The General Traffic Department has shifted driving tests to morning hours effective June 21 2026 allowing those with evening appointments to complete procedures at testing centers from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm Assistant Director of the Traffic Awareness Unit Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan announced. In a statement to Kuwait TV Bu Hassan said work in driving education departments across governorates is limited to mornings and that the Ministry of Interior sends notifications to affected applicants. Those unable to attend can reschedule via the Sahel app he added.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan stated that all those with appointments for evening driving tests can now visit the testing centers on the specified day from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm to complete their procedures without obstacles. He added that those unable to attend or who missed their appointments can easily reschedule the driving test date through the Sahel application. The Ministry of Interior sends notifications and alerts to those with evening appointments informing them about the need to visit the centers in the morning. Bu Hassan called on the applicants to follow the notifications issued through the official applications and confirm the dates before heading to the testing centers to facilitate procedures and save time and effort.
General Traffic Department statistics published in 2018 by Arab Times indicated a total of 215368 driving license applicants the previous year including 166000 expatriates. Public Authority for Civil Information figures place Kuwait’s expatriate population at roughly 3.3 million representing more than two-thirds of total residents. The substantial demand for driving tests has prompted ongoing adjustments to procedures and scheduling by the authorities. The department’s data highlights the importance of efficient testing operations across all six governorates.
The Ministry of Interior transitioned driving test appointment bookings to the Sahel app beginning in 2025 according to multiple reports including from IFL Kuwait and user guides on social media. This move has allowed residents to book and reschedule tests online without needing to visit specific websites or offices initially. The app integrates various traffic services to reduce congestion at physical locations. Kuwait Updates on Instagram highlighted the app’s role in simplifying the process for both citizens and residents.
A modernized vehicle driving test system was implemented by the Ministry of Interior in August 2024 introducing a new written evaluation form for all categories Lexis.ae reported citing Arab Times. Applicants must score at least 75 percent out of 100 to pass the test under the updated format approved by Major General Yousef Al-Khuda. The Ministry of Interior said the measures would improve road safety reduce accidents and align with international standards. Further reforms in 2026 mandated structured training hours before evaluations with 20 hours required for residents and up to 40 for newcomers.
The General Traffic Department oversees the issuance of driving licenses and vehicle registrations in addition to managing traffic violations across Kuwait its official website details. The latest schedule modification applies to tests in all governorates and corresponds with current operational limitations to morning periods. Notifications through the Sahel app and other official channels ensure applicants remain informed of any updates to their test timings.
