New UAE Driving Rule Causes Confusion

Confusion Arises from 17-Year-Olds Driving License Regulations

In accordance with the new federal traffic law announced in October 2024, individuals in the United Arab Emirates can now apply for a driving license from the age of 17. However, in practice, many parents and teenagers find themselves disappointed as the new regulations have not yet been implemented in most driving schools.

Change in Law, Constancy in Practice

Under the previous rules, learning to drive could begin at the age of 17 and a half, but licenses were only issued to those 18 years old and above. The recent amendment, effective from March, permits the commencement of driving courses at 17 years of age. Despite this change, most driving schools in Dubai and Sharjah still adhere to the old age limit, allowing students to begin driving only at 17 and a half years.

Parents See a Missed Opportunity

Several families have shared that they would have utilized the summer break for their children to start learning to drive. The relatively calm traffic during the summer months and schools being closed presents an ideal opportunity for practice. Nonetheless, many parents were turned away as the driving schools have not received official instructions to implement the new regulation.

Driving Schools' Position

A representative from the Galadari Driving Institute confirmed that while a 17-year-old learner's record can now be opened, actual driving instruction is still only available from 17 and a half years — or once the new regulation is officially implemented. This stance was echoed by a phone operator from the Sharjah Driving Institute: they know about the new rule but have not received any specific execution instructions.

Patience Requested, but No Deadlines

The current situation creates uncertainty for many parents and teenagers. With no clear deadline or schedule for practical implementation of the regulation, many feel that the legal change exists only on paper. Although some schools technically allow record opening, the actual driving practice remains pending.

What Can 17-Year-Olds Expect?

Those who have just turned 17 should inquire in advance with their driving schools to understand if they can open a learner's record and, if so, when driving lessons can actually begin. As it stands now, most centers require applicants to wait until they are 17 and a half years old.

Summary

While the UAE has made a significant step to promote the mobility of younger generations by lowering the driving age limit, much uncertainty remains in practice. Both parents and teenagers hope that by the end of the summer holidays, implementation instructions will be issued, and the regulation, which has existed only in theory since March, will come into effect.

(Source of the article: Sharjah Driving Institute announcement.)