UAE Driving Licence Rules 2027: Validity Periods Explained for All Age Groups

Motorists in the UAE will receive driving licences with validity periods ranging from one to ten years, depending on their age, nationality and residency status, under new federal traffic regulations coming into effect on January 1, 2027.

The provisions are outlined in Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation. The regulations cover driving licence validity, minimum age requirements for different vehicle categories, and the conditions for obtaining and renewing licences.

UAE Driving Licence Validity Based on Age and Residency

Under Article 55 of the new regulations, driving licences issued to applicants below the age of 21 will be temporary and valid for one year. These licences can be renewed for another year.

First-time applicants aged 21 or older will receive driving licences valid for two years.

After reaching 21, younger licence holders will become eligible for longer validity periods. The same rules apply when first-time licences issued to adults are renewed.

The validity periods will then depend on nationality and residency status:

• UAE nationals: Driving licences valid for 10 years, renewable for equivalent periods.

• GCC nationals: Driving licences valid for 10 years, renewable for equivalent periods.

• Expatriate residents: Driving licences valid for five years, renewable for equivalent periods.

Minimum Age Requirements for Different Driving Licence Categories

The new federal regulations establish eight categories of driving licences and permits, with minimum age requirements ranging from 17 to 21 years.

According to Article 54, the minimum driving age depends on the type of vehicle an applicant intends to operate.

The requirements include:

This means that although the regulations allow certain driving licences from the age of 17, applicants must be at least 18 to obtain a licence for an ordinary car.

Requirements for Obtaining or Renewing a UAE Driving Licence

The new regulations outline several conditions that applicants must meet before obtaining or renewing a driving licence.

These include:

Holding a valid Emirates ID.

Meeting the minimum age requirement for the relevant vehicle category.

Meeting the required medical fitness standards.

Successfully completing the required driving tests.

Paying the applicable licensing fees.

Applicants must also submit a medical fitness report issued by an approved healthcare authority and accepted by the relevant licensing authority.

The assessment must confirm that applicants are physically, visually and mentally fit to drive and do not have medical conditions or disabilities that directly affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Special Medical Rules for People of Determination

People of determination are exempt from the standard medical fitness requirements. Instead, their applications will be assessed under specific regulations applicable to their circumstances.

Healthcare authorities must also coordinate with licensing authorities when individuals develop medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely.

Additionally, licensing authorities can propose further medical examination requirements in consultation with relevant healthcare organisations. Any additional standards must receive approval from the Federal Traffic Council.

Who Can Drive in the UAE Without a Local Driving Licence?

The new regulations also identify specific groups of drivers who can operate vehicles in the UAE without obtaining a standard civilian driving licence.

These exemptions include members of the armed forces, police and security services who drive vehicles belonging to their respective organisations. However, they must hold valid driving permits issued by their competent authorities.

Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles may also qualify for exemptions if their vehicles are not required to undergo UAE registration and licensing procedures.

Such motorists must hold a valid driving licence issued by the relevant authority in their home country or a recognised international driving licence that permits them to drive during their authorised stay in the UAE.

This exemption may apply to visitors travelling through the country, tourists and individuals visiting for specific assignments.

Four Categories of Foreign Licence Holders Allowed to Drive in the UAE

The executive regulations identify four categories of foreign licence holders who may drive light vehicles and motorcycles in the UAE without obtaining a local driving licence.

These include:

Nationals of countries with bilateral agreements: Citizens of countries that have signed mutual driving licence recognition agreements with the UAE.

Holders of exempted foreign licences: Individuals with driving licences issued by countries exempted under relevant Cabinet decisions.

International driving licence holders: Visitors carrying valid and recognised international driving licences.

GCC driving licence holders: Individuals with valid driving licences issued by GCC countries.

These exemptions apply only during the individuals' authorised stay in the UAE for purposes other than residency. They do not automatically extend to expatriates who live in the country.

When Will the New UAE Driving Licence Rules Take Effect?

The new federal traffic regulations will come into force on January 1, 2027.

The updated provisions clarify driving licence validity periods, minimum age requirements, medical fitness standards and exemptions for foreign licence holders.

Motorists, residents and visitors should understand the updated requirements to ensure they comply with the UAE's revised traffic regulations.