UAE Lowers Minimum Driving Age to 17, Sparking Enthusiasm Among Teenagers
As new regulations take effect on March 29, 2023, many young UAE residents are eager to obtain their driving licenses.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to lower the minimum age for obtaining a driving license for cars and light vehicles from 18 to 17, as announced by the government in a federal decree law on traffic regulations.
This change will officially take effect on March 29, 2023, allowing 17-year-olds to apply for their driving permits.
This development has generated excitement among teenagers in the UAE.
For instance, twins Rhea and Rohan Nihalani, who turned 17 last November, are eagerly anticipating the registration date.
They plan to engage in a friendly competition to see who can secure their license first, with Rhea expressing her intention to drive to the beach and school independently once she has her license.
Rohan, a frequent user of public transport, looks forward to the newfound freedom driving will bring, stating that he intends to explore locations not accessible by the metro.
Both teenagers have expressed confidence in their ability to learn safely, citing the experience of their instructors and the rigorous RTA test they will undertake.
Amaan Mohiddina, whose 17th birthday is in April, shares their enthusiasm.
He views driving as an opportunity for self-independence and responsibility, stating his desire to assist his family by transporting his younger sister to school and providing convenient travel for himself and his friends.
While many young individuals are eager to start the process, driving schools in the UAE await additional details from the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA).
Fatima Raees, director of customer experience and marketing at Emirates Driving Institute, reported an increase in inquiries from parents and teenagers about the new eligibility criteria.
However, she noted that no directives regarding procedural changes had yet been issued by the RTA.
According to Raees, 17-and-a-half-year-olds can register for lessons and take the driving test; however, the actual issuance of the driving license will only occur once the applicant turns 18. Parents and aspiring drivers continue to monitor for further updates as the effective date approaches.
This change will officially take effect on March 29, 2023, allowing 17-year-olds to apply for their driving permits.
This development has generated excitement among teenagers in the UAE.
For instance, twins Rhea and Rohan Nihalani, who turned 17 last November, are eagerly anticipating the registration date.
They plan to engage in a friendly competition to see who can secure their license first, with Rhea expressing her intention to drive to the beach and school independently once she has her license.
Rohan, a frequent user of public transport, looks forward to the newfound freedom driving will bring, stating that he intends to explore locations not accessible by the metro.
Both teenagers have expressed confidence in their ability to learn safely, citing the experience of their instructors and the rigorous RTA test they will undertake.
Amaan Mohiddina, whose 17th birthday is in April, shares their enthusiasm.
He views driving as an opportunity for self-independence and responsibility, stating his desire to assist his family by transporting his younger sister to school and providing convenient travel for himself and his friends.
While many young individuals are eager to start the process, driving schools in the UAE await additional details from the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA).
Fatima Raees, director of customer experience and marketing at Emirates Driving Institute, reported an increase in inquiries from parents and teenagers about the new eligibility criteria.
However, she noted that no directives regarding procedural changes had yet been issued by the RTA.
According to Raees, 17-and-a-half-year-olds can register for lessons and take the driving test; however, the actual issuance of the driving license will only occur once the applicant turns 18. Parents and aspiring drivers continue to monitor for further updates as the effective date approaches.
Translation:
Translated by AI
