mr George Zakhem prepares a list of steps
or, even better, a flow chart to ensure that all relevant procedures are clear and
standardised. Generally, the Emirates Driving Company has the procedures in place,
except for some customer service issues which I will describe below. It is basically
the traffic police who is being difficult by not standardising the procedures and by
giving a poor service to applicants.
I am in the same category as Nimo, whereby I cannot convert my home country
license automatically. You may wish to read the following real story to understand
what could go wrong.
As most people do these days, I searched for official online information first. There is
useful information from the Abu Dhabi Government website (www.abudhabi.ae) but
unfortunately they are not well integrated to cover the whole process. Nimos
description on the process is better and I definitely benefited from the
comprehensive details. However, the inconsistency of the traffic police has made my
experience miserable, even when I read the information available online carefully.
The official links are given below:
1. Getting a Driving Licence (Note: this is an overview):
http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?
_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p1296&did=129254&lang=en
2. Opening a Driving Licence File:
_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p1296&did=337 7 62&lang=en#337 7 58
(Extracted from the webpage:
Please follow the steps below:
1. Submit the application and the required documents at the customer services
centres of the Drivers Licensing Department.
2. Pay the fees and get the receipt.
3. Receive the trainee card from the customer services centres of the Drivers
Licensing Department.)
3. Opening Driving Training File and Theoretical Training:
_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p1296&lang=en&did=134436
(Extracted from the webpage:
Working Hours:
Administration offices:
Sunday Thursday: 7 :30 AM 3:30 PM
Theory section:
Saturday Thursday: 7 :00 AM 11:00 PM
Practical section:
Evaluation section:
Special Condition: Applicants must open a driving test file with the Traffic & Licensing
Department before coming to Emirates Driving Company.)
4. Driving Licence Issuance:
_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p1296&did=337 518&lang=en#337 514
Reply
Part 2
------
What the above links and Nimos description do not explain is that the so called
Drivers Licensing Department or Traffic & Licensing Department is a traffic police
department and it is beyond the control of the Emirates Driving Company (EDC). In
order to be careful in case of outdated online information, I called the EDC customer
service line (+97 1 2 551 1911) to confirm the requirements and the working hours.
The representative who answered my call informed me that I did not really need an
Arabic translation of my home country license since it is in English and I could go to
the EDC around 7 pm despite the working hours stated in the webpage (see the 2nd
link above). It was a good news to me because it meant no need to take leave from my
busy work schedule. What turned out was: even though the EDC was opened in the
evening, the Licensing Department which is a traffic police department to process the
application was closed.
I then visited EDC the next afternoon around 2pm. When the traffic police officer at
the Licensing Department noticed that I did not have an Arabic translation of my
home country license, he shouted rudely Arabic, Arabic to me. This is despite the
fact that my International Driving Permit has a page in Arabic. His reason was that
that was a translation of the permit, not that of the plastic driving license card.
Leaving with no choice, I went back and obtained the translation required in the city
in the evening.
With all the documents complete, I went to the Licensing Department the next
morning at 7 am with an expectation that this would be the final round. What
happened then was the traffic police officer said they only started processing new file
after 9.30am. He asked me to visit the nearby Musaffah police station if I do not want
to wait. Again, the attitude was rude and he did not bother to explain how to get there.
Leaving with such a choice, I went out of the department and checked with an EDC
staff outside for directions because I had no idea of the existence of the police station.
A staff said it was 5 minutes away and possible to walk there. With all these
experiences in mind, I asked another staff who then gave a better advice saying that it
was better to take a taxi.
When I reached the first gate of the police station, the officer there explained politely
that I needed to go to the other side. When I finally reached the police station at
7 .45am, I was asked to surrender my passport at the counter to get a visitors pass to
enter the building. Anyway, the worse was yet to come. At the Licensing counter, the
officer just gave me a form and asked me to simply wait for eye test outside a room
labelled as Visual Examination. There were four people sitting beside the room at that
time. When a few others came later, I knew there was a need to get a number to
maintain order. When somebody started to get a number from a machine by the wall
near the area, a few followed and so did I. The result was: chaos. At least 7 others who
came later got a number before me and some who came earlier got a number later
than me. The officer at the counter really should have directed all applicants to get a
number and put a noticeable label at the machine location. Then again, the doctor
for eye test was late and he only arrived at 8.45am. The actual eye test only took
about one minute but so many peoples time was wasted due to the sheer
inconsistency of the traffic police. With eye test result stated as Fit, I was issued a
temporary driving or trainee license card (since the card has no label, the proper
name for this card is not certain). I then went back to the EDC around 9.15am for the
rest of the process, which was smooth and mostly as described by Nimo. Well, I could
have waited at EDC for 2 hour without all these hassles. Maybe again maybe.
I think we should give EDC an opportunity to explain. Failing which, publishing this
experience in the newspaper is probably good for all future applicants.
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Part 3A
-------
It seems that there is no explanation from EDC. Anyway, I have passed the road test
and obtained my driving license since then. I will share my experience again for the
benefits of others since this part was not elaborated by Nimo and there appeared to be
some new changes.
I had an appointment for road test at 7 .45pm. I went to the Licensing Department
inside the EDC building, got a number and then passed the appointment sheet to the
officer behind the counter. I was told to board a specific bus number outside the
building. When I was approaching the bus, a man without uniform stopped me and
asked me to pay AED40 to another man without uniform sitting in a car at the car
park. I followed the crowd and paid. When the receipt given to me showed Santana
Driving School, I was puzzled. Since it was only about 7 .20am, I went in to check with
the security and he just everybody had to paid to the man. Perhaps EDC can explain
why the need for this payment was not informed earlier and why the receipt came
from a private driving school.
The bus was almost full when I was on board. Everybody seemed to be waiting
patiently in the stuffy bus until the driver switched on the air conditioner half an hour
later. A police officer then came to bus door and marked the attendance according to
the appointment sheets he had. The bus finally started shortly after 8am following the
test car to the roads in the Musaffah industrial zone.
Again, there was no number system for who would take the test next. After a few guys
sitting in front went down to have their test one by one, somebody from behind
volunteered to be the next. Obviously some people towards the front were unhappy
and stopped him. A more senior man somehow started instructing the guys to move
to the empty seat in front one by one but not everybody listened to him. Basically I
just ignored the commotion. One has to accept that there is simply no queue. EDC
could have improved this.
It was not necessary to sit in the bus after taking the driving test. Some people got off
the bus after their test, presumably to take a taxi back to EDC or they might have
other transport arrangement. After about 2 hours of going through almost endless
roundabouts in the industrial zone, the bus finally returned to EDC around 10am.
When you thought everything was over, what happened next brought total confusion
again.
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Part 3B
------
With the appointment sheet marked as Passed in hand, a few candidates and myself
were directed by the security outside the Licensing Department to the Musaffah
police station nearby to get our license. This is different from Nimos and my
colleagues experience some months ago. With the previous experience in mind (see
my Parts 2 and 3 above), I queued up and asked the police officer at the Licensing
Department. (Sometimes you just cannot trust the security guard.) The rude police
officer again pointed me to Musaffah police station. The funny thing was, when we
reached the Musaffah police station, the officer at the reception said we should go to
the Muroor police station, which is half an hour away towards the Abu Dhabi city,
after 2pm. Being upset, I decided to go back to the Licensing Department inside EDC
and checked again. When I explained to the police officer at the counter, he could not
be bothered. I then insisted to see a more senior officer inside, who finally gave me a
satisfactory explanation. He said the police needed some time to enter the driving test
results into the computer system and my license could be issued at any traffic police
station and I only needed to wait about one hour. So resting for one hour at the EDC
cafeteria, I went to the Licensing Department again at 11.30am. I told the rude officer
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at the counter that I was asked to go in and check the status after one hour. The officer
inside checked the computer and said I could now get the license at the Musaffah
police station. I reached there shortly after. Luckily there was no queue at Licensing
counter. After taking a number from the machine beside the wall (see my Part 2
above) and my photo taken by the officer, my driving license was issued to me just
before 12 noon. Had I listened and went to Muroor, I would have had to take another
half day leave from my work.
Are the EDC and the traffic police ever going to improve? God knows!
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Anonymous February 27 , 2013 at 7 :08 AM
Thanks for the Message.. What happened to me yesterday also same like
you, so people who got a sheet marked with the PASS... always check after
three hours of your test completed time and also first check in the counter
at Traffic dept., at EDC and then go to anywhere (In mussafah or Abu dhabi
Muroor)...
Anonymous March 8, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Checking after one hour is advisable. Good luck to all applicants out there.
Tariq February 24, 2013 at 5:57 AM
Thanks a lot buddy ,
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Anonymous March 11, 2013 at 10:10 PM
first of all i would like to congratulate blogger nimo for providing this wonderful
information and the anonymous blogger for sharing his "bitter" experience, for most
of you wil face it. must say the instructors for theory classes are very good but its the
support staff like the ones sitting behind the customer service(not all but some of
them) who lack courtesy and tarnish the name of EDC.
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Anonymous March 25, 2013 at 11:41 AM
I AM PLANNING TO GET A LICENSE, I'M NOT DRIVING IN MY COUNTRY AND I'M
BIT NRVOUS. THANK YOU
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Masudul Amin March 28, 2013 at 3:39 PM
Who will put signature on NOC on behalf of company. Can any senior sign on NOC
instead of sponsor with company stamp.
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Waleed Amjad April 9, 2013 at 1:37 PM
I failed today my final road test. Have a test again this Thursday. Pray for me please. I
hope I pass :O
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Anonymous May 7 , 2013 at 4:14 PM
When you opened your file....nd how may days it totally took from day 1 to
your final road test.....
hope u reply...
Shahadat Hossain May 1, 2013 at 10:37 AM
I am a messenger visa ..I can open a file in this visa..???
Reply
How many days it takes for a beginner to get his driving license from day 1 (File
opening) to the last day.
The purpose is to update with the present statistics....
Hope those who got the license recently to reply ASAP...
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Anonymous May 7 , 2013 at 4:49 PM
I will be moving to UAE shortly. However, my left leg is affected by polio. Both my
hands and right leg are normal. i do not have a driving license in India. Can i get a
driving license in UAE ?
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Anonymous May 11, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Hi everyone! I am a lady here, with experience in driving back home.I do have a
plastic license but it has been expired since I got here in Abu dhabi. By this week, I
will be going to open a file in muroor if not in Mussafah. Now, what category should I
select as Category 1 - first time driver? I wish I could get a shorter process:-)
thnxx
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Anonymous May 11, 2013 at 12:16 AM
Hi everyone! I am a lady here, with experience in driving back home.I do have my
plastic country license but it has not been renewed. Since I got here in 2007 . By this
week, I will be going to open a file in muroor if not in Mussafah. Now, what category
should I select as Category 1 - first time driver? I wish I could get a shorter process:-)
Thnxx FSA
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thank you so so much!
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I like you My friend!!! Too good information
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dee May 31, 2013 at 10:34 AM
hi......
i wish to obtain a driving license from uae. i already have a driving license from my
home country which is attested by state government and it is in a paper in form.i want
to know if attestation is necessary or not from india embassy in abudhabi. if so i want
to attest before arabic translation or after translation
Reply
Attestation not required.
You can simply get it translated into Arabic by legal translators.
Anonymous June 9, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Hii Every One I got lots of information from this block thanks,
But I have 1 question, I opened last year my driving license file I passed theory exam
then after that I dint continue my driving classes, now almost its 10 months finish can
any one tell me how to reopen the same file or I have to open new file again....please
help me...!!!!!!
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zubair June 9, 2013 at 8:23 AM
Hii Every One I got lots of information from this block thanks,
But I have 1 question, I opened last year my driving license file I passed theory exam
then after that I dint continue my driving classes, now almost its 10 months finish can
any one tell me how to reopen the same file or I have to open new file again....please
help me...!!!!!!
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Anonymous July 12, 2013 at 6:50 PM
yes you can open your file and continue.
Stephen8 June 12, 2013 at 5:32 AM
I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I
always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post.
Bloom Gardens
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Anonymous June 21, 2013 at 11:49 AM
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While you approching with your contry DL's transalation copy to open file , some
times they asking to have a stamp of embossy on it (Means attestation ). i had to be
submit the attested copy but one of my college havn't asked .
Reply
They will ask for attestation if you have got the translation done by normal
typing center. Please remember, you have to get it translated by legal
translators. They will translate, attach photo copy of your original
documents, duly paste and will put their own stamp. If this process is done,
then attestation from embassy is not required.
Salim Miyan June 29, 2013 at 12:12 AM
thank you all for your experiences and reply. in my case the current company has
issued the Ordinary Laborer Visa in order to get quick visa for my job . i am working
as a Building Administrator in Abudhabi. Can i open the file with this Visa Category???
Reply
NO, you can not open file with VISA as Ordinary Laborer....
Omar Fayyaz July 13, 2013 at 1:48 PM
i have international driving license from pakistan . can i apply for the golden try ??
after opening of file or not ???
Reply
Yes, you can but theory classes are mandatory.
Dawit Teshome July 15, 2013 at 12:14 PM
can anybody give me information visa title hold to pone file can u help me to pone
driving license file ...any one
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Anonymous July 15, 2013 at 12:21 PM
can anybody give me information visa title hold to pone file can u help me to pone
driving license file ...any one
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Anonymous July 17 , 2013 at 9:58 AM
Hi I took the road test and sad to say I fail the test, the police handover to me the
Appointment Slip with Fail Remarks and the Green Card. Is this means that I can have
appointment again for the 2nd Test.
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aston martin July 31, 2013 at 12:51 AM
Will have my DL translated tomorrow. thanks for this very informative article. And to
the one who's ranting about "rude" personnel in EDC, stop moaning and get over it!
You got your drivers licence right? I reckon you'd have probably jumped off musaffah
bridge if they failed you.. :p
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Simon July 31, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Hi! Thanks for the information. I just had my license translated and will probably
open a file next week before Eid. A friend of mine recently opened file with the Muroor
Traffic police, and last time I checked, he was a man, lol. They might have opened it
again for us blokes, quite convenient if it were true. I'll try my luck there first,
Musaffah is quite far. '(--,)~ Cheers!
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Amar August 3, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Hey NIMO, you are a CHAMP. Glad to see someone who soent so much time in
explaining everything in detail. "Keep coins for copying" LOL..thats called sharing the
expereinces..THank you so much mate!! IT will for sure help to get the license at one
go!! Wish me good luck!! by the way you posted this message in 2011 and see what its
doing in 2013.....
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You are great man.. May ALLAH bless you with what you always yearn for... You've
given us a complete picture by taking time out and explaining everything in great
detail. Bless you !!
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How is the theory test?..is it easy or tough?
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Very easy, if you sincerely read the theory book provided by them. Taking
the book lightly means entering into danger zone of over confidence....
Anonymous August 14, 2013 at 8:24 AM
I do not have home country license and also do not know about driving. I had really
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bad experience after passing my theory test, for registering in Practical classes for
two times. Both times I was waiting for more than 3 hours and did not get number. Is
there any fast way to get register for practical classes. Please help me out.
Rgds,
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Simon August 18, 2013 at 9:17 AM
Hey, guys! Just wanted to update you. I've already opened my driving file, and yes,
you can open it at the Muroor Police Station even if you're a guy. I had some trouble
finding the exact building inside the police compound. I went into the new building
when I should have gone to the old one. It's brown and has a long stairway at the
front.
My experience so far was good. The customer service desk forwarded me to the
officer-in-charge. He was a friendly person, checked all my documents first. I then
went back to the customer service desk to get my number, I waited a while to be
called. When it was my turn, the lady at the counter took my documents, checked my
home country driver's license, received the payment for the processing, took a photo,
gave me my "Driver's Test Appointment" sheet, and was finally forwarded to the last
counter to get my "green" card. It actually looks like an all-white card.
Everything went smoothly, just make sure you have all your papers with you. The
documents I brought were the following: passport copy + visa page copy, translated
home country driver's license + the plastic card itself, No-Objection Certificate in
Arabic from my company, photocopy of my Emirates ID, and two passport-sized
photographs. All in all, I paid 100 (processing fee) + 25 (eye test) = Dh125. I came in
around 5PM, so there wasn't a lot of people. It took around an hour and a half only,
including waiting time.
Word of advice: wait for your green card. In my case, the person distributing those
temporary licenses wasn't at the counter, so I had to wait around 20 minutes. Turns
out the machine automatically prints out the card, and it does take a while. So don't
just leave yet until you get the card, I think that's the most important thing.
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Ajoy September 2, 2013 at 8:24 AM
Simon,
I did take the long stairway one and went to the information desk. the lady
present over there told me i had to open the file in mussafah? there was a
customer service counter as well . but i did not enquire there as the
information counter provided me with the above info.
Simon September 3, 2013 at 5:19 PM
Hi, AJoy. Hm, that's surprising. I also spoke to some ladies at the
information desk. They told me something about how they only entertained
online applications here. (?)
Because that contradicted to the information I read here and the Abu Dhabi
government website, I was doubtful and still went further in and spoke to
spoke to a man at the customer service desk(opposite the closed coffee
shop), and he directed me to an Emirati officer's office, beside the rightmost
counter. He then asked me why I didn't open file in Mussafah, but I
reasoned with him that the driving school told me that I also had the option
to open there at Muroor.
I'm not sure if it's the case now, but what I know is that I was able to open
my file there.
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Ajoy September 5, 2013 at 10:04 AM
Simon, I will check it out again with the customer service desk. Also is there
actually a road test to be taken if i want to convert my saudi license to UAE.
the website says differently. It says i can just replace it. I really need some
accurate info with regards to this.
I have a copy of saudi license(I dont have the original plastic card), and I also have
indian license(Original). can I go directly to road test.Is copy of saudi license will help
me any way?
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is there any chance to apply without the NOC.
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NO
I'm not sure. Recently, I open my file at Muroor office. First thing they asked: Who is
your sponsor? where is your letter? I think without letter from your company, they
won't proceed.
I had Malaysian license. So I have to finish theory class / test and road test only.
Bypass the practice class & packing test. But there is only 1 chance for road test, if fail
then need to go back and do all the practice classes again (costly).
Hence, I'm looking for the private school where I can register few hours refresh
driving, because in Malaysia there is right hand driver. Anybody know where I can
find such service, could you please help?
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josh August 28, 2013 at 11:13 AM
iam working in ruwais,my visa mission visa, It possible to apply licence?
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Rania99 August 30, 2013 at 5:33 PM
I got my license in Abu Dhabi from my first teast and all thanks goes to the greatest
driving trainer i had, from Ras Al 2akhdar driving school. His name is Sami , Mobile
050 254 17 17 . Good Luck to all of you ...
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Hi Rania,
Can you tell me where is Ras Al Akhdar driving school situated?
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Imran September 8, 2013 at 11:11 PM
very informative and helpfull
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rakepaka September 12, 2013 at 3:39 PM
Best advice i got till now on liscense.
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Little Pieces of Light September 13, 2013 at 10:19 AM
Super helpful!! Will now go off and try to apply for the drivers' license. Thank you.
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Anonymous September 18, 2013 at 12:30 AM
INDEED Good Work Nimo . God Bless YOU.
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Albert Tumpalan September 18, 2013 at 3:46 PM
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This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi, what type of eye test are being done? Isn't shihara test? to detect color blindness?
coz i have difficulty of reading those, so i might be failed the eye test.....
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Simon September 22, 2013 at 10:26 AM
No, nothing like that. They just cover your left or right eye, and you have to
recite a bunch of differently-sized letters or numbers projected on the wall.
I have astigmatism but it went okay. You'll pass, I'm sure.
Ghanta Siva Rajesh September 19, 2013 at 4:18 PM
Thanks for your info
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Anas Ibn Aziz September 24, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Hi All
Could you please suggest me a good instructor (I prefer malayali) as I am tying my
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luck by applying for direct road test. Please email the contacts. I am staying in
Hamdan St. Abu Dhabi
Email: anasgeneva@gmail.com
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Lakshmanan B October 10, 2013 at 10:12 AM
Contact Kareem on 050-67 09156; you can refer my name (Lakshman).
Kareem is from Kerala and, he is a very good trainer with real time tips.
All the best!
Anonymous October 3, 2013 at 9:55 AM
Wow! Awesome and very informative. It gets me ready to get through all this and
makes me excited to start the driving lesson.
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Anonymous October 3, 2013 at 3:02 PM
Great work my fend .I m Pakistani but have British driving license can I replace it with
UAE license plz reply
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Saheer October 8, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Its really informative . Can anyone tell me the Muroor Police station timing when I
can go for opening a file in evening.
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James Smith October 11, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Driving schools teach the basics of proper driving. They also provide the technical
things that new drivers have to learn for them to be effective and safe drivers.
cpc training & cpc transport
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Anonymous October 15, 2013 at 7 :49 PM
**** NEED HELP**** My Visa type is Visit Visa, and im planning to apply for ABU
DHABI Driving license, is it possible for me to apply even if my visa type is Visit
Visa?? I do have a home country Driving license... is it possible??
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Anonymous October 17 , 2013 at 9:02 PM
Hoe many areas are there in practical training?
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Arghie Gulanes October 21, 2013 at 8:41 AM
First of all thanks to Nimo and other bloggers who contributed here, it's definitely a
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big help from all of you I am on category 2 as what Nimo describes. Is anyone here
recently open a driver's license file? Will the Muroor Traffic police still accepting male
applicants? If yes can they process after 6pm? Thanks a lot guys.
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Whity October 25, 2013 at 10:20 PM
Please note that you can open your file in Muroor from 7 - 2pm. I hope you can make
the changes
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Tri Thai October 27 , 2013 at 9:33 AM
Hi Arghie, I opened my file in Muroor around 8pm. I dont remember exactly but it
open untill 9-10pm. They accepted male applicant also. As long as you have proper
papers with you, the process will be very past.
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Reji R October 27 , 2013 at 4:29 PM
Hii..I am Reji..I am holding the Engineer Visa in our company..Is it compulsory to
produce NOC for opening the File for driving licence????
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