Driving in the UAE offers freedom and convenience, especially in cities like Dubai, where modern infrastructure and long distances make owning a car a necessity. But before you can start driving, you need to meet the country’s legal requirements, including the minimum age to obtain a driving license.
The UAE has specific age requirements depending on the type of vehicle you want to drive, whether it’s a car, motorbike or heavy truck. While most of the rules are standardized across the country, some details may differ slightly between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
What Is the New UAE Minimum Driving Licence Age From March 29
Effect on March 29, 2025, the UAE reduces minimum driving age from 18 to 17 years old for light vehicles (Category B). This significant update was made in accordance with Federal Decree No. 14 of 2024 on Road Traffic Regulations and applies to all seven emirates. This new rule is important, providing younger residents and students who previously had to wait until they turned 18 the chance to begin the application process earlier. Now, those turning 17-year-old individuals can legally apply for a license and start driving if they meet all other eligibility criteria. These include completing the mandatory theoretical courses, practical driving courses, passing a road test, and a medical fitness assessment.
It’s important to note that this new age change only applies to driving licenses for cars and light vehicles in Category B. Other categories retain their existing age requirements.
Minimum Driving Age Restrictions by License Category
- According to the UAE driving rules, the minimum age for a motorcycle or Category A driving license is 17 years. This remains unchanged and allows younger drivers to operate two-wheeled vehicles after completing compulsory training and passing the relevant exams.
- For heavy vehicles, the age requirement is higher due to the complexity and responsibility involved. Applicants must be at least 20 years old to drive heavy trucks or trailers.
- The minimum age for driving buses is set at 21 years. These categories require additional experience and specialized training beyond that required for ordinary cars.
- Those wishing to operate tractors or industrial vehicles must also meet a minimum age of 20 years or older, depending on the license type and intended use. These vehicles often require separate certification and practical assessments due to their technical nature and the environments in which they are used.
- Special permits are required for individuals intending to work in delivery services or ride-hailing platforms. While there is no specific age rule just for delivery drivers, applicants are usually required to be at least 21 years old and may need one or more years of driving experience before being allowed to work in these services.
What is The New Federal Decree Law on Traffic Regulations in the UAE?
The new traffic regulations in the UAE, which take effect on 29 March 2025, introduce several important changes aimed at improving road safety and modernizing the licensing system.
- One of the most important updates is the tightening of theoretical driving test requirements. Prospective drivers must now demonstrate a deeper understanding of traffic rules, road signs, safe driving practices, and hazard awareness. The revised test format places greater emphasis on real-world scenarios, critical thinking, and responsible behavior on the road.
- Another essential change is the mandatory certification of driving instructors. Under the new law, only instructors who are officially certified and recognized by the road and transport authorities in the UAE are allowed to train novice drivers.
- For new drivers, particularly those under the age of 18, the law imposes restrictions on night driving. Holders of provisional driving licenses or young drivers aren’t allowed to drive during certain hours, mainly between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.. These restrictions are designed to limit exposure to high-risk situations in the early stages of driving and allowing 17-year-olds to gradually gain experience in safer conditions.
- The scope of enforcement is also broader, penalties for careless driving, using a mobile phone while using a mobile phone behind the wheel, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and causing noise or making unauthorized modifications have been tightened. Authorities now have expanded powers to seize vehicles, arrest drivers for serious violations, and suspend licenses for medical or safety reasons.
Together, these changes reflect how the UAE government has introduced new measures to reduce road accidents and promote more responsible driving behavior.
How Much is The Fine For Speeding in Dubai?
Speeding fines in Dubai start at AED 300 for minor violations and can reach up to AED 3,000 for major offenses.
- Up to 20 km/h over the speed limit: AED 300
- 21–30 km/h over: AED 600
- 31–40 km/h over: AED 700
- 41–50 km/h over: AED 1,000
- 51–60 km/h over: AED 1,500, 6 black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to 15 days
- 61–80 km/h over: AED 2,000, 12 black points, and impoundment for around 30 days
- More than 80 km/h over: AED 3,000, 23 black points, and vehicle impoundment for 60 days
Additional Enforcement Measures
Dubai Police now use AI-enhanced radar systems that can detect a wide range of violations, including speeding, distracted driving, vehicle modifications, and running red lights. These systems automatically issue fines, record black spots, and can initiate vehicle impoundment when necessary.
Detention and Fine Payment Options
If you have been ticketed for a serious speeding offence, your car may be impounded. Drivers are typically required to pay the fine along with impound fees, which can be approximately 100 AED per day. In some cases, authorities may offer the option to pay a fixed “release” fee of 3,000 AED to avoid or shorten the impoundment period. However, paying the release fee doesn’t remove black points from your driving record.
Black Points and the Impact of the Recor
Accumulating 24 or more black points within a year can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Paying a release fee to avoid confiscation doesn’t remove these points. Black points typically remain on your record for one year from the date of the violation. They can be cleared earlier through approved driving courses or other measures permitted under traffic regulations.
Be aware of and follow the limits to avoid large fines.
The Cost to Obtain a Licence for Cars
The cost of getting a driving license varies by emirate and the driving school you choose. In Dubai, the total cost usually ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 9,000. This includes registration fees, theory and practical classes, exam practice, and eye tests. Other emirates, such as Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, may offer slightly lower prices, but the structure remains similar across the country. Additional fees may apply for retaking theoretical and practical driving exams or booking accelerated programs.
Residents can officially register for driving lessons through approved driving schools. Some of the most popular institutions in Dubai include:
- Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), affiliated with the RTA
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre
- Belhasa Driving Centre
These institutes are licensed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and are staffed with certified instructors.
With the increasing focus on safety and digital integration, many driving schools now offer online theory driving education, smart scheduling via apps, and real-time progress tracking. These improvements make it easier for new drivers aged 17 and above to stay organized and complete their training in compliance with the 2025 legal requirements and driving standards.
How to Get Your First Driving License in the UAE
- The first step is to meet the legal age requirement announced by the UAE.
- Once you meet the restrictions, you must enroll in an authorized driving school in your emirate.
- Before starting your course, all applicants must pass an eye test, which is usually conducted at a driving school or by a certified optician.
- The training includes a series of classroom lessons on traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. This is followed by the required number of supervised practical driving hours.
- Learners must also pass internal assessments to evaluate their progress before taking the final exams.
- The final step is to take the RTA driving test. It consists of a parking test, a road test, and, in some cases, a highway driving test.
- After successfully completing all the tests and paying the required fees, you’ll receive your official UAE driving license.
What About Tourists and Visitors?
Tourists and short-term visitors generally aren’t eligible to apply for a UAE formal driving license. However, visitors staying for longer periods or holding specific types of visas may qualify to apply for a license under certain conditions. They start driving at 17 and above can legally drive in the UAE if they have a valid driving license from their home country and an accompanying International Driving Permit (IDP). Both documents must be presented together when renting a car or during a road traffic inspection.
Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, and a few others, may drive using their national driving license if it’s written in English or Arabic. If the license is in another language, an official translation or IDP is required.
Age Requirements for Car Rentals
Car rentals come with their own age requirements, which are set by rental companies.
Drivers are generally required to be at least 21 years old to rent a standard car. But, for luxury, sports, and high-end models, the minimum age is often raised to 25 or even higher. This policy is primarily for safety purposes. In addition to the age requirement, many rental companies also require that the driver have had a valid driver’s license for at least one year. If you’re planning to rent a car, it’s always best to check with the rental company directly about restrictions and any additional fees that apply to younger age drivers.
FAQ
What is the lower age to get a driving license in the UAE?
Amendments under the federal decree, the UAE lowers minimum driving age to 17 for light vehicles. The new driving age aims to enhance mobility and independence for younger residents while maintaining strict safety and training requirements.
When will the new UAE driving age change come into effect?
This updated age from March 29, 2025 comes into effect. So modern approach makes the UAE the first GCC country reduced the minimum driving age to 17.
What are the requirements to get a driver’s license at the age of 17?
Applicants must complete mandatory theoretical and practical driving courses, pass a road test, and undergo a medical fitness assessment.
Are there any restrictions for new drivers under 18?
Drivers under 18 who apply for a provisional license must drive with supervision and are prohibited from driving between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. These restrictions are part of the amendments under the new regulations to reduce exposure to high-risk conditions for new drivers.