International Driving License in Kuwait
Are you an ex-pat ready to hit the roads in Kuwait City? If so, then you may need an international driver’s license from the country. Driving under Kuwaiti laws can be challenging for those unfamiliar, and travelers can only legally drive with an appropriate license.
Getting your hands on an international driver’s license is essential if you want to explore all that Kuwait has to offer on a visit visa or trip overseas in terms of sights and excursions—and luckily, getting one is as easy as ever!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about international driver’s licenses in Kuwait: what they are, how to get one, and more. So keep reading for all the details!
What is an International Driver’s License, and Why Should I Carry An International Driver’s License In Kuwait
An International Driver’s License (IDL) is an official document that allows you to drive in any foreign country without obtaining a license from the local authorities. It serves as a form of identification and proof that you can legally drive internationally.
Having an IDL in Kuwait is essential for travelers who want to explore the country while visiting. Kuwaiti driving laws are quite different from those in many other countries, and you must abide by them to stay safe and legally drive within the country. Kuwait driving license will ensure you can operate any vehicle in Kuwait without problems.
Requirements for an International Driver’s License in Kuwait
If you are a foreign national looking to drive in Kuwait, you must obtain an easy process valid international driver’s license. The Kuwaiti government requires this document to be obtained from your home country before traveling.
To successfully obtain an international driver’s license in Kuwait, you must fulfill the following requirements:
Age Requirements
You must be 18 to apply for an international driver’s license in Kuwait. If you are younger than this, then you will not be allowed to drive in the country.
Driving Record
You must present a clean driving record from your home country, with no major violations or accidents on file in the last two years. This will be checked against your current license when applying for an international driving license in Kuwait.
Proof of Identification
To obtain an international driver’s license from Kuwait, you must provide proof of your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. This can be done through a passport or official ID card.
Valid Home Country Driving License
You must also present a valid driving license from your country of residence. This document must not have expired and must include a clear photo of you to be accepted.
Proof of Insurance
You must also present proof that your car is insured in Kuwait. This can be done by showing a copy of the insurance policy or certificate issued by an insurer in Kuwait.
Fee Payment
Finally, you must pay a fee for the international driver’s license application. This fee varies depending on your country of residence and can be paid in cash or with a credit card at the appropriate location.
Steps Obtain an International Driver’s License in Kuwait
Gathering the Necessary Documents
Travelers should gather the necessary documents to obtain an international driver’s license in Kuwait. The most important document is a valid driver’s license from their home country. This must be presented to Kuwaiti authorities when applying for an international driver’s license.
Applying for the License
Once all the necessary documents have been gathered, travelers should visit their local Kuwaiti Department of Motor Vehicles to apply for an international driver’s license. The process typically involves filling out paperwork and providing proof of identity, such as a passport or valid ID card.
Getting A Certified Copy
To apply for a Kuwaiti international driver’s license, travelers should also obtain a certified copy of their home country’s driver’s license. This is typically done by visiting the local foreign affairs office or embassy in their home country and requesting a certified copy.
Completing the Application
Once all the necessary paperwork has been gathered, travelers should complete the application for an international driver’s license in Kuwait. This typically involves providing personal information, such as name, address, and other required documents.
Paying the Fees
The last step in obtaining an international driver’s license in Kuwait is to pay the associated fees. The fees vary depending on the type of license being applied for and any applicable additional charges.
Getting Your International Driver’s License
Once all the necessary steps have been completed and the fees have been paid, travelers will receive their international driver’s license in the mail or from Kuwaiti authorities.
How To Obtain an International Driver’s License Online in Kuwait
You can also obtain an International driver’s license online in Kuwait. Here’s what you need to do:
Gather Necessary Documents
Ensure the required documents are ready and available before applying for an international driver’s license.
Visit the Online Portal
The government agency websites are the official online portals for obtaining an international driver’s license in Kuwait. You will need to create an account to begin the application process.
Fill Out the Application Form
You will find an application form on the site that must be filled out and submitted along with the abovementioned documents.
Upload photos and documents.
You must upload a copy of your passport, visa, national driver’s license, and two passport-size photographs. Once uploaded, you may be asked to submit additional information or documents depending on the type of license being applied for.
Get Verified
After applying, you will undergo a verification process. Your documents and photos must be verified before you are allowed to proceed with the payment. The entire verification process may take up to 3 business days.
Pay Fees
You will need to pay a fee. The payment can be done using a credit card or electronic bank transfer.
Receive Your License
After submitting all necessary documents and paying the fee, your international driver’s license should arrive in your mail within two weeks. Keep it safe and present it to law enforcement officials when requested.
How To Renew International Driver’s License-in-Kuwait
If you are an ex-pat residing in Kuwait, then sooner or later, you will need to renew your international driver’s license. The process for this is fairly straightforward and can be completed relatively quickly.
The first step is ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork. This includes a valid passport from your home country, a Kuwaiti residency permit, and proof of your driving record from back home.
Once all these documents have been gathered, the next step is applying for renewal at the Kuwait licensing authority. The procedure requires an application form that can be obtained from any approved driving institute in Kuwait.
Next, if required, you must undergo a medical examination and eye test to certify that you can drive. Once all these documents and tests have been completed, you must submit them and your application form to the licensing authority for approval.
After a few days (or weeks in some cases), your new international driver’s license will be issued and ready for collection.
Benefits of Having an International driving license Kuwait
Recognition of Your Driving Credentials
A valid Kuwaiti driving license is recognized as proof of your ability to drive and your credentials, even if you do not have a valid driver’s license from your home country. This means that you can rent cars or other vehicles in Kuwait and confidently travel, knowing that your driving background is being acknowledged.
Ease of Traveling Around Kuwait
An international driver’s license makes it substantially easier for travelers to navigate around Kuwait, particularly in rural or off-the-beaten-path areas where public transportation may be limited. With an international driver’s license, travelers are no longer constrained by expensive taxi rides or complicated public transportation schedules.
Access to Cheaper Car Rental Rates
Having an international driver’s license in Kuwait gives you access to cheaper car rental rates, as some establishments may offer discounts or special offers for those with a valid international license.
Ability to Seek Assistance from Police Easily
In any emergency, possessing an international driver’s license allows police authorities and other local law enforcement agents to easily identify you and provide assistance if necessary.
Convenience for Long-Distance Travelers
An international driver’s license is particularly beneficial for those planning to travel long distances in Kuwait, as it eliminates the need to obtain multiple licenses in each country visited.
Peace of Mind
Lastly, having an international driver’s license in Kuwait gives travelers peace of mind while they explore and travel through the country. Knowing that your credentials are recognized and valid can make a difference when driving abroad!
What Is An International Driving Permit(IDP) and Why Carry An IDP While Driving in Kuwait
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that lets you legally drive in Kuwait and other countries without the need for additional tests or applications. International driving permits are recognized in more than 150 countries, including Kuwait. It’s an official translation of your domestic license into 10 to 12 international languages.
It’s important to note that if you’re driving in Kuwait, having an International driver’s permit does not replace the need for a valid Kuwaiti driver’s license. IDPs are only meant to supplement other legal documents and are not accepted as stand-alone licenses in any country.
Carrying an International Driver’s License while driving in Kuwait can help you avoid potential fines or penalties due to misunderstandings about local laws or regulations. It also makes it easier for police officers or authorities to identify who you are, which can help prevent unnecessary delays when pulled over for a traffic violation.
In addition, having an IDP ensures that your license is valid should you have an accident outside of Kuwait and need to prove your identity.
How to Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) In Kuwait
To obtain an IDP in Kuwait, you’ll need to submit the following documents to your local traffic department:
- A valid home country driver’s license
- Two passport-size photographs
- Completed application form
- Payment for the service fee
Once all necessary documents are submitted, it usually takes up to a week for the permit to be processed and another few days to arrive at your local post office. It’s important to note that once you receive your IDP, it will remain valid until it expires or your home country driver’s license is no longer valid.
Kuwait’s Driving Rules and Regulations And Tips on How to Safely Drive In Kuwait
- Driving is on the right side of the road.
- The minimum age limit to drive a car is 18 years, and renting a car is 21.
- Seat belts are required while driving, and child passengers must wear helmets if they are younger than 10.
- The legal blood alcohol content level is 0.00%; no drinking and driving is allowed.
- Maximum speed in urban areas is 45 km/h (27 mph) and 80 km/h (49 mph) in rural areas.
- Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited; using hands-free devices is permitted.
- Third-party vehicle insurance is compulsory.
- Ladies drivers may not wear veils that cover their faces.
- If a driver is involved in an accident, he must immediately notify the police and remain at the scene until the police arrive.
- Parking is prohibited in places where the curb is painted black and yellow. Digital cameras for registering traffic violations are used in Kuwait.
- Traffic signs are written in Arabic and English, so be aware of these.
- Avoid traveling during the rainy season from June to October as the temperature may be too hot, and roads can become slippery due to rain.
- Obtaining an international driver’s license before driving in Kuwait is important, or risk being subject to fines or prosecution if caught without one.
FAQs
Can I drive with my US license in Kuwait?
No, you cannot drive with your US license in Kuwait. It would be best if you got an International Driver’s License to legally drive in the country.
How can I get an international driving license in Kuwait?
You can get an international driving license in Kuwait by submitting the required documents to your local traffic department. Once you have summited the documents, you will be issued an international driver’s license.
What documents do I need to get an international driving license?
The documents required to obtain an international driving license in Kuwait are a valid passport, two passport-size photos of yourself, and a copy of your current Kuwait residency permit or visa.
Conclusion
Getting an International Driver License in Kuwait can be difficult and time-consuming. However, as this blog post has aimed to demonstrate, the benefits of having an IDL or IDP far outweigh any difficulties encountered in obtaining either. With the help of this guide, you should now know what both types of licenses are and their purposes, how to obtain them respectively, and the specific requirements for each license. Furthermore, the blog has highlighted the requirement for all drivers to adhere to while transporting on Kuwaiti roads and motorways. All these will ultimately make your driving experience much safer and more enjoyable.