Updated UAE rules clarify licence renewal deadlines, unpaid fines and suspension requirements.
Dubai: Motorists in the UAE whose driving licences have remained expired for more than 10 years will be required to pass both theoretical and practical driving tests before they can renew them, under new federal traffic regulations coming into effect on January 1, 2027.
The requirement is set out in Article 76 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which approves the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on the Regulation of Traffic.
According to the provision, drivers seeking to renew licences that have remained unrenewed for more than 10 years from their expiry date must complete the theory and practical assessments prescribed by the relevant licensing authority.
Applicants must also fulfil all other licence renewal requirements specified under the regulation.
The Federal Traffic Council has been authorised to determine the minimum theoretical and practical testing requirements necessary to implement the provision.
The regulation does not specify how many tests applicants must take or require them to complete a fixed number of driving lessons. These details will be determined by the relevant licensing authorities.
The 10-year period is calculated from the date the driving licence expires, rather than the date it was originally issued.
UAE driving licence renewal requirements
Article 73 sets out the general requirements for renewing driving licences, stating that applications must be submitted within 30 days of the licence’s expiry date.
Renewal is subject to payment of the applicable fees and completion of the procedures prescribed by the licensing authority.
Motorists must also clear outstanding fines resulting from traffic violations before their licences can be renewed.
Applicants may alternatively provide proof of payment of fines imposed for violations of federal traffic laws, their Executive Regulations or related implementing decisions, where applicable.
These requirements apply alongside any additional conditions linked to the driver’s licence status, including the mandatory theory and practical assessments for licences that have remained expired for more than 10 years.
When can a UAE driving licence be suspended or cancelled?
Article 75 outlines the circumstances under which licensing authorities can suspend, cancel or refuse to renew driving licences and permits.
Grounds for suspension include:
- A court order requiring the suspension of the licence.
- Reaching the cumulative traffic-point threshold prescribed under the relevant decisions.
- Losing the legal capacity or medical fitness required to drive safely.
When can a licence be cancelled?
A driving licence or permit may be cancelled if a court orders its cancellation, the prescribed cumulative traffic-point limit is reached, or the licence holder requests cancellation.
Cancellation may also follow the death of the licence holder or a determination that the individual has lost the legal capacity or medical fitness required to drive.
When can renewal be refused?
Licensing authorities may refuse renewal under the following circumstances:
- The driver no longer meets the required legal capacity or medical fitness standards.
- A court issues a ruling refusing licence renewal.
- Traffic violations are recorded against the driver’s traffic file in accordance with applicable decisions.
- The driver reaches the prescribed cumulative traffic-point threshold.
The regulation distinguishes between suspension, cancellation and refusal of renewal, treating them as separate measures that licensing authorities can apply under the specified circumstances.
Medical conditions that affect driving ability
Article 75 also requires UAE health authorities to coordinate with licensing authorities and share information about individuals who develop illnesses or medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely.
This provision strengthens the link between medical fitness assessments and driving licence eligibility, helping authorities ensure that motorists continue to meet the health requirements necessary for safe driving.
Drivers must keep their personal details up to date
Under Article 72, driving licence holders are required to keep their personal information, residential addresses and contact details updated. They must also update details of their legal representatives, where applicable.
The regulation places responsibility on licence holders for any financial or legal consequences resulting from failure to update their information or delays in doing so.
Article 71 provides for driving licences and permits to be issued electronically once applicants have completed the required procedures and fulfilled the prescribed conditions.
Licences will be issued in the format approved by the relevant licensing authority and assigned a unique serial number. Holders can also request a copy of their licence or permit.
Meanwhile, Article 74 allows licensing authorities to issue replacement licences or permits if the original document is lost or damaged. Applicants must submit a request and follow the applicable procedures.
Who can drive in the UAE using a foreign licence?
The new regulations also clarify when visitors holding valid foreign or international driving licences can drive in the UAE without obtaining a local licence.
Under Article 77, eligible individuals authorised to stay in the UAE for purposes other than residence can drive light vehicles and motorcycles during their visit, subject to the conditions specified in the regulation.
The exemption covers:
- Nationals of countries that have bilateral agreements with the UAE on mutual recognition of driving licences.
- Holders of driving licences issued by countries exempted through a Cabinet decision.
- Holders of valid international driving permits.
- Holders of valid driving licences issued by GCC countries.
The exemption is subject to specific conditions, including the validity of the foreign licence or international permit and the individual’s non-resident visitor status.
The provision allows eligible visitors to drive during their stay without obtaining a separate UAE driving licence.
When do the new UAE traffic rules take effect?
The Executive Regulation was issued on October 6, 2026, and is scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2027.
Motorists are advised to familiarise themselves with the updated requirements, particularly the provisions covering licence renewal, outstanding traffic fines, medical fitness and the retesting of licences that have remained expired for more than 10 years.
