UAE Cabinet decision clarifies 2027 driving licence eligibility, validity periods and exemptions.
Dubai: Motorists in the UAE will be issued driving licences valid for periods ranging from one to 10 years, depending on their age and residency status, under federal traffic regulations coming into effect on January 1, 2027.
The provisions, set out in Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation, specify licence validity periods, minimum driving ages for different vehicle categories, and the requirements for obtaining or renewing a licence.
Under Article 55, driving licences issued to applicants below the age of 21 are classified as temporary and remain valid for one year. They can be renewed for a further year.
First-time applicants aged 21 or above will receive licences valid for two years.
Once younger licence holders turn 21, or when licences issued to adult first-time applicants come up for renewal, the validity period will depend on nationality and residency status.
UAE nationals and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be eligible for licences valid for 10 years, renewable for equivalent periods. Expatriate residents will receive licences valid for five years, also renewable for equivalent periods.
Minimum driving ages
The regulations also establish eight categories of driving licences and permits, with minimum age requirements ranging from 17 to 21.
Under Article 54, applicants must be at least 18 to obtain a light vehicle driving licence and 20 to qualify for a heavy vehicle licence.
The minimum age for driving either a light or heavy bus is 21. Applicants seeking licences to operate light or heavy mechanical equipment must be at least 20.
Motorcycle licences are divided into two categories. Applicants for a Category 1 licence must be at least 17, while those applying for a Category 2 licence must be at least 21.
This distinction means that while federal traffic legislation allows driving licences to be issued from the age of 17, the lower age limit does not apply to ordinary cars, for which applicants must be at least 18.
Requirements for obtaining a licence
The regulations set out several conditions for obtaining or renewing a driving licence. These include holding a valid Emirates ID, meeting the minimum age requirement, being medically fit to drive, passing the required driving tests and paying the applicable fees.
Applicants must prove their medical fitness through a 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 any medical condition or disability that directly affects their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
People of determination are exempt from the standard medical-fitness requirement and are instead subject to specific regulations governing their circumstances.
Healthcare authorities must also coordinate with licensing authorities and share information about individuals who develop medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely.
Licensing authorities may propose additional medical examination standards in consultation with the relevant healthcare bodies. Any such standards must be approved by the Federal Traffic Council.
Who can drive without a UAE licence?
The regulations also specify exemptions for certain categories of drivers who are not required to obtain a standard UAE driving licence.
Members of the armed forces, security services and police may drive vehicles belonging to their respective organisations without holding a civilian driving licence, provided they have permits issued by the relevant authorities.
Drivers of vehicles registered and licensed abroad may also be exempt, provided the vehicles themselves qualify for exemption from UAE registration and licensing requirements.
Such drivers must hold a valid licence issued by the competent authority in the country where the vehicle is registered, or a recognised international driving licence authorising them to drive during their permitted stay in the UAE, whether for transit, a visit or a specific assignment.
Four categories of foreign licence holders
The executive regulations also identify four categories of visitors who can drive light vehicles and motorcycles in the UAE without obtaining a local driving licence. They must hold valid foreign or international driving licences and be authorised to stay in the country for purposes other than residence.
These include nationals of countries that have signed bilateral agreements with the UAE on mutual recognition of driving licences, as well as holders of licences issued by countries exempted under Cabinet decisions.
The exemption also covers holders of valid international driving licences and driving licences issued by GCC countries.
These permissions remain valid for the duration of the holders’ authorised stay in the UAE and do not automatically extend to expatriates residing in the country.
The new executive regulations will come into force on January 1, 2027.
