The route is the same whether you are a citizen or a resident, but residents have a few extra papers to bring. Non-Kuwaiti licenses are tied to your residency: according to the GDT, they stay valid for as long as your residency is valid.
Before you start, check whether you meet the residency, salary and degree rules in Conditions for non-Kuwaitis if you are not a Kuwaiti citizen.
Steps to get your license
- Print the request. Fill in the driving license request form (the official PDF is further down this page).
- Sign the medical fitness certificate once the request has been approved.
- Medical examination and blood type. After the exam and blood group are recorded, the License Department issues your driving learner's permit.
- Book your driving test. The GDT says the appointment is made through the Ministry of Interior website.
- Pass the practical and theory tests. After both, the License Department continues the issuing procedure and your license is produced.
Documents you need
Documents for everyone
- Copy of your Civil ID
- Copy of your passport
- Two photos with a blue background, size 4x6
- The learner's form, which depends on the license type and its expiry date
Extra documents for non-Kuwaitis
- Original work permit and a copy, plus signature authorization for employees of companies and institutions
- Security ID and a criminal-record request for people of non-specific nationality
- For domestic workers (article 20): the employer's original Civil ID and the embassy ratification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Legal residency of 2 years, or as set by Ministerial Resolution No. 1729/2005
Good to know
- Keep every receipt and the learner's permit: you will need the permit later to book and sit the tests.
- Rules can change. Confirm the latest requirements on the GDT website before you go.
- Already driving on a foreign license? Read international driver's license in Kuwait to see who can keep using one. Curious about the medical step? See the eye test guide.
Official form (PDF)
Official GDT request form for a new driving license. Original document published by the General Traffic Department (GDT), Ministry of Interior. We host a copy for convenience and it is unchanged.
Download PDFOriginal source: Click here
Source: Based on the official GDT procedure page:Click here.
Compiled October 2026. Rules and offices can change: confirm with the GDT before you go. This site is not affiliated with the government.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new driving license cost in Kuwait?
The fee is set by the GDT and can change, so we do not list amounts. Check the current fee on the official GDT page linked at the bottom of this page.
What are the steps to get a driving license in Kuwait?
Print the request, sign the medical fitness certificate, complete the medical exam to get a learner's permit, book a driving test through the Ministry of Interior website, then pass the practical and theory tests.
How long is a driving license valid for a non-Kuwaiti?
The GDT states that licenses issued to non-Kuwaitis are valid according to the validity of the residency.
Where do I book the driving test?
The GDT says the appointment has to be made through the Ministry of Interior website.
How do I apply for a driving licence in Kuwait?
You apply to the General Traffic Department by printing the driving license request, then follow the medical check, learner's permit and test steps above. "Licence" and "license" are two spellings of the same document: the GDT's English pages use "license".
Is there an eye test for the Kuwait driving license?
The GDT procedure lists a medical fitness certificate and a medical examination with your blood type. It does not detail the individual checks. See what guides report about the eye test and ask the GDT what the examination includes.
How can I prepare for the theory test?
Work through the sample questions and the test overview, then take a free practice test on this site.