The Ministry of Transport has affirmed that there will be no age-related barriers for individuals over the age of 18 seeking to obtain driving licences, following the gazettement of amended licensing regulations.

This clarification comes in response to widespread rumours and public uncertainty regarding the newly issued rules.

According to the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, the second amendment to the Licensing Rules, published today, does not impose any restrictions on individuals aged 18 and above. The updated provisions continue to allow all eligible applicants to sit for the mandatory examinations required for both temporary and permanent driving licences.

The Minister noted that the licensing process remains consistent with existing procedures, whereby applicants must complete the prescribed assessments before licences are granted.

In addition to reinforcing access to standard licences, the revised framework introduces a new category of licence tailored to the needs of senior citizens in islands. Under the updated rules, the councils have been granted the authority to issue a special licence to elderly residents for the operation of bicycles under 60cc and small island pickups. Eligibility for this special licence is contingent upon the completion of a four-hour training programme.

It was further indicated that the use of this special licence is geographically limited; holders will only be permitted to operate the specified vehicles within the island jurisdiction of the issuing council.