Kuwait to Launch Driving Training Academies Under Stricter Licensing Reforms
KUWAIT — Kuwait is set to establish specialized driving learning academies as part of a broader effort to tighten licensing standards, improve driver competence, and enhance road safety, Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at the National Forum for Transport and Smart Services, the minister said the new academies will apply stricter regulations for individuals seeking driver’s licenses, with the aim of producing highly qualified and safety-conscious drivers. He noted that the implementation of Kuwait’s updated traffic law early last year has already contributed to improved driving behavior across the country.
Sheikh Fahad warned that expatriate motorists found committing serious traffic violations would be referred to authorities for deportation, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward reckless driving. He also urged Kuwaiti citizens to work as drivers for ride-hailing platforms such as Careem and Uber, citing communication challenges and limited road knowledge among some current drivers.
Director General of the Traffic Department Brigadier Omar Al-Sarri said authorities have decided to establish four driving academies dedicated to professional training and standardized testing. He explained that applicants for driver’s licenses will be required to complete structured training programs — 20 hours for residents already in Kuwait and up to 40 hours for individuals arriving from abroad.
Deputy Director of the Traffic Department Brigadier Khaled Al-Adwani said a tender for the establishment of the academies will be issued later this month. He also revealed that all traffic department services are expected to be fully digitized by the end of this year or early next year, streamlining procedures and reducing administrative delays.
The reforms appear to be delivering measurable results. Al-Adwani confirmed that traffic-related fatalities fell to 193 cases last year — a 32 percent decrease compared to the 284 deaths recorded in 2024. He also reported full compliance with seat belt regulations, marking a significant behavioral shift among motorists.
Looking ahead, officials said the reforms align with Kuwait’s long-term development goals, with the country aiming to reduce traffic accidents by 50 percent under its Kuwait Vision 2035 framework.
The introduction of driving academies represents a major step toward modernizing Kuwait’s transport ecosystem, reinforcing public safety, and promoting responsible driving culture nationwide.