Expat driving licenses to be issued only after driving test

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen on Monday revealed that driving licenses for expatriates will be issued only after completing a driving test.

The minister regulatory changes at a press conference held on Monday, where he revealed the changes made to the policies on issuing licenses to foreign drivers who hold valid driving licenses from their home countries.

According to Ameen, issuance of licenses to expatriates lacked any proper policies at the time when he assumed office. He also revealed that the local licenses issued to foreigners reflected longer validity periods compared to the respective foreign driving licenses.

“If licenses are issued after confirming the validity of all the limitations in a license, then these should be reflected on the issued licenses including the period of validity, and enforce other limitations as well,” Ameen said.

The minister further said the previous policies enhanced easier license procedure for expatriates compared to locals.

“Traffic difficulties are evident, including the narrower roads in Male’ City. So, the policy should not reflect on expatriates who acquire licenses in foreign countries based on this,” he added.

He added that this policy had also contributed towards the increase in accidents and loss of safety.

The minister revealed two amendments to the policy, which include:

• The validity period of the local license will be the same as the foreign licenses possessed by expatriates
• Local licenses will be issued only after the successful completion of a driving test

The requirement for the mandatory driving test to add a layer of safety and ensuring the license holders are fluent with Male’ City roads.

The previous administration had compiled and publicized a list of approved foreign licenses, which included 26 foreign countries.