You can get a driving licence from the age of 17 in the Emirates!

Oracle
20 May 2025
8.07 pm

Since 29 March 2025, young residents of the United Arab Emirates aged 17 years old can now get their driving licence, following a major reform of the Highway Code. This much-anticipated measure stems from a new federal decree on traffic regulation, which officially lowers the minimum age for driving a car or light vehicle.

A historic decision for the youth of the UAE

The legal age for obtaining a driving licence, which was previously set at 18, is now being raised to 17 years old, enabling thousands of teenagers to to win a year’s exchange programme. The aim is clear: supporting young people’s independence, whilst taking into account social changes and the growing demand for personal transport.

This initiative reflects the authorities’ commitment to modernise traffic laws and from’adapt mobility policies to the country’s new economic and educational realities.

An immediate craze across the country

Since this reform came into force, driving test centres in the Emirates have noted a a significant increase in enrolment figures for 17-year-olds. Many teenagers take advantage of this opportunity to start their driving lessons and pass their driving test without waiting until they reach the age of majority.

This change has been met with great enthusiasm, particularly amongst students, who see it as a quicker way to access independence in their movements and from to ease the burden of transport for their families.

Strict supervision for young drivers

17-year-old candidates follow the same training process as adults, comprising:

Courses on the Highway Code and road safety,
Practical training on a closed circuit and then on public roads,
Strict final examinations supervised by the relevant authorities.

Certain specific rules may apply depending on the emirate of residence, such as restrictions on night-time driving or insurance requirements.

A reform in line with international standards

With this reform, the Emirates are joining several developed countries (such as Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom), where the Supervised driving from the age of 17 is the norm. It forms part of a wider commitment to’to encourage personal responsibility from an early age, whilst strengthening road safety education.

The government is therefore aiming for a better integration of young people into the urban mobility ecosystem, whilst prioritising safety, training and discipline.
Source: Khaleej Times