Fresh tests needed to renew UAE driving licence expired over 10 years ago

Motorists in the UAE who want to renew a driving licence that has been expired for more than 10 years will have to pass fresh theory and practical driving tests under new federal traffic regulations. The rules will come into effect on January 1, 2027, introducing changes to licence renewal and learner driving permits.

The provisions are part of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which outlines the executive regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation.

Fresh Driving Tests for Licences Expired Over 10 Years

Under Article 76 of the new regulation, motorists whose driving licences have remained expired for more than 10 years must undergo theoretical and practical tests before renewing them.

The tests will be determined by the relevant licensing authority. Drivers must also fulfil all other applicable licence renewal requirements.

The 10-year period will be calculated from the licence's expiry date, not from the date it was originally issued. This means that the rule applies specifically to motorists who have allowed their licences to remain expired for over a decade.

The Federal Traffic Council may also establish the minimum theory and practical tests required to implement this provision.

Is a Full Driving Course Required?

The new regulation does not specifically require motorists with long-expired licences to complete a full beginner driving course. It also does not mention any mandatory training hours for these drivers.

Instead, they will need to complete the theory and practical assessments prescribed by the relevant licensing authority before proceeding with renewal.

Dubai Already Has a Retesting Requirement

The requirement for reassessing motorists with long-expired driving licences is not entirely new in Dubai.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) already requires drivers renewing licences that have been expired for more than 10 years to undergo an evaluation test.

However, the RTA's existing guidance describes this as an evaluation test. It does not confirm that the assessment is identical to the theory and practical tests outlined in the new federal regulation.

Learner Driving Permits Can Be Valid for Up to Six Months

Another important change concerns learner driving permits.

Under Article 82, individuals learning to drive must hold a valid learner permit issued by the relevant licensing authority.

The new regulation allows these permits to remain valid for a maximum period of six months, with the option to renew them.

Previously, under Ministerial Resolution No. 130 of 1997, learner permits were issued for a renewable period of three months.

The updated provision therefore increases the maximum permitted validity period, giving learners more time to complete their driving training.

However, the regulation does not state that every learner permit must be issued for exactly six months or that existing permits will automatically receive an extension.

Rules for Learners and Driving Instructors

Article 82 also outlines specific requirements for learner drivers and driving instructors.

Some important conditions include:

Learners must hold a valid permit issued by the relevant licensing authority.

Driving instructors must have the appropriate permits and authorisations.

Only the learner and instructor are allowed inside the vehicle during driving lessons.

Learners cannot drive on roads in populated areas until the instructor is satisfied that they can properly control the vehicle.

These requirements aim to maintain safety during driving lessons and ensure that learners have sufficient control before driving in populated areas.

When Will the New UAE Driving Rules Take Effect?

The new provisions are part of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 and will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The decision replaces Ministerial Resolution No. 130 of 1997, introducing updated requirements for licence renewal and learner driving permits under the federal traffic regulations.

Motorists with long-expired licences and individuals currently learning to drive should check the latest requirements with their relevant licensing authority before applying for renewal or obtaining a learner permit.