Kuwait Car Driving License Made Simple: Process, Documents, and Tips

05/05/2025

Kuwait Car Driving License Made Simple: Process, Documents, and Tips

Getting a driving license in Kuwait may seem complicated at first, but with the right guidance, the process can be smooth and straightforward. Whether you're applying for a learner’s license, seeking a step-by-step guide to obtain a full driving license, or planning to convert your existing non-Kuwaiti license into a valid Kuwaiti one, this article covers everything you need to know. From eligibility criteria and required documents to practical tips and official procedures, we’ll walk you through each step to help you get behind the wheel legally and confidently.

1. Check Eligibility

Salary: KD 600 (unless exempt)
Residency: 2 years
University Degree: Required (unless exempt job title like “Driver”)

Job Categories Usually Eligible to Apply (with conditions)

These professions are exempted from the standard salary and residency requirements.

Doctors (all specializations)
Pharmacists
Engineers
Teachers
Judges and Lawyers
University Professors & Lecturers
Accountants and Auditors
Technicians in approved fields (e.g., IT, medical, aviation)
Drivers (with company sponsorship)
Pilots and Aviation Staff
Journalists and Media Professionals
Imams and Religious Workers
Sports Professionals / Coaches
Nurses and Paramedics
Company Managers or Supervisors (depending on designation in work permit)
Housewife with school going children (Under husbands sponsorship)

Job Categories Generally Not Eligible

Domestic workers
Delivery workers (unless through a company and under driver visa)
Laborers or construction helpers
Porters or cleaners
Barbers, bakers, tailors (in non-supervisory roles)
Waiters, kitchen helpers

2. Documents Required

Print a driving license request
Signing a medical fitness certificate after the request approval
After the medical examination and specifying the blood type, A driving learning permit will be issued from the License Department.
An appointment for a driving test has to be made through Meta (https://meta.e.gov.kw/) website
After passing the Practical and Theoretical tests, the license (Details to secure Learners license is mentioned below) issuing procedures will be continued through the License Department
Civil ID copy
Passport copy
2 photos with a blue background size 4x6

3. Apply for a Learner’s License (also known as an istimara)

Once the Traffic Department confirms you meet the eligibility criteria:

- Apply for a Learner’s License

- Receive a learner's permit, valid for 12 months

During this time, you must:

- Take driving lessons

- Prepare for the theory and practical tests

- Kindly note that for tests, you will need to take an appointment; many times it will show full, hence other options are

Use Sahel App
Coordinate with Driving School
Try different at midnight to book appointments (Specially on Friday nights)
Visit Traffic Department in Person

4. Take the Theory Test

Covers: Road signs, Driving rules, Traffic safety

Minimum score of 60% is required to pass theory test.

Centers for test: Ahmadi Governorate, Hawalli Governorate, Jahra Governorate, Mubarak Al Kabir Governorate, Farwaniya Governorate, Capital Governorate, Traffic Institute

5. Take the Practical (Road) Test

Conducted by the General Traffic Department (Muror), your skills will be tested on parking in reverse and front at side parks, etc

You’ll be observed while driving in a controlled environment

6. Pass the Tests

If you pass both:

Your Learner’s License is converted into a Full Driving License

7. Pay Fees & Collect Driving License

Fees: Approx. KD 10

You’ll get a plastic card license issued on the spot or within a few days

Driving License Renewal

You can renew your driving license over The current driving license renewal is valid for 5 years. If you wish to receive a printed card, a fee of KD 10 applies. Typically, you can access your driving license through the My Kuwait Mobile ID app or Sahel App.
If you plan to drive a car outside Kuwait, you'll need a printed driving license card, as the Kuwaiti license is internationally recognized for tourists on short stays.

Where to Print Your Renewed Kuwait Driving License

Self-Service Kiosks (License Printing Machines) are available at:

Ministry of Interior (MOI) – General Traffic Department Headquarters
South Surra (main building)
Avenues Mall (Ground floor near government services zone)
Al-Kout Mall: In Fahaheel – often near the main entrance
Marina Mall - Salmiya – near customer service area
Kuwait Service Centers (Sahel App-connected centers) - Various locations in each governorate (e.g., Jahra, Farwaniya, Hawalli)
Co-Op Societies (selected ones) - Some co-ops like Qortuba, Mishref, and Jabriya have kiosks

What You Need to Print the License

Civil ID
Old driving license (if you have it)
Sometimes you may need to verify via your Sahel App or fingerprint scanner

Converting Foreign Driving License to Kuwait

This service allows Expats to replace their non-Kuwaiti driving licenses with Kuwaiti licenses, pursuant to the Traffic Law Articles and Provisions, Executive Regulation No. (76/67), and Amendments thereof

Eligibility or Criteria

The license to be replaced must be valid in the applicant's home country
Foreign applicants must translate the license information into Arabic. Then, the translation must be attested by the applicants' embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm the applicant's information, pursuant to the Ministerial Decree No. (1729/2005)

Required Documents

Translation of the foreign license (Non-Arabic)
Attestation of the non-Arabic license
Two (2) personal photos (4 × 6 cm) with blue background
Copy of the civil ID

Which Nationals Driving License Accepted to Exchange to Kuwait Driving License

While the MOI does not publish a comprehensive list of accepted countries, certain countries' nationals are generally eligible to exchange their driving licenses. These include:

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) can exchange their driving licenses without the need for additional tests.
European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) Countries: Citizens from countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and others may be eligible, subject to verification and attestation of their licenses
Other Countries: Citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan may also be eligible, depending on the specific agreements and requirements.nn

It is important to note that the acceptance of foreign driving licenses is subject to the discretion of the MOI, and additional requirements may apply based on the applicant's nationality and the issuing country's regulations.

Important Notes

Knowledge and Practical Tests: Some applicants may be required to pass a written knowledge test and a practical driving test, depending on the assessment by the Traffic Department.

Job Title and Salary Requirements: Certain job titles and salary thresholds may be required to obtain or renew a driving license in Kuwait. For example, expatriates may need to have a university degree and a monthly salary of at least KD 600.

Processing Time: The processing time for exchanging a foreign driving license can vary. It's advisable to inquire about the expected timeline when submitting your application.

For your legal queries, visit our legal section or email [email protected]