Increase in instances of unsupervised teen driving reported in Kuwait
In the heart of the Middle East, Kuwait is grappling with a concerning trend - an increase in the number of juveniles driving without a license. Official statistics reveal that between June 28 and July 28, 2025, a staggering 244 cases were referred to the authorities [1][3].
This surge in unlicensed driving by youngsters is believed to be influenced by broader social factors such as increased access to vehicles, peer influence, or gaps in supervision and enforcement. However, the exact reasons for this rise remain unclear [1].
In response to this issue, the Kuwaiti authorities have been actively referring these cases to law enforcement and relevant bodies to ensure legal consequences and deterrence [1][3]. Additionally, a joint campaign by Kuwait’s Commerce and Health ministries is underway, aiming to raise awareness and potentially enforce stricter regulations related to juvenile driving [1].
While specific new policies regarding juvenile driving licenses were not found in the available information, neighboring regulatory updates, such as the requirement of a father's consent for minors to travel abroad, indicate a trend towards tightening control over minors' activities [4].
The rise in unlicensed driving by juveniles is a cause for concern for traffic officials. They urge everyone to strictly follow traffic regulations as a means to protect the safety and future of youngsters in Kuwait. Ignoring these regulations can lead to legal consequences and traffic risks.
Traffic officials believe that adhering to traffic regulations can help reduce traffic risks and prevent legal consequences. They also emphasise the crucial role families can play in preventing juveniles from driving without a license.
As the authorities continue their efforts to address this issue, further authoritative sources from Kuwaiti traffic or interior ministries will be needed to fully understand the underlying causes and specific policy responses. Until then, the importance of following traffic regulations cannot be overstated.
In light of the rise in unlicensed driving by juveniles, discussions about safety concerns have expanded to include general-news topics and even crime-and-justice, as law enforcement is involved in addressing this issue. Moreover, sports authorities may share an interest in promoting responsible behavior among youngsters, as they may encounter similar peer-pressure situations during sports activities.
