Starting March 29 next year, individuals aged 17 and above in the UAE will be eligible for a driving license, reducing the current minimum age requirement of 18 and making the UAE the first GCC country to lower the legal driving age. This update is part of a comprehensive federal law on traffic regulation announced Friday, aimed at “keeping up with the rapid evolution of transportation worldwide.”
Dr. Mostafa Al Dah, an Emirati traffic safety researcher, highlighted the societal factors influencing the regulation, stating, “Growing up—and based on my anecdotal history when I was younger—I would see people around me drive from an age much younger than 18, especially in remote areas where there was a need for boys to drive at a young age.” Dr. Al Dah, founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of traffic studies at Dubai Police, added that “this latest amendment comes in line with the recognition that physically a human being can control a car at an earlier age,” while emphasizing that monitoring measures will be essential to ensure the law’s impact on road safety is effective. He suggested additional lessons for young drivers, similar to practices in Western countries.
Integrating Road Safety in Education
Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of Road Safety UAE, emphasized the need for “better driving school education—which ideally must start in schools, like in many other countries with low driving age limits.” Edelmann recommended implementing a phased licensing process, limiting vehicle size and performance for young drivers, and upgrading their licenses based on a “clear sheet,” or a record free of violations.
In other countries, Edelmann noted, young drivers often require an adult with extensive driving experience to accompany them. “Mandatory safe driving apps should be used for young drivers, too, as this is required by insurance companies in many countries,” he added.
The Most Vulnerable Group on the Road
According to a Ministry of Interior report last year, drivers aged 19-29 are the most vulnerable to road accidents, with this group accounting for 38% of traffic fatalities in 2023. New license holders were responsible for 16% of major road accidents. Edelmann pointed out that “young motorists have the feeling of being invincible,” leading to high rates of unsafe behaviors such as low seat belt use, speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving.
A Shift in Young Driver Attitudes Needed
“An urgent change in young drivers’ attitude is needed,” Edelmann stressed, as younger drivers often exhibit more dangerous behaviors and protect themselves less than older, experienced motorists. He advocates for a strong focus on novice drivers, with road safety education ideally starting in kindergarten and school, following models in other countries.
Parents also see benefits to younger individuals driving responsibly. Sandra Tan, a mother of two in Dubai, expressed, “If the driver is careful, then there should be no objection from anyone on giving them a licence at 17.” Robert Andrada, another parent, underscored the importance of responsibility, stating, “Acquiring a driver’s licence is a big achievement. But it comes with a lot of responsibility and that is the most important aspect that we need to teach our children.” He also observed that “age is actually not a guarantee that being older makes you a safe driver because it all depends on the character and safety awareness of the person who’s driving.”
