The UAE has introduced a groundbreaking traffic law amendment, reducing the minimum age for obtaining a driving licence to 17. This new federal decree, announced by the UAE government, will take effect on March 29, 2025.
Previously, the legal age to hold a driving licence for cars in the UAE was 18, with 17 being the minimum for motorcycles. Now, under the new legislation, the age requirement will be uniform for both types of vehicles.
This change positions the UAE as the first GCC country to lower the legal driving age. Neighboring Oman maintains an 18-year age limit for driving licences, while Saudi Arabia has varying age requirements. In the Kingdom, one must be 16 to obtain a motorcycle licence, 18 for a car licence, and 17 for a temporary permit.
Bahrain, like Oman, requires individuals to be 18 to obtain a driving licence. Qatar has different age limits depending on the type of vehicle: 18 for light motor vehicles and 21 for heavy vehicles. Kuwait has distinct age requirements for citizens and expatriates, with Kuwaitis needing to be 18 and expatriates 21.
Globally, most countries have minimum age requirements ranging from 15 to 18, with some allowing licences at 14 under supervision. Here are some countries with the lowest age limits for drivers worldwide:
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