Overview
Driving licences in Kuwait are issued by the General Department of Traffic (الإدارة العامة للمرور) of the Ministry of Interior. To get a licence, you get a medical certificate and a learning permit, then pass a theory test and a practical driving test. This page follows the Ministry's Arabic procedure pages, which describe the steps and documents. They do not publish the number of theory questions, the pass mark or the syllabus, so check with the Traffic Department.
Who can apply
For a motorcycle licence, the Ministry's page gives a minimum age of 18. The pages reviewed do not state the age for a private car licence.
Non-Kuwaitis need legal residence for two years, or as set by Ministerial Decision No. 1729 of 2005, and the Ministry publishes a separate document of conditions for non-Kuwaitis.
A licence issued to a non-Kuwaiti stays valid for as long as the residence permit.
Exam pattern
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Medical | A medical fitness form is signed, then the medical examination and blood group test are done. |
| Learning permit | After the medical, the licence section issues a driving-learning permit (تصريح تعليم القيادة). |
| Theory test | Taken after booking a test appointment through the Ministry's website. |
| Practical test | Taken after the theory test. You need to pass both before the licence is completed. |
How to apply
For a private licence, the Ministry lists these steps.
Print the licence application form.
After the application is approved, the medical fitness form is signed.
After the medical examination and blood group test, the licence section issues the learning permit.
Book a test appointment on the Ministry of Interior website. The Ministry also says driving test appointments are available through the Sahel app.
After passing the theory and practical tests, finish the licence procedure at the licence section.
Documents and fees
Copy of the civil ID and copy of the passport.
Two personal photos (4x6, blue background).
The learning form, with a fee depending on the licence type and expiry date.
For non-Kuwaitis: the original work permit and a copy with signature authentication (for people employed by companies), the security card, and a criminal-evidence request for stateless residents. Domestic workers need the original civil ID of the sponsor, attested by their embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The private licence page lists a fee of KD 10 (Kuwaiti dinar) and does not itemise what it covers.
For motorcycle licences, bring the civil ID or passport, blood group and medical examination results, and two photos.
Preparation tips
The Traffic Department site has a self-test (اختبر نفسك) link that you can use to practise.
Book the test appointment early, because you need the learning permit first.
Check whether your residence status meets the conditions for non-Kuwaitis before you start.
How do I book a driving test in Kuwait?
The Ministry of Interior says to book through its website, and that the appointment service is also available through the Sahel app.
Is there a minimum age for a Kuwait motorcycle licence?
Yes. The Ministry's motorcycle licence page says the applicant must be at least 18.