UAE driving licence at 17: Nervous, excited, teens say as parents wary

Many acknowledged the advantages the new law could bring to families, with teenagers able to assist with errands and school pick-up

Waad Barakat

Published: Fri 1 Nov 2024, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 1 Nov 2024, 8:36 AM

The decision to allow teenagers as young as 17 to obtain a UAE driver’s licence from March 29, 2025, has sparked excitement among young students eager to gain independence. Yet, it has also raised parental concerns about road safety and responsibility.

For Kinda Nemer, a 16-year-old high school student, the announcement brought mixed emotions. “For the most part, I feel very excited to be able to get a driver’s licence earlier,” she told Khaleej Times, noting that she can handle some family errands and get to school more conveniently.

However, she also believes complete independence comes with age. “I can’t deny that part of me feels nervous. There may only be a one-year age gap, but I think there’s a mental maturity gap too, which could impact driving safely,” she added.

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Others like Yara Osama, 16, another high school student, getting a driving licence at 17 “is a step towards greater autonomy.”

“I’m super excited. I’ve always wanted to drive for a while now. This means I can go places on my own and help out my family if they need anything,” said Yara, whose primary motivation for driving is to avoid relying on her parents for transportation.

“Mostly, I want freedom. Driving means I can manage my own schedule and not have to wait around to be dropped off or picked up,” she admitted.

Parents more cautious

While students eagerly look forward to getting behind the wheel, parents show a more cautious stance.

Rehab Abutaha, Yara’s mother, acknowledges the convenience this new rule could bring, but she’s also wary of the responsibilities it places on teenagers.

Rehab Abutaha

“I have mixed feelings about this new law, honestly,” she told Khaleej Times. “On the one hand, I know it will help my daughter be more independent and give us some flexibility with family errands. But at the same time, I’m a bit nervous. Driving in the UAE can be intense, and 17 feels young to be handling that level of responsibility. I’d want her to have extra lessons, especially about road safety, before she starts driving on her own.”

Another parent, Nedal Abdul-Jaber, believes the experience of driving at a young age will teach responsibility but feels it should be approached gradually. “I think it’s a good thing overall. Giving teens the chance to drive at 17 teaches them responsibility early,” he said, adding that he would impose some rules to ensure his child drives safely. “I’d want to set rules like no driving late at night and only driving to specific places until I feel comfortable with their skills. It’s important to balance freedom with safety.”

Preparing for responsibility

Some students are already preparing to embrace this responsibility. Saksham Uboweja, a 17-year-old car enthusiast, sees the new law as a welcome change. “The decision to allow 17-year-olds to apply for a driving license is an exciting and progressive step,” he said, recognising that adjusting to Dubai’s busy roads will be essential. “I know adapting to Dubai’s roads will be crucial.”

Saksham Uboweja

For Mohamed Al Mansouri, an Emirati resident of Al Ain who turned 17 years old two months ago, is thrilled about the recent decision to allow younger individuals to apply for driving licences. “I’m planning to apply for it,” he shared.

Having learned to drive in his backyard with the help of his older brothers, he has been looking forward to this moment for quite some time. “I’ve wanted to drive since I was 15. Sometimes it’s tough to rely on others for rides, especially for simple errands or short trips,” he said, highlighting the independence that comes with driving.

Despite some hesitation, parents like Nedal Abdul-Jaber acknowledge the potential advantages the law could bring to families, with teenagers able to assist with errands and school pick-ups. “It could be very helpful for our family, especially with things like picking up younger siblings from school,” he said.

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