Dubai, UAE – New UAE driving licence rules take effect on 1 January 2027, setting licence validity by age and nationality under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation.
Licence validity
- Under 21: Temporary licence valid for one year, renewable for one more year
- First-time applicants aged 21+: Two years
- UAE and GCC nationals: Ten years, renewable
- Expatriate residents: Five years, renewable
Minimum age by category
- Motorcycle (Category 1): 17
- Light vehicle: 18
- Heavy vehicle and mechanical equipment: 20
- Light or heavy bus and Motorcycle (Category 2): 21
Requirements to get or renew a licence
- Valid Emirates ID
- Medical fitness report from an approved healthcare authority
- Passing the required driving tests
- Paying the prescribed fees
Visitors in four categories, including nationals of countries with mutual recognition agreements, may drive light vehicles and motorcycles on a valid foreign, international or GCC licence during their authorised stay. Healthcare authorities will also be required to inform licensing authorities about medical conditions that could affect a person’s ability to drive.
Source: Gulf News
