New Driving Licence Rules: Expats' Driving Licenses Will Be Valid For One Year

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior recently revised its rules for issuing driving licences in a major shift in policy. Sheikh Talal Al Khalid, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and acting Minister of Defence, issued Ministerial Decision No. 410 of 2023 that amended several provisions of Resolution No. 81 of 1976 pertaining to the executive regulations of the traffic law.

Multiple types of licences are affected by the changes.

Licenses issued for driving private cars, taxis, and transport cars will now be valid for 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, and one year for non-Kuwaitis.

There are two categories of 'general market licences': Category 'A' includes vehicles with more than 25 passengers and Category 'B' includes vehicles transporting hazardous substances. Passenger transport vehicles carrying between 7 and 25 passengers and transport vehicles with a load of more than 2 tons up to 8 tons come under category 'B'. For Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, these licenses will be valid for 10 years and for non-Kuwaitis for one year.

Motorbike licences are also addressed in the revamped regulations. Category 'A' licenses cover all types of motorized bicycles and teach motorized bicycle driving. Category 'B' permits the driving of all types of motorised bicycles with three or more wheels. For Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, the licence is valid for

three years, while non-Kuwaitis receive a validity of one year.

Licences for construction, industrial, agricultural, or tractor vehicles are valid for three years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, and one year for non-Kuwaitis.

All types of vehicles for specified service activities now require a new type of licence called a 'special activity market licence'. This license, valid for one year, is cancelled if the owner changes his profession or cancels his residency in the country.

In addition, the Ministry has introduced a salary requirement for motorised bicycle licenses. Applicants must have residency data and their salary should not be less than 120 dinars.

Additionally, certain categories have been excluded from the licence conditions. Some of these categories include Kuwaiti wives, widows, or divorcees with children from foreign partners, husbands and children of Kuwaiti women, illegal residents with valid cards, housewives with children whose husbands hold a valid licence, members of diplomatic bodies, professional players at sports clubs, and government representatives, among others.

According to the Ministry, the revised rules aim to standardize the licensing process and promote road safety. From the date of publication in the Official Gazette, the new Ministerial Decision takes effect.

Related News: No Expat Category Is Exempt From Driving License Decisions

 

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