New UAE driver's licence valid only for two years

For those aged less than 21 years, be it citizens, GCC nationals or other nationalities, the initial validity of the driver licence shall be one year

After the new licence expires, the renewal would be valid for 10 years for Emiratis and GCC nationals aged 21 years and above.

By Staff Reporter

Published: Thu 29 Jun 2017, 10:30 PM

Last updated: Fri 30 Jun 2017, 12:33 AM

To better monitor driving behaviours, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai will start implementing the new federal law governing driver's licence validity starting on July 1.
According to Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency, the initial validity of a new driving licence issued or replaced in the country has been set for only two years (from the previous 10) for UAE citizens, GCC nationals and other nationalities aged 21 years and above.
After the new licence expires, the renewal would be valid for 10 years for Emiratis and GCC nationals aged 21 years and above, and five years for other nationalities.
For those aged less than 21 years, be it citizens, GCC nationals or other nationalities, the initial validity of the driver licence shall be one year."
Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, told Khaleej Times: "It makes sense to reduce the validity from 10 years down to five years, and for motorists with certain chronic illnesses even down to shorter validity, to make sure traffic participants are in good shape, have good eye-sight and are fit to drive vehicles."