Overview
In Oman, driving licences are issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) through its Directorate General of Traffic. New drivers first get a driving learning permit, train with a driving instructor, and then pass the ROP driving tests before the licence can be issued.
The ROP's official pages cover the permit and licence-issue steps but not the content of the tests. The description of the test stages below comes from published guides, so check the ROP or your driving school for the current format.
Who can apply
According to the official service page, the minimum ages are:
| Licence | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Light vehicle | 18 |
| Motorcycle | 18 |
| Mechanical equipment and heavy vehicles | 21 |
You need your ID card (Omani citizens) or resident card (residents) to apply for the learning permit. A valid eye test result is required before the licence is issued; guides say the eye test is done at an authorised optician.
Exam pattern
Guides describe the ROP test in two stages:
| Stage | Tests | What is checked |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (one day) | Sign test | Recognising traffic signs, in a short oral test with the examiner |
| Drum (parking) test | Manoeuvring and reversing the car between rows of drums | |
| Slope test | Moving off uphill from a standstill without rolling back | |
| Stage 2 | Road test | Driving in real traffic with an ROP examiner, including lane use, signalling, roundabouts, speed control and confidence |
You must pass Stage 1 before you can take the road test. A 2025 guide also describes knowledge of road signs, traffic rules and safe driving as part of the assessment, and says candidates who fail can retest after more training.
Fees
According to the official service page, as listed in 2026, the driving learning permit costs 5 Omani rials at a service centre or 6 rials through the ROP mobile app. The ROP licence-issue page notes that extra fines may be added if you have recorded traffic violations.
How to apply
Apply for a driving learning permit from the ROP Directorate General of Traffic, with your ID or resident card.
Train with a licensed driving instructor.
Pass the Stage 1 tests (signs, drum and slope), then the road test.
Get a valid eye test result.
Issue the licence through the ROP mobile app (Documents, then Driving Licenses, then Issue New Driving License) and pay the fee electronically. You can keep the digital licence or print it at a kiosk or police centre.
Preparation tips
Learn Oman's traffic signs thoroughly; the sign test comes first on Stage 1 day.
Practise reversing between markers until you can do it cleanly and with control.
Practise hill starts with the handbrake so the car does not roll back.
FAQs
How old do I need to be to get a driving licence in Oman?
18 for a light vehicle or motorcycle licence, and 21 for heavy vehicles and mechanical equipment.
What tests are in the ROP driving test?
Guides describe Stage 1 as a sign test, a drum (parking) test and a slope test, followed by Stage 2, a road test in traffic with an ROP examiner.
How much does the learning permit cost?
As listed on the official portal in 2026, 5 Omani rials at a service centre or 6 rials through the ROP app.