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New Driving License Rules in Kuwait 2025

New Driving License Rules in Kuwait 2025
New Driving License Rules in Kuwait
ByIgwe Ifeanyi Updated

As of 2025, the Kuwaiti government has introduced new driving license regulations, amending certain provisions of the traffic law. The new driving license rules in Kuwait bring changes to the license validity period of both Kuwaiti citizens and expats while introducing new definitions to certain license types. This article outlines these new driving license rules in 2025, equipping you with what you need to know concerning them.

New Driving license Rules for Kuwaiti Citizens 

These are the new driving license rules for Kuwait and GCC citizens in 2025:

License Type Vehicle Eligibility Minimum Age Validity Period
Private Driving license Private cars (up to 7 passengers), small trucks (up to 2 tons), and taxis.  18 years 15 years
General Driving license– Category A Heavy vehicles (more than 25 passengers), trailers, hazardous material vehicles, public transport, driving school vehicles 21 years 15 years
General Driving license– Category B Medium vehicles (7–25 passengers), trucks with 2–8 ton capacity 21 years 15 years
Motorcycle license– Category A All motorcycles and for teaching motorcycle driving 18 years 15 years
Motorcycle license– Category B Motorcycles with 3 or more wheels 18 years 15 years
Construction, Industrial, Agricultural, or Tractor License Bulldozers, cranes, tractors, and other machinery 21 years 15 years
Special Activity Driving license Emergency vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and other special purpose vehicles 21 years 15 years or the duration of the profession. 

New Driving license Rules for Expatriates in Kuwait

The following are the new driving license rules for expatriates in Kuwait: [1]

license Type Vehicle Eligibility Minimum Age Validity Period
Private Driving license Private cars (up to 7 passengers), small trucks (up to 2 tons), and taxis. 18 years 5 years
General Driving license– Category A Heavy vehicles (more than 25 passengers), trailers, hazardous material vehicles, public transport, driving school vehicles 21 years 5 years
General Driving license– Category B Medium vehicles (7–25 passengers), trucks with 2–8 ton capacity 21 years 5 years
Motorcycle license– Category A All motorcycles and for teaching motorcycle driving 18 years 5 years
Motorcycle license– Category B Motorized vehicles  with 3 or more wheels 18 years 5 years
Construction, Industrial, Agricultural, or Tractor License Bulldozers, cranes, tractors, forklifts, and other machinery 21 years 5 years
Special Activity Driving license Emergency vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and other special purpose vehicles 21 years 5 years or duration of the profession.

New Private Driving License Rules for Kuwait Citizens

The following are the new private license rules for Kuwait citizens: [2]

  • Applicants must be the age of 18 or above.
  • Applicants must be registered at the national military service system.
  • All the required documents must be valid and complete.
  • An appointment with the Ministry of Interior is required.
  • Applicants must pass the theoretical and practical tests overseen by the Kuwait Traffic Department.
  • Applicants must complete and pass the medical examination tests.
  • Applicants must appear in person for the application process.
  • Applicants are responsible for the driving license fees.

New General Driving License Rules for Kuwait Citizens

The new rules for obtaining a general driving license for Kuwaiti citizens are as follows:

  • Applicants must be the age of 21 or above.
  • A medical examination confirming the applicant’s fitness to drive is mandatory.
  • Applicants are required to pass both the theoretical and practical driving tests administered by the General Traffic Department.
  • Driving test appointments must be scheduled through the Ministry of Interior’s official website.
  • Applicants must appear in person for the application process.
  • Applicants must provide all necessary documentation.
  • Applicants are responsible for the driving license fees.
  • A proof of registration with the military service system is required.

New Motorcycle Driving License Rules for Kuwait Citizens

Below are the new rules for motorcycle driving licenses for Kuwait citizens:

  • Applicants must be the age of 18 or above.
  • A medical examination confirming the applicant’s fitness to drive is mandatory.
  • Both theoretical and practical driving tests, administered by the General Traffic Department, must be passed.
  • Driving test appointments are to be scheduled online through the Ministry of Interior’s website.
  • In-person appearance is mandatory for the application process.
  • All necessary documents must be submitted.
  • Applicants are liable for driving license fees.
  • A proof of registration with the military service system is required.

New Private Driving License Rules for Kuwait Residents

Here are the new rules applicable to Kuwait residents applying for a private driving license:

  • Applicants must be the age of 18 or above.
  • Applicants must possess a valid residency.
  • A residency period of 2 years is required.
  • Only residents with a minimum salary of 600 KD can apply (except in certain cases).
  • Only residents with a university degree can apply (except in certain cases).
  • The necessary application documents must be valid and complete.
  • A medical examination confirming the applicant’s fitness to drive is mandatory.
  • Applicants are required to pass both the theoretical and practical driving tests administered by the General Traffic Department.
  • Driving test appointments must be scheduled through the Ministry of Interior’s official website.
  • Applicants must appear in person for the application process.
  • Applicants are responsible for the license fees.

New General Driving License Rules for Kuwait Residents

To obtain a general driving license, the following rules apply for Kuwaiti residents:

  • Applicants must be the age of 21 or above.
  • Applicants must possess a legal residency.
  • A residency duration of 2 years is required.
  • Only residents with a minimum salary of 600 KD can apply (except in certain cases).
  • Only residents with a university degree can apply (except in certain cases).
  • Required documents must be valid and submitted completely.
  • Applicants must pass the theoretical and practical tests overseen by the Kuwait. Traffic Department.
  • Applicants must complete and pass the medical examination tests.
  • Applicants must appear in person for the application process.
  • The driving license fees have to be paid.

New Motorcycle Driving License Rules for Kuwait Residents

Here are the new motorcycle driving license rules for Kuwait residents:

  • Applicants must possess a valid legal residency in Kuwait.
  • The legal residency must have been valid for a minimum of two years.
  • The applicant’s residency must indicate “motorcycle driver” as their profession.
  • Only residents with a minimum salary of 120 KD can apply (except in certain cases).
  • Only residents with a university degree can apply (except in certain cases).
  • Applicants must submit all the necessary documents.
  • Applicants must successfully pass the required medical fitness test.
  • Applicants are required to pass the theoretical and practical driving tests administered by the General Traffic Department.
  • Applicants must appear in person for the application process.
  • Applicants must pay the applicable driving license fees.

Things to Know About the New Traffic Rules in Kuwait

Residents in Kuwait should note the following concerning the new license rules:

New Driving License Rules in Kuwait
New Driving License Rules in Kuwait
  • Physical license for expats: For 10 KD, expats in Kuwait can now print out their digital driving license.
  • Vehicle inspection: Private vehicles owned by expats in Kuwait will undergo inspections 3 years after purchase, then 6 years after purchase, and finally 8 years after purchase. 
  • License validity for stateless residents: The license validity duration for illegal residents is based on the review card.
  • Special license validity: Specialized licenses may become invalid if the holder switches profession or role.
  • License use limitations: License holders can only drive vehicles that match their license category. For example, a category A motorcycle license doesn’t permit driving category B motorcycles.
  • Penalties: Driving without the appropriate license may attract a fine of up to 30 KD. Repeated offenses may potentially lead to deportation.
  • Salary requirement: Residents who fulfill the 600 KD minimum salary requirement and obtains a driving license may have it withdrawn if they move to a job with lesser pay.

Driving License Fees in Kuwait

The driving license fees in Kuwait are as follows:

Category Fees
Private driving license
  • 10 KD application fee
  • 5 KD test retaking fee
General driving license
  • 10 KD application fee
  • 5 KD test retaking fee
Motorcycle license 
  • 10 KD application fee
  • 5 test retaking fee
Construction/Industrial/Agricultural vehicle license
  • 10 KD application fee
  • 10 KD test retaking fee
License printing fees
  • 10 KD
License renewal fees
  • 5 KD

Conclusion

The new driving license rules regulate the license validity of Kuwaiti citizens to 15 years and that of expats to five years. It is important to pay attention to all the implemented changes to avoid legal complications and fines.

Questions & Answers

What are the new validity periods for driving licenses in Kuwait?

The new validity periods for driving licenses inKuwait is as follows: 15 years for Kuwaiti and GCC citizens and 5 years for expats.

What happens to my Kuwait license after the validity period is over?

Once your Kuwaiti license reaches its validity period, it will no longer be considered valid.

My Kuwait driving license has reached its validity period, what should I do?

If your driving license has reached its validity period, you will need to renew it.

Can expatriates convert their foreign driving licenses to Kuwaiti licenses?

Some countries have agreements with Kuwait that allow their citizens to convert foreign driving licenses without taking a driving test.

How can I get a driving license as an expat in Kuwait?

To get a driving license in Kuwait, you must meet the stated requirements, submit an application to the General Traffic Department, and pass the available tests.

What happens if I drive with an expired driving license?

Driving with an expired driving license will attract a fine and may ultimately lead to deportation for repeated offenses.

How can I check the validity of my driving license?

You can check the validity of your Kuwait driving license through the General Traffic Department’s online portal.

References

[1]moi.gov.kwdriving license conditions20 Apr 2025
[2]moi.gov.kwDriving License20 Apr 2025
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