From January 1, 2027, applicants seeking a driving licence in the UAE will be required to score at least 75 per cent in both the theory and practical tests. However, reaching this threshold alone will not guarantee a pass, as certain dangerous errors may result in failing the practical test regardless of the final score.

Under the new regulations, a distinction is made between serious errors and minor mistakes. Dangerous errors may result in failure, while less serious mistakes will be assessed through a points-based system and score deductions.

Hisham Al Rafei, a judicial adviser, said the regulations do not establish a single, uniform scoring system for all driving centres and schools across the UAE. Details of the assessment criteria will be determined by the relevant licensing authorities.

Which errors can result in failing the test?

Under Article 68 of the regulations, certain dangerous mistakes may result in an applicant failing even if they achieve the minimum score of 75 per cent.

These include losing control of the vehicle, hitting a kerb or obstacle, failing to comply with road signs or traffic signals, and making dangerous errors while changing gears.

An applicant may also fail if the examiner is forced to intervene verbally or physically to prevent a dangerous situation.

However, the regulations do not explicitly state that the test must be stopped immediately after such an error occurs.

The regulations also do not establish a uniform process for providing explanations and feedback to those who fail. This will depend on the procedures followed by the relevant licensing authority.

What happens after failing the practical test?

Under Article 69, if an applicant fails the practical driving test, the relevant licensing authority will set another date for them to retake it.

The new regulations do not specify a fixed waiting period before retaking the test.

They also do not require applicants to complete a specific number of additional driving lessons as a general condition for retaking the test. However, implementation details may vary depending on the procedures of the relevant licensing authority.

The regulations do not specifically address retest fees, which will be subject to the rules and procedures of the relevant licensing authority.

Will the new rules also apply to current learners?

The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2027, and do not provide a specific exemption for those who began driving lessons or booked their test before that date.

Therefore, anyone taking a driving test on or after January 1, 2027, should expect to be assessed under the new requirements, even if they began their training several months before the regulations took effect.

Driving schools and licensing authorities will also need to align their testing procedures with the new regulations, although the regulations do not specify what steps they must take before implementation begins.