Kuwait sets driving license validity at five years for expatriates
A private driving license covers cars (up to 7 passengers), transport vehicles (up to 2 tons), and taxis, valid for 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, five years for non-Kuwaitis, and per the review card for illegal residents.
• A motorcycle license covers all motorcycles under Category A and three-wheel or larger motorcycles under Category B, valid for 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, five years for non-Kuwaitis, and per the review card for illegal residents.
The Kuwaiti Official Gazette has published Interior Minister Decision No. 425 of 2025, amending provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 1976/81 on the executive regulations of the Traffic Law, according to Al Jarida newspaper.
The amendments redefine various driving license categories and their validity periods:
1. Private driving license
Issued for private cars (up to 7 passengers), transport vehicles (up to 2 tons), and taxis. Valid for 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, five years for non-Kuwaitis, and based on the review card for illegal residents.
2. General driving license
Category A: Covers vehicles with over 25 passengers, public transport, heavy transport (over 8 tons), hazardous materials transport, and driving instruction.
Category B: Covers vehicles carrying 7–25 passengers, public transport, and transport vehicles (2–8 tons).
Validity: 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, fiveyears for non-Kuwaitis, and based on the review card for illegal residents.
3. Motorcycle license
Category A: For all motorcycles, including driving instruction and ATVs.
Category B: For three-wheel or larger motorcycles.
Validity: Fifteen years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, five years for non-Kuwaitis, and based on the review card for illegal residents.
4. Construction, industrial, agricultural, or tractor license
Covers respective specialized vehicles with validity similar to other categories.
5. Special activity license
Issued for service-related vehicles as specified in the license, valid for 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens and five years for non-Kuwaitis. All licenses must comply with Article 92 of the amended resolution. Existing licenses remain valid until expiration.
For illegal residents, the license is valid according to the duration of the review card. It shall be canceled if the holder changes their profession or if their residency in the country is revoked. Driving is not permitted on public roads or in areas unrelated to service activities. The procedures and fees applicable to private driving licenses also apply to this license.
