UAE Minimum Driving Licence Age Lowered: 17-Year-Olds Line Up To Get Permits

Many teenagers turning 17, or those who have already reached that age, are excited to apply for their driving licenses after the UAE announced they can officially register for permits starting March 29 this year .

This change follows a new federal decree law on traffic regulations announced by the UAE government in October last year, which will take effect at the end of March. According to the law, the minimum age to obtain a licence for cars and light vehicles has been lowered from 18 to 17 .

This is an exciting opportunity for twins Rhea and Rohan Nihalani, who turned 17 in November. They have even turned it into a friendly competition to see who will be the first to secure their licence. The twins are now waiting for March 29 to be able to register for their driving classes .

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"Whoever wins gets first dibs driving our parents' car and, of course, bragging rights," said Rhea. "When I get the licence, I will drive myself to the beach and go surfing. I also want to drive myself to school occasionally. I can't wait to be free to go places without bothering my parents."

A frequent metro user, Rohan said he would be very excited to drive himself to places public transport can't take him. "There are so many places that I can't get to because the metro doesn't go there," he said. "I look forward to going to many of those places with friends. Even going to a fast food drive-through would be great."

Rhea said she was not worried about being among the youngest to drive on UAE roads legally.“I will be learning under experienced instructors and taking an RTA test,” she said.“So, concerns surrounding my safety would not really be applicable.”

Similarly, Amaan Mohiddina, who turns 17 this April, is counting the days until he can register for his licence. For him, getting behind the wheel is not just about independence but also about responsibility.

"I have always loved cars, but learning to drive is more than fun. It's about becoming self-dependent," he said. "I want to be able to drive my younger sister to school and help my parents with dropping me and picking me up. It'll be great to pick up my friends and go on road trips without relying on taxis or public transport.”

While he is excited, Ayaan is also cautious about the responsibility of driving.“I know driving in the UAE requires discipline and awareness,” he added.“I'm making sure to take my lessons seriously and be a safe driver from Day 1."

While many youngsters are eager to begin the process, driving schools are awaiting further details from Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA).

Fatima Raees, director of customer experience and marketing at Emirates Driving Institute, said they have received a surge in inquiries regarding the new law.

“We have been getting a lot of enquiries from parents and teenagers about the 17-year-old licence eligibility. However, we have not yet received any directives from the RTA regarding changes in the process,” she said.“As of now, the procedure remains the same. Applicants must take mandatory driving classes and pay the standard fees.”

As per the existing law, Raees clarified that a 17-and-a-half-year-old can register.“They can take lessons and even pass the driving test. However, the licence will only be issued once the applicant turns 18,” added Raees.

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