UAE driving licence age lowered: 17-year-olds lineup to get permits
Many soon-to-be 17-year-olds in the UAE as well as current 17-year-olds are looking forward to registering for their driving permits following the announcement that permits can be officially registered starting March 29.
In October 2024 the UAE Government announced new federal traffic regulations that will start being enforced on March 29, 2025. The UAE Government Media Office released an advisory stating that the minimum age requirement for car and light vehicle licences has been reduced from 18 to 17 years.
Rhea and Rohan Nihalani who became 17 years old in November view this new regulation as an exciting opportunity. Rhea and Rohan Nihalani have made getting their driving license a fun contest to determine who will obtain it first. The twins have to wait until March 29 before they can begin the registration process for their driving licences.
The winner will earn the privilege of driving our parents’ car before their sibling and gain bragging rights according to Rhea. If I win the competition I will drive to the beach to enjoy surfing. I would like to have the opportunity to drive myself to school sometimes. The idea of traveling independently to different places without having to ask my parents excites me.
Because public transportation does not reach many places Rohan wants to visit he would feel very excited about driving himself there. He explained that there exist numerous destinations which he cannot reach because the metro service does not extend that far. I am excited to visit those places together with my friends. The simple act of stopping at a fast food drive-through would feel exciting.
Rhea expressed no concern regarding her status as one of the youngest legal drivers on UAE roads. She will receive guidance from skilled instructors before taking her RTA test. My safety concerns appear to be irrelevant in this situation.
Amaan Mohiddina who will turn 17 in April is eagerly counting the days until he can sign up for his driving licence. For Amaan Mohiddina driving represents both independence and responsibility.
Although I have loved cars for many years learning to drive goes beyond simple enjoyment. It’s about becoming self-dependent,” he said. My plan is to drive my younger sister to school and assist my parents with their drop-offs and pick-ups. The ability to pick up my friends for road trips without depending on taxis or public transport will be amazing.
Ayaan feels both excitement and concern about the responsibilities that driving demands. He added that driving in the UAE demands both discipline and awareness. I am committed to starting my driving lessons with safety as my top priority.
Driving schools are waiting for additional information from Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority even though many young people want to start learning to drive. The Emirates Driving Institute's customer experience and marketing director Fatima Raees reported an increase in inquiries about the new law.
Parents and teenagers have been asking us numerous questions regarding eligibility for the 17-year-old licence. No official instructions from the RTA about process modifications have been delivered yet according to her statement. Currently there are no modifications to the procedure. Potential applicants must complete mandatory driving classes and pay the usual fees.
Raees clarified that a 17-and-a-half-year-old can register. Young people can receive driving lessons and successfully pass their driving examinations. The issuance of the driver's license will occur only once the person reaches 18 years of age as explained by Raees.
Comments