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Medical requirements

Eye Test for a Kuwait Driving License: What to Expect

The GDT requires a medical examination before the learner's permit. Reports say an eye test is part of it for new applicants and, depending on age, at renewal: the details are not published by the GDT.

What the GDT says

In the official new-license procedure, you sign a medical fitness certificate once the request is approved. After the medical examination and the recording of your blood type, the License Department issues your learner's permit. The same step applies to the motorcycle license and instructor permits (New instructor permit).

The GDT page does not describe what the examination checks, and it does not mention an eye test by name.

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What other guides report

  • A widely used expat guide (updated August 2024) lists a medical certificate verified by a certified doctor among the requirements. It does not mention an eye test.
  • Wikiprocedure (edited May 2025) says the eye test depends on age: drivers up to 40 are exempt, and drivers aged 50 or older take it at the MPH clinic in Qortuba. It does not say what happens between 41 and 49.
  • A 2018 Kuwait Times headline advised drivers over 40 to wear glasses when renewing. We could not read the article text.
  • These reports disagree on the age threshold and some predate the 2025 changes to license validity, so treat them as pointers, not rules. Ask the GDT which age rule applies to you.

How to prepare

  1. Check the current procedure for your case: New driving license or Renew driving license.
  2. Wear your glasses or lenses to any check if you use them to drive.
  3. Bring your Civil ID and the papers listed in the guide for your procedure.
  4. Ask the GDT where the medical and eye checks are done and whether there is a charge.

License validity and renewals

Gulf News (March 2025) reports that Interior Minister Decision No. 425 of 2025 cut expat license validity to five years, with 15 years for Kuwaiti citizens and GCC nationals; licenses issued earlier stay valid until they expire. If that applies to you, your renewal will follow the new rules. For the renewal requirements see Renew driving license.

Sources

  • General Traffic Department (GDT), Ministry of Interior: Click here
  • Expat.com: Driving in Kuwait (updated 4 August 2024): Click here
  • Wikiprocedure: Kuwait, Renew your Driver's License (edited 1 May 2025): Click here
  • Gulf News: Kuwait cuts expat driving licence validity to 5 years (23 March 2025): Click here

Compiled October 2026. This site is independent and not affiliated with the Kuwait International Automobile Club or the government. Rules and offices change: confirm before you act.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an eye test for a driving license in Kuwait?

The GDT lists a medical examination and blood type before the learner's permit, but does not detail the checks. Third-party guides report an eye test for some applicants and for older drivers at renewal. Confirm with the GDT.

Where is the eye test done?

One guide mentions the MPH clinic in Qortuba for drivers aged 50 or older. The GDT does not publish locations on its procedure pages.

Do I need an eye test to renew?

It may depend on your age. Reports disagree on the thresholds, so ask the GDT.

How much is the medical exam?

The GDT page does not list a medical examination charge, and we do not publish unverified prices. Ask the GDT or the clinic.

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