The United Arab Emirates, as an important move in driving accessibility, announced a lowering of the minimum age for driving license. Beginning March 29, 2025, 17-year-olds may apply for a permit to drive a car or light vehicle. The sweeping changes will stem from a federal decree law that was introduced back in October 2024 by the UAE government and will take effect officially next year.
Teenagers around the country are delighted by this announcement. Many 17-year-olds, a few with birthdays an inch away, and others already 17, are now keeping their fingers crossed with hopes of their driving license applications being entertained. Less than a week ago, with this new law, the UAE has lowered the minimum age from 18 to 17, thus giving the young drivers a chance to put their foot down earlier.
As for the new updated process, the driving schools in the UAE are still pending some clarifications from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Fatima Raees, Emirates Driving Institute customer experience and marketing director, says they are witnessing a lot of interest from parents and teenagers about the new eligibility law. We have been getting a lot of inquiries about the 17-year-old licence eligibility. However, we have not yet received any directives from the RTA regarding changes in the process, Raees said.
At this time, there are no changes to the existing process to obtain a driving licence, which, as always, entails completing requisite driving lessons and paying traditional fees. Other details included by Raees are that 17-year-olds can take lessons and even take the driving test, but licenses cannot be issued until they turn 18.
With the law now on the verge of being enacted, all driving schools are prepared for a rush of young applicants. The hope is that the RTA will very soon come up with more details so that a smooth transition is in place for those excitedly looking forward to driving a little earlier, thus empowering even more young people with basic independence and mobility.
