UAE driving licence age lowered: 17-year-olds line up to get permits
Many teenagers who are turning 17 or have already turned 17 are eagerly waiting to apply for their driving licences after the UAE announced that they can officially register for permits .
The UAE Government on October 2024, announced a new federal decree law on traffic regulations, which will come into effect on March 29, 2025. According to an advisory from the UAE Government Media Office, the minimum age to obtain a licence for cars and light vehicles has been .
For Rhea and Rohan Nihalani, twins who turned 17 in November, this is an . They have even turned it into a friendly competition to see who will be the first to get their licence. The twins are now waiting for March 29 to be able to register for their driving licence.
“Whoever wins gets first dibs driving our parents’ car and of course bragging rights,” said Rhea. “When I win, I’m going to drive myself to the beach and go surfing. I also want to drive myself to school occasionally. I can’t wait to have the freedom to go places without bothering my parents.”
An avid metro user, Rohan said that he would be very excited to drive himself to places that public transport doesn’t take him. “There are so many places that I can’t get to because the metro doesn’t go there,” he said. “I am looking forward to going to many of those places with friends. Even going to a fast food drive-through would be great.”
Rhea and Rohan Nihalani with their parents. Photo: Supplied
Rhea said she was not worried about being some of the youngest to ever legally drive on UAE roads. “I will be learning under experienced instructors and taking a RTA test,” she said. “So, I think concerns surrounding my safety would not really be applicable.”
Similarly, Amaan Mohiddina, who turns 17 in April, is counting down the days until he can register for his licence. For him, getting behind the wheel is not just about independence but also about responsibility.
“I have always loved cars, but learning to drive is more than just fun. It’s about becoming self-dependent,” he said. “I want to be able to drive my younger sister to school and help my parents with dropping me and picking me up. It’ll be great to pick up my friends and go on road trips without relying on taxis or public transport.”
While he’s excited, Ayaan is also cautious about the responsibility that comes with driving. “I know that driving in the UAE requires discipline and awareness,” he added. “I’m making sure to take my lessons seriously and be a safe driver from day one.”
While many youngsters are eager to begin the process, driving schools are awaiting further details from Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority.
Fatima Raees, director of customer experience and marketing at Emirates Driving Institute, said that they have been receiving a surge in inquiries regarding the new law.
Fatima Raees. Photo: Supplied
“We have been getting a lot of enquiries from parents and teenagers about the 17-year-old licence eligibility. However, we have not yet received any directives from the RTA regarding changes in the process,” she said. “As of now, the procedure remains the same. Applicants will have to take and pay the standard fees.”
Raees clarified that a 17-and-a-half-year-old can register. “They can take lessons, and even pass the driving test. However, the licence will only be issued once the applicant turns 18,” added Raees.