UAE Becomes The First Middle Eastern Country To Reduce Driving Age To 17 Years; Details Inside

Let’s be honest, driving is not just something people do for leisurely purposes but it’s also a necessity for travelling across the city. The UAE introduced a landmark traffic law on Friday, October 25. According to this traffic law, it has become the first country in the GCC to reduce the driving age to 17. Take a look at this important traffic law regarding driver’s licence in the UAE.

UAE Becomes 1st GCC To Reduce Min Age For Driving Licence To 17 Years

The UAE has become the first GCC country to reduce the minimum age to obtain a driving licence to 17 years in a landmark traffic law on October 25. As mentioned in a report by Khaleej Times, this new federal law degree on traffic regulations will come into effect on March 29, 2025. This means people who now turn 17 will be able to apply for their driver’s licence for their motorcycles and cars. Previously, the eligibility age for a driver’s licence for a car was 18 years while the same for a motorcycle was 17.

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What Is The Age For The Same In Other GCC Nations?

It’s worth mentioning that by reducing the age for driver’s licences in the UAE, it has become the first nation in the GCC to do so. Yes, Oman has a legal age limit of 18 while Saudi Arabia has different age requirements. Yes, one can be 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle licence, but one must be 18 years old to obtain one for cars in the kingdom. Similarly, they must be 17 years old in order to get a temporary permit.

On the other hand, Bahrain has the same rule as Oman that allows people to drive after 18. Qatar has two different age requirements wherein one has to be 18 to obtain a light motor vehicle licence and one must be 21 in order to be able to apply for a licence to drive heavy vehicles. Similarly, Kuwait requires its citizens to be 18 years old to apply for a licence while expats must be 21 years old for the same.

So, if you are someone who turns 17 or know someone who does, make sure to share this brilliant news with them and we are sure they’re going to be over the moon

Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Media Office