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Kuwait – Driving Licenses

Kuwait is a small country located in the Middle East. If you are planning on driving in Kuwait as a foreign national, it is important to understand the rules and regulations for obtaining a driving license. In this article, we will provide answers to some frequently asked questions about driving licenses in Kuwait.

General Rules for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals who are residents of Kuwait and have a valid residency permit are allowed to drive in Kuwait using their home country driving license for a period of up to three months. After this period, they must obtain a Kuwaiti driving license.

Tourists and visitors to Kuwait are allowed to drive using their home country driving license for a period of up to three months. After this period, they are not allowed to drive in Kuwait and must obtain a Kuwaiti driving license.

Exchange of Driving Licenses

Foreign nationals who wish to exchange their home country driving license for a Kuwaiti driving license must go through a driving test. However, if they hold a driving license from certain countries, they may be exempt from the driving test.

The list of countries whose citizens are exempt from the driving test can be found on the website of the Kuwait Traffic Department.

Obtaining a Driving License in Kuwait

To obtain a driving license in Kuwait, foreign nationals must meet the following requirements:


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  • Hold a valid residency permit
  • Pass a medical examination
  • Attend a driving course
  • Pass a driving test

The driving course consists of 40 hours of theory and 20 hours of practical training. The driving test consists of a practical examination on the road.

The procedure for obtaining a driving license in Kuwait can be found on the website of the Kuwait Traffic Department.

Renewing a Driving License

Driving licenses in Kuwait are valid for 10 years. Before the license expires, it must be renewed. The process for renewing a driving license in Kuwait is similar to the process for obtaining a driving license.

The procedure for renewing a driving license in Kuwait can be found on the website of the Kuwait Traffic Department.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized in Kuwait. Foreign nationals who wish to drive in Kuwait must obtain a Kuwaiti driving license.

Penalty System for Motoring Offences

If a foreign national is caught committing a motoring offence in Kuwait, their driving license may be suspended or revoked. The penalty for committing a motoring offence varies depending on the offence committed.

The penalty system for motoring offences in relation to driving licenses in Kuwait can be found on the website of the Kuwait Traffic Department.

Driving in Kuwait as a foreign national requires obtaining a Kuwaiti driving license. Tourists and visitors are allowed to drive using their home country driving license for a limited period, after which they must obtain a Kuwaiti driving license. The process for obtaining or renewing a driving license in Kuwait involves a driving course and a driving test. Foreign nationals who hold a driving license from certain countries may be exempt from the driving test. An International Driving Permit is not recognized in Kuwait, and the penalty for committing a motoring offence can result in the suspension or revocation of a driving license.