UAE Lowers Minimum Driving Licence Age: 17-Year-Olds Now Eligible to Apply

Starting March 29, 17-year-olds in the UAE will officially be able to apply for their driving licenses, marking a significant change in the country’s traffic regulations.

The announcement has sparked excitement among teenagers, especially those turning 17 or already of that age, as they can now look forward to applying for their driving permits. This change comes in response to a new federal decree on traffic laws, announced by the UAE government in October, which will take effect at the end of March. According to the new law, the minimum age to obtain a driving license for cars and light vehicles has been lowered from 18 to 17.

For twins Rhea and Rohan Nihalani, who celebrated their 17th birthday in November, this change presents an exciting opportunity. They’ve even turned the situation into a friendly competition to see who will be the first to secure their licenses. The twins are now eagerly awaiting March 29, when they can begin registering for their driving classes.

While many teenagers are enthusiastic about starting the process, driving schools are still awaiting further details from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Fatima Raees, Director of Customer Experience and Marketing at Emirates Driving Institute, noted a surge in inquiries about the new law. "We’ve received numerous questions from parents and teenagers about eligibility for the 17-year-old license. However, we have not yet received specific guidance from the RTA on any changes to the process," she said. "As of now, the procedure remains the same. Applicants must still take mandatory driving lessons and pay the standard fees."

Raees further clarified that, under the current law, a 17-and-a-half-year-old can register for driving lessons and even pass the driving test. However, the license will only be issued once the applicant turns 18.