Starting March 29, 2025, teenagers as young as 17 will be allowed to get a UAE driver’s license, creating excitement among students who want more independence. However, this decision has raised concerns among parents regarding road safety and responsibility.
Kinda Nemer, a 16-year-old high school student, feels a mix of emotions about the news. “I’m really excited to get my driver’s license sooner,” she said, adding that it will help her run family errands and commute to school more easily.
However, she also thinks full independence should come with age. “I can’t deny that I feel a bit nervous. Even though there’s just a year difference, I believe there’s a maturity gap that affects safe driving,” she shared.
Another student, Yara Osama, 16, sees getting a license at 17 as a step towards more freedom. “I’m super excited. I’ve wanted to drive for a while. This means I can go places on my own and help my family when they need it,” Yara explained, noting that her main goal is to avoid depending on her parents for rides. “I want freedom. Driving will let me manage my schedule without waiting for rides,” she said.
While students are eager to drive, parents are more cautious
Rehab Abutaha, Yara’s mother, recognizes the benefits but is also worried about the responsibilities for teens. “I have mixed feelings about this law,” she told. “On one hand, it will help my daughter be independent and allow us to manage family errands. On the other hand, I’m nervous. Driving in the UAE can be challenging, and 17 seems young for such responsibility. I’d want her to take extra lessons on road safety first.”
Parent Nedal Abdul-Jaber believes that driving young can teach responsibility but should be introduced gradually. “I think it’s a good move overall.
Letting teens drive at 17 teaches them responsibility early,” he noted, adding that he’d set rules to ensure safety. “I’d want to enforce rules like no driving late at night and only driving to certain places until I feel comfortable with their skills. Balancing freedom and safety is key.”
Getting ready for responsibility
Some students are ready to take on this new responsibility. Saksham Uboweja, a 17-year-old car enthusiast, welcomes the law. “Allowing 17-year-olds to apply for a license is a positive step,” he said, understanding that adjusting to Dubai’s busy roads is essential. “I know getting used to Dubai’s roads will be important.”
Mohamed Al Mansouri, a 17-year-old Emirati resident of Al Ain, is excited about being able to apply for a license. “I’m planning to apply,” he shared, having learned to drive in his backyard with his older brothers. “I’ve wanted to drive since I was 15. It’s hard to depend on others for rides, especially for small errands,” he said, emphasizing the independence driving offers.
Despite some worries, parents like Nedal Abdul-Jaber see the potential benefits of this law, especially with teens able to help with errands and school pickups. “It could really help our family, especially in picking up younger siblings from school,” he said.
