No matter what country you live in, one thing is universal: teenagers want independence, and one big marker of growing up is being able to drive a car. Though the minimum driving age varies from country to country, teens worldwide count down the months until they can apply for their first license.
For families moving overseas or teens in exchange programs, it’s important to know the minimum age to drive in other countries. We’ve created this guide at Remitly to walk you through driving age requirements worldwide. We’ll explain how licensing works globally and what to keep in mind if you or your family plan to drive in another country.
Factors influencing driving age policies
Driving rules aren’t random; they’re shaped by safety considerations, culture, and local infrastructure. Before diving into specific driving ages in different countries, let’s look at some of the factors that shape these laws.
- Road safety statistics: Governments set minimum driving ages based on crash data and accident risks. Countries with high teen accident rates often raise the minimum age or require longer supervised learning periods to keep young drivers safe.
- Cultural attitudes toward youth independence: Societal norms influence when teens can hit the road. In North America, where independence is encouraged early, driving ages tend to be lower, while countries prioritising extended parental guidance may set higher age limits.
- Public transportation availability: In areas with good public transit infrastructure, teens can often get around without driving, so the legal driving age is set higher.
- Economic factors and vehicle ownership costs: In wealthier areas with widespread car access, stricter licensing rules can manage traffic and risk. In lower-income regions, younger driving ages may help families meet practical transportation needs.
North America: among the youngest to drive legally
In many parts of North America, you can legally drive a vehicle earlier than in other areas of the world.
United States
In Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota, you can start driving as early as 14 with a learner’s permit. In other states, the minimum age to start learning to drive ranges from 14 and a half to 16. You can get a full driver’s license between 16 and 18 in all states.
Most states use a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), a three-stage program (learner’s permit, provisional, and full licensing) that helps you gain experience in low-risk situations. With a GDL, you have to follow certain rules, such as logging supervised hours, avoiding late-night driving, or limiting the number of young passengers you can carry.
Canada
Canada also relies on graduated licensing systems involving multiple stages of learning, with ages for each stage varying by province.
In Alberta, you can apply for a learner’s permit at 14. In Saskatchewan, the minimum age to drive is 15 with high school driver education or 16 without one. In Ontario and most other provinces, you can get a license at 16.
Mexico
In Mexico, the minimum driving age varies by state, ranging from 15 to 18. At 15, you can get a provisional permit, but with stricter rules. This includes driving with an adult supervisor, obeying curfews, keeping to lower speed limits, and using only personal vehicles under 3.5 tons.
Here’s a quick comparison table for the driving ages across North America:
| Country | Learner’s permit | Full license |
| US (varies by state) | 14–16 | 16–18 |
| Canada (varies by province) | 14–16 | 16–18 |
| Mexico (varies by state) | 15–18 | 18 |
Note that as a foreign visitor, you must be 18 to drive in Mexico or the US, or meet the minimum age requirement of the province you’re visiting in Canada (16 to 18).
Minimum driving ages in Europe
Europe treats driving as a gradual responsibility, with most countries requiring supervised practice before granting full independence.
United Kingdom
In the UK, you can apply for a provisional license at 15 and nine months, but it does not become valid until you’re 16. You can start motorbike lessons at 16 or car lessons when you’re 17, but you’ll have to drive with an instructor or another licensed driver who meets certain requirements. Once you pass the theory and practical driving tests, you can get a full license—you don’t have to wait until you turn 18, like in many other countries.
Germany
The minimum driving age in Germany is 17, thanks to the BF17 program, but you’ll have to drive under adult supervision until 18. This gives you valuable supervised experience before getting a full driver’s license. After turning 18 and passing the driving test, you can drive independently.
France
In France, you can start supervised driving at 15 with parental consent under the Apprentissage Anticipé de la Conduite (AAFC) program. You can get a full license at 18 after completing at least 20 hours of lessons and passing the required tests.
Scandinavia
Driving rules vary across Scandinavian countries. Norway issues learner’s permits at 15, with full licenses for light motorbikes available at 16. Sweden allows supervised practice from 16, but independent driving (category B driver’s license) at 18. Denmark sets the minimum age to start driving at 17, with limitations until 18. In all three countries, you’ll have to wait until you’re 18 to get a full license to drive a car.
Once issued, most European licenses are mutually recognised across member states, making it easier for drivers to move or travel between countries.
Asia-Pacific driving regulations
Driving ages vary widely across the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting different cultural and legal approaches to road safety.
Australia
Australia, like many countries, uses a graduated learning system. You can apply for a learner’s permit when you are 16 years old. This ensures new drivers start gaining supervised experience early, allowing you to build skills under guidance before moving to a provisional license and eventually a full license (at 17). This system helps drivers gain confidence and drive safely.
New Zealand
Teens in New Zealand also follow the graduated system. You can get a learner’s permit at 16 to start practising driving with a supervisor. After six months, you can apply to take a driving test and get a restricted license, which gives you more independence but still carries certain limitations. After 12 or 18 months, depending on whether you take an official course, you can apply for a full license.
Japan
The minimum age for a standard driving license in Japan is 18. The process includes classroom lessons, behind-the-wheel training, a written exam on road rules, and a practical driving test. Most people finish everything within two to three months.
China
The minimum age to apply for a provisional driver’s license for private cars and light goods vehicles in China is 18. This age also applies to those who temporarily need to rent and drive Chinese motor vehicles within the country.
South Korea
Drivers need to be at least 18, with different categories of licenses for various vehicles. South Korea emphasises safety and proper training before granting full driving privileges.
Singapore
In Singapore, you have to be 18 to drive, and car ownership is tightly controlled through the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. This competitive bidding process gives you the right to own a vehicle for 10 years and helps manage road congestion under the vehicle quota system.
India
In India, you can get a learner’s permit to drive a motorbike at 16; for other vehicles, you must wait until 18. You’ll have to pass a medical evaluation to get the permit. Between one and six months after getting the permit, you can apply to take the required tests to get your full license.
The Middle East and Africa: minimum driving ages
Driving laws in the Middle East and Africa blend traditions with modern approaches.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women driving in 2018. Now, drivers have to be at least 18 years old and pass theory and practical exams. Applicants with valid foreign licenses from recognised countries may be exempt from testing, but everyone has to complete a medical examination.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE, the minimum driving age is 17 for motorcycles and vehicles for people with special needs, and 18 for cars and light vehicles. To get a license, you need to enrol in an approved driving school, complete the required training, and pass both theory and road tests.
South Africa
In South Africa, you can apply for a learner’s license at 17. After passing the tests, you can get a full driver’s license, which requires supervised driving.
Egypt
In Egypt, the minimum age for a standard driver’s license is 18. You’ll need to pass tests and conduct a medical check to receive your license.
Getting a driver’s license in Latin America
Latin American countries set their own driving rules, creating a mix of regional differences.
Brazil
In Brazil, you need to be 18 or older to get a driver’s license. The process involves mandatory driving lessons, theory and practical tests, and a vision exam to ensure new drivers are fully prepared for the road.
Argentina
In Argentina, the legal driving age is 17. You can get a learner’s permit in most regions at 17, with local rules for training, testing, and supervised driving. Rental companies require drivers to be at least 21.
Chile
In Chile, the legal driving age for a standard license is 18. You’ll need to complete practical tests and exams to earn full driving privileges.
Special considerations for international drivers
If you’re planning on driving abroad with a license from your home country, there are a few things you need to know.
International Driving Permits (IDP)
An IDP translates your home license into several languages, allowing you to follow international driving laws and drive legally abroad. Most countries require you to carry both your domestic license and IDP. You can apply online or in person through your local motor vehicle authority with a valid license, passport photos, a completed form, and the fees. Processing times for your international driver’s license can take minutes to a few days.
License conversion
Some countries require you to change your foreign license for a local one if you’re a long-term resident, but rules vary. You’ll need your valid license, proof of ID and address, and sometimes a certified translation.
Some places may also require a written or practical test, or vision tests. And not every country will have conversion agreements with your home country, so you might have to go through the full process of getting a local license from scratch. Always check your destination’s licensing authority before you move.
Age verification
You can prove your age with government-issued IDs, such as a passport or national ID. In some countries, eID cards, digital verification, or even credit card checks are also acceptable. The exact requirements depend on local rules, especially if your home country has a different driving age.
Insurance complications
Your age and international license status can affect insurance costs. Younger drivers and foreign license holders may face higher rates or extra coverage requirements, so confirm details with your insurer before driving.
Plan your international driving journey
Driving age rules vary worldwide, from early learner permits in parts of North America to strict minimum ages in countries like Japan and Singapore. Before you travel or relocate, check the exact requirements of your destination, including age limits, licensing rules, and local restrictions, to stay legal and safe on the road.
Gather the right documents, such as your national driver’s license, passport, and any translation or IDPs required. Always verify details on government websites and contact local authorities or driving organisations if anything is unclear. A little planning goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience wherever you are.
FAQs
What country has the lowest driving age in the world?
Some parts of the United States allow learner’s permits as early as 14, making it one of the lowest driving ages globally. In the US, you can typically get a full independent license at 16 to 18 years old, depending on the state.
Can I drive internationally with my home country license?
Yes, in many countries you can drive with your valid domestic license, but most also recommend or require an international driving permit for translation and verification purposes. Always check local rules before driving abroad.
How do I convert my driving license when moving to another country?
License conversion rules vary by country. You usually need your valid foreign license, proof of ID and residency, and sometimes a translation or certification. Some countries may also require written, vision, or practical tests. Check the local licensing authority for exact requirements.
What happens if I’m caught driving underage in a foreign country?
Penalties can be severe, including fines, license suspension, or even deportation in extreme cases. Always follow local minimum age rules and ensure you have proper documentation before driving.
Do driving age requirements apply to tourists and visitors?
Yes, tourists and short-term visitors have to comply with the host country’s minimum driving age. In most cases, you’ll also need a valid license from your home country, and in some cases, an IDP.