Quick Answer
The eye test for a driving licence in Abu Dhabi costs AED 100 to AED 150 at approved opticians including Yateem Optician, Al Jaber Optical, and Magrabi. These chains have branches at Al Wahda Mall, Mushrif Mall, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Reem Mall, Yas Mall, and other locations across the emirate. Official Abu Dhabi test centres run Monday to Thursday 7:30 am–4:00 pm and Friday 7:30 am–12:00 pm. Mall-based opticians typically open 10:00 am–10:00 pm daily. Results are valid for one month.
Renewing your driving licence in Abu Dhabi means getting an eye test first. No appointment needed at most approved opticians, the test takes about five minutes, and it costs around AED 100. The harder part is knowing which centres near you are actually approved. That's what this page covers — every approved chain, every branch, timings included.
Why is an eye test required for a driving licence?
Abu Dhabi traffic authorities require all licence applicants and renewal holders to pass a basic vision check before driving. Three things get tested:
- Visual acuity: You must achieve at least 20/40 vision, with or without corrective lenses.
- Colour vision: Colour blindness that affects your ability to distinguish traffic signals is a disqualifying factor.
- Peripheral vision: A minimum field of 120 degrees is required to safely monitor surrounding traffic.
Approved Eye Test Chains in Abu Dhabi: Quick Comparison
| Optician Chain | Abu Dhabi Mall Locations | Approximate Fee | General Timings | Notable Branches |
| Yateem Optician | 11 | AED 100–150 | 10 am – 10 pm (Sun–Thu); 10 am – 12 am (Fri–Sat) | Al Wahda, Mushrif, Galleria, Marina, Yas, Dalma |
| Al Jaber Optical | 9 | AED 100–150 | 10 am – 10 pm (varies by branch) | Mushrif, Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas, Dalma, Masdar |
| Magrabi | 9 | AED 100–150 | 10 am – 10 pm (varies by branch) | Reem Mall, Yas Mall, Marina Mall, Deerfields |
| ADNOC Mini-Clinics | 3 stations | Confirm directly | Station hours | Quick 15-minute screening |
| Emirates Driving Company (Official) | 1 (Drivers & Vehicles Dept.) | AED 100 | Mon–Thu 7:30 am – 4:00 pm; Fri 7:30 am – 12:00 pm | Official government centre |
Fees are approximate as of July 2026. Confirm current rates with each centre before visiting.
1. Yateem Optician — Abu Dhabi Branches, Timings & Contacts
Yateem Optician is one of the most widely distributed approved opticians in Abu Dhabi, with 11 branches spread across the emirate's major retail destinations. Each branch is authorised by the traffic and licensing department to issue eye test results accepted for driving licence applications and renewals.
| Branch | Address | Phone | Timings |
| Al Wahda Mall | 1 Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street, Al Nahyan, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 443 7460 | Sun–Wed: 10 am–10 pm | Thu: 10 am–11 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–12 am |
| Mushrif Mall | 1241 Mushrif Mall, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Hadbat Al Za'Faranah, Zone 1 | +971 2 882 3228 | Mon–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sun: 10 am–12 am |
| The Galleria Al Maryah Island | 111 The Galleria, Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street, Al Maryah Island | +971 2 677 6447 | Sun–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–12 am |
| Khalidiyah Mall | 340 Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Al Khalidiyah, W9, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 635 4999 | Mon–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Sun: 10 am–11 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–12 am |
| Abu Dhabi Mall | Al Maiyani Street, Al Zahiyah, E16 01, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 645 1566 | Sun–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–11 pm |
| Marina Mall | 1 Al Marina, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 681 8170 | Sun–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–12 am |
| Yas Mall | Street 1 Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway, Yas Island | +971 2 565 1444 | Sun–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–12 am |
| Khalifa City | Khalifa City, Sector 33, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 666 6402 | Sat–Thu: 9 am–10 pm | Fri: 11 am–7 pm |
| Forsan Central Mall | 10 Saeed Bin Ablan Al Mazrouei Street, Khalifa City, Sector 33 | +971 2 546 9466 | Sun–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–11 pm |
| Dalma Mall | Al Wazn Street, Abu Dhabi Industrial City, ICAD I | +971 2 551 6202 | Sun–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–12 am |
| Bawabat Al Sharq Mall | Al Muntasaf Street, Bani Yas, Bawabat Al Sharq, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 585 8786 | Sun–Thu: 10 am–10 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–12 am |
2. Al Jaber Optical — Abu Dhabi Branches, Timings & Contacts
Al Jaber Optical is another authorised chain offering eye tests for driving licence applications and renewals across Abu Dhabi. With nine branches, including convenient locations at Mushrif Mall, Yas Mall, and Dalma Mall, it is a popular choice for residents in multiple districts.
| Branch | Address | Phone |
| Mushrif Mall | Unit 267, 2nd Floor, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Hadbat Al Za'Franah, Zone 1 | (02) 222 1107 |
| Abu Dhabi Mall | Unit B84, Level 1, Al Zahiyah, E16 01, Abu Dhabi | (02) 645 6111 |
| Yas Mall | Unit G-023, Ground Floor, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi | (02) 565 0451 |
| Dalma Mall | Unit FF115, 1st Floor, Al Wazn Street, Abu Dhabi Industrial City, ICAD I | (02) 550 4584 |
| Al Seef Village Mall | Unit 9, Ground Floor, Al Muntazah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi | (02) 447 5757 |
| Bawabat Al Sharq Mall | Unit RA049, Ground Floor, Bawabat Al Sharq Street, Bani Yas, Baniyas East | (02) 586 8717 |
| My City Centre Masdar | Unit 046, Ground Floor, Masdar City, SE45 05, Abu Dhabi | (02) 883 6649 |
| Madinati Mall | Unit GF46, Ground Floor, E11, Near Shakhbout Medical City, MSH44 | 055 600 2249 |
| Makani Shamkha Mall | Unit RG-132, Ground Floor, Al Shamkhah, SH8, Abu Dhabi | (02) 566 9770 |
3. Magrabi — Abu Dhabi Branches, Timings & Contacts
Magrabi is a specialist eye-care chain authorised to conduct eye tests for driving licences in Abu Dhabi. It has a particularly strong presence on Reem Island and in the Mushrif and Mussafah areas, making it the go-to option for residents on the island or in the western parts of the emirate.
| Branch | Address | Phone |
| Reem Mall (Al Reem Island) | Shop GFG313, Ground Floor, Reem Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi | +971 564 085 624 |
| Yas Mall | Shop 152, First Floor, Yas West, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi | +971 564 085 624 |
| Airport Street (near Al Wahda Mall) | Airport Street, Backside of Al Wahda Mall, Airport Road AXD, Abu Dhabi | +971 564 085 053 |
| Marina Mall | Shop GN 7, Ground Floor, Marina Mall Ring Road, Marina Village | +971 556 426 526 |
| Eye & Ear Centre (Al Mushrif) | Al Khalij Building, Bani Yas Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi | +971 564 084 768 |
| Deerfields Mall | 238, 2nd Floor, Abu Dhabi–Dubai Road, Old Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi | +971 564 084 221 |
| Dalma Mall | Al Rowda Road, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi | +971 564 084 247 |
| Bawabat Al Sharq Mall | Shop RA041, Ground Floor, Baniyas East 10th Street, Bawabat Al Sharq, Baniyas City | +971 564 084 385 |
| CLNC Markhanya (Al Ain) | 138th Street, Hazaa' Bin Sultan Airport Road, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi | +971 564 084 969 |
Eye Test for Driving Licence: Nearest Centre by Mall
If you are searching for a centre near a specific mall, use the reference below to find the closest approved optician. Each section confirms which approved chain operates in or nearest to that location.
Al Wahda Mall Eye Test for Driving Licence
Approved centre inside the mall: Yateem Optician — +971 2 443 7460. Open Sunday to Wednesday 10 am–10 pm, Thursday until 11 pm, Friday and Saturday until 12 am.
Also nearby: Magrabi on Airport Street (behind Al Wahda Mall) — +971 564 085 053.
Mushrif Mall Eye Test for Driving Licence
Two approved centres inside the mall:
- Yateem Optician — +971 2 882 3228 (Mon–Thu 10 am–10 pm; Fri–Sun until 12 am)
- Al Jaber Optical, 2nd Floor Unit 267 — (02) 222 1107
Mushrif Mall is one of the best-served malls in Abu Dhabi for eye tests, offering two approved providers in a single visit.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island Eye Test for Driving Licence
Approved centre inside the mall: Yateem Optician — +971 2 677 6447. Open Sunday to Thursday 10 am–10 pm, Friday and Saturday until 12 am.
Reem Mall (Al Reem Island) Eye Test for Driving Licence
Approved centre inside the mall: Magrabi, Shop GFG313, Ground Floor — +971 564 085 624.
This is the only confirmed approved eye test centre directly inside Reem Mall. Call ahead to confirm current timings.
Mazyad Mall Eye Test for Driving Licence
As of July 2026, there is no confirmed approved eye test centre inside Mazyad Mall itself. The nearest approved alternatives are:
- Yateem Optician at Al Wahda Mall (approx. 5 km) — +971 2 443 7460
- Magrabi on Airport Street, near Al Wahda Mall — +971 564 085 053
- Yateem Optician at Khalidiyah Mall (approx. 7 km) — +971 2 635 4999
For the most current list of approved opticians near Mazyad Mall, check the official TAMM Abu Dhabi service locator.
Yas Mall Eye Test for Driving Licence
Two approved centres inside Yas Mall:
- Yateem Optician — +971 2 565 1444
- Al Jaber Optical, Unit G-023 — (02) 565 0451
- Magrabi, Shop 152, First Floor — +971 564 085 624
Yas Mall has three approved optician branches — one of the highest concentrations in Abu Dhabi.
Alternative Eye Test Options in Abu Dhabi
Beyond mall-based opticians, two other convenient formats are available:
- ADNOC Station Mini-Clinics: Three ADNOC petrol stations in Abu Dhabi have on-site mini-clinics offering a 15-minute basic eye screening for driving licence purposes. This is useful if you need a quick test without travelling to a mall. Call your nearest ADNOC station to confirm which locations offer this service and current pricing.
- Al Razi Medical Centre (Drive-Through): Al Razi Medical Centre offers a drive-through eye examination service specifically designed for driving licence renewals. This is one of the most convenient formats for people with tight schedules.
Eye Test for Driving Licence Abu Dhabi: Price & Fees
The standard fee for an approved eye test for a driving licence in Abu Dhabi is AED 100 to AED 150, depending on the centre. The official Emirates Driving Company centre charges AED 100. Private approved opticians including Yateem Optician, Al Jaber Optical, and Magrabi charge within the same range.
Fees are subject to periodic revision. Always confirm the current fee with your chosen centre before your visit. Payment is generally accepted in cash and by card.
Eye Test Timings in Abu Dhabi
| Centre Type | Monday – Thursday | Friday | Saturday – Sunday |
| Emirates Driving Company (official) | 7:30 am – 4:00 pm | 7:30 am – 12:00 pm | Closed |
| Yateem Optician (mall branches) | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | 10:00 am – 12:00 am | 10:00 am – 12:00 am |
| Al Jaber Optical (mall branches) | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Magrabi (mall branches) | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
Timings shown are general. Individual branches may vary. Always confirm directly with your chosen location.
Documents Required for Your Eye Test
Bring the following documents to your eye test appointment. Arriving without them may require a second visit.
- Original Emirates ID
- Passport-sized photograph (one or two, depending on the centre)
- Existing driving licence — required for renewals only
- Residence visa and passport copy — required if applicable
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses — bring them if you use corrective eyewear, as the test is conducted with and without them
Who Needs the Eye Test? Eligibility & Categories
All driving licence applicants in Abu Dhabi fall into one of two categories:
- First-time applicants: Anyone applying for a driving licence for the first time in the UAE, with no prior licence from any country.
- International licence holders: Residents who hold a valid driving licence from an approved country and wish to convert it to a UAE licence. An eye test is required as part of the conversion process.
- Licence renewal applicants: Existing UAE licence holders renewing their licence must also pass the eye test.
Minimum Age Requirements
- 18 years — car or light vehicle licence
- 17 years — motorcycle licence
- 20 years — heavy vehicle commercial licence
- 21 years — commercial bus driving licence
Eye Test Result Validity
Your eye test result for a driving licence in Abu Dhabi is valid for one month from the date of the test. You must complete the theory and practical road tests — or renew your driving licence — within this window. If you miss the deadline, you need to repeat the eye test before the process can continue.
Once your licence is successfully renewed, the eye test is not required again until the next renewal cycle.
What Happens If You Fail the Eye Test?
Failing the eye test does not prevent you from ever getting a driving licence. The common outcomes are:
- If your vision is correctable with glasses or contact lenses, the optician will note this on the certificate. You will be permitted to drive only with corrective lenses, and this restriction will appear on your licence.
- If your vision is below the correctable threshold, the authority may require a specialist ophthalmologist assessment before a licence decision is made.
- You may retake the eye test at any approved centre at any time.
How to Choose the Right Eye Test Centre in Abu Dhabi
With over 30 approved locations across Abu Dhabi, the right choice comes down to four factors:
- Location: Choose a branch inside or near a mall you already visit. Mushrif Mall and Yas Mall have three approved branches each, making them ideal if you want options in one trip.
- Timings: If you work standard office hours, mall-based opticians (open until 10 pm or later) are more practical than the official government centre, which closes at 4 pm on weekdays.
- Waiting time: Call ahead, especially on weekends, as popular branches at Al Wahda Mall and Mushrif Mall can be busy.
- Documents: Make sure you have everything listed above. The test itself takes five minutes — most delays happen because of missing paperwork.
Renewing Your Driving Licence? Don't Forget Your Car Insurance.
Once your licence is renewed, make sure your car insurance is up to date too. Compare comprehensive and third-party plans from leading UAE insurers in minutes.
