Kuwait has announced significant changes to its driving license regulations for Kuwaiti citizens, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and expatriates.
Under the new system, the validity period for expatriate driving licenses has been reduced to five years, while Kuwaiti citizens and GCC nationals will retain a 15-year validity, according to local media reports.
These changes, outlined in Interior Minister Decision No. 425 of 2025, aim to enhance road safety and align Kuwait’s transportation policies with international standards. The decision, published in the Kuwaiti Official Gazette, amends Ministerial Resolution No. 76 of 1981, redefining the conditions for issuing, renewing, and categorizing driving licenses.
Validity Periods: Expatriates must renew their driving licenses every five years, while stateless residents (Bidoons) will receive licenses valid only for the duration of their review cards.
Private Licenses: Valid for vehicles carrying up to seven passengers or small transport vehicles with a load capacity of no more than two tons.
General Driving Licenses: Now classified into:
Category A – Heavy transport vehicles.
Category B – Medium-sized vehicles.
Motorcycle Licenses: Restructured into separate categories for two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles.
Specialized Licenses: Required for operating construction, industrial, agricultural, and tractor vehicles.
Special Activity Licenses: Introduced for vehicles used exclusively in designated service activities, linked to the holder’s job function and residency status.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that while application procedures and fees remain unchanged, strict enforcement of the new classifications and validity periods will be in place.
Existing licenses will remain valid until their expiration, after which renewals must comply with the revised regulations.
This overhaul is expected to improve regulatory oversight, enhance road safety, and ensure a more structured licensing system in Kuwait.