Jordan – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Jordan on their home country licence, and for how long?

Anyone wishing to drive in Jordan as a foreign national must carry a valid licence issued by their country of origin, or hold an International Driving Permit. That licence must be either in Arabic or English; if it is written in any other language, a certified translation into one of those two languages must accompany it. This requirement reflects the bilingual nature of official documents and road signage in Jordan, making it straightforward for law enforcement officers to check credentials presented in either language.

The window during which foreign nationals may legally drive using their overseas licence or IDP is generally up to six months. This approach is consistent with that of several neighbouring countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, and echoes the temporary-use provisions that many European Union member states apply to visitors holding foreign licences.

The distinction that matters most is between those simply visiting Jordan and those who have taken up residence or employment there. A tourist spending a few weeks in the country may rely on their home licence for the duration of their trip. A person who has registered as a resident or accepted a job, on the other hand, is expected to convert to a Jordanian licence once the six-month allowance comes to an end.

It is important to note that a valid Jordanian residency card is a prerequisite for converting a foreign licence into a Jordanian one. This means the conversion obligation is tied to a person’s formal residency status rather than simply being triggered by the passage of time. If you are living in Jordan under a work permit or long-term visa and the six-month mark is approaching, the conversion process should be initiated without delay.

Does Jordan have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Under Jordanian regulations, the minister responsible for transport has authority to waive the technical driving examination for foreign nationals who hold a valid licence from an Arab or overseas country, provided that a reciprocal arrangement is in place. Put simply, if the issuing country allows Jordanian nationals to exchange licences without being tested, Jordan will extend the same benefit to holders of that country’s licences.

Licences issued in the United States and across much of Europe are accepted for direct exchange. While no formally published list of qualifying nationalities is readily available to the public, holders of American and European licences are generally able to obtain a ten-year Jordanian licence without undergoing any driving examination, at a cost of approximately 250 JOD as of 2025. This exemption from testing is a considerable advantage, sparing applicants from sitting both a written and a practical assessment.

Jordan also participates in a broader network of mutual recognition arrangements within the Arab world, and licences from Arab League member states are generally treated favourably under the reciprocity framework. However, because the official list of qualifying countries is determined by the Ministry of Interior and is subject to revision, it is advisable to confirm your eligibility with the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department (DVLD) directly before scheduling your appointment rather than relying on secondhand information.

Where no reciprocal arrangement is in place, applicants must complete the full licensing procedure, which includes both theory and practical examinations. This parallels the approach taken by countries such as Australia, where the absence of a bilateral agreement means applicants must demonstrate their driving ability from the beginning under the host country’s own testing framework.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Jordan?

The exchange of a foreign driving licence for a Jordanian one is handled by the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department (DVLD), with the primary Amman office situated in the Marka district of the city. Those who have been through the process report that, provided all documentation is in order, everything can be completed within a single visit, though setting aside approximately two to three hours to move between the various counters and departments is advisable.

A common question among expats is whether a licence needs to be translated into Arabic before attending. If the licence is already in English, staff at the DVLD are unlikely to insist on a translated version. If the licence is in any other language, however, arranging a certified Arabic translation beforehand is the safer course of action. Certified translations can be obtained from accredited legal translation offices operating in Amman.

The documents typically required for a licence exchange are listed below. It is strongly recommended that you verify the current list with the DVLD directly or via its official website before your visit, as requirements can change:

1. Valid passport and a copy
2. Valid Jordanian residency card (Iqama) — a valid Jordanian residency card is required to exchange a non-Jordanian licence for a Jordanian one.
3. Original foreign driving licence and a copy
4. Passport-sized photographs
5. Completed application form (available at the DVLD office)
6. Medical and eye test certificate from an approved medical centre
7. Payment of the applicable exchange fee

The exchange procedure involves presenting a medical certificate, completing an eye examination, and settling the required fees. The medical check is a standard feature of many countries’ licensing systems — Germany, for example, requires medical assessments for certain licence categories, while France mandates vision checks at renewal for older drivers. In Jordan, the eye test forms part of the routine exchange process regardless of the applicant’s age.

As of 2025, the total cost of exchanging a qualifying American or European licence for a Jordanian one without a driving test stands at approximately 250 JOD. Fee structures are subject to revision, so always confirm the current amount with the DVLD at the time of your appointment. Regarding the fate of your original licence, expat accounts suggest that Jordanian procedures allow you to keep your home country licence rather than surrendering it permanently — however, this should be verified with the DVLD directly, as policies may differ depending on circumstances.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Jordan from scratch?

Foreign nationals who do not hold a qualifying overseas licence, whose country of issue has no reciprocal arrangement with Jordan, or who are simply applying for a driving licence for the first time, can obtain a Jordanian licence by completing the full application process through a certified driving school. This route broadly follows the same pattern found in many countries: structured training, a theory examination, and a practical driving test.

The minimum age at which a person may hold a driving licence in Jordan is 18. Applicants must also be in possession of a valid residency permit before applying. The complete process involves the following steps:

1. Enrol at a licensed driving training centre in Jordan and complete the required coursework. A certificate of competency from one of the licensed training centres, confirming completion of 20 theoretical lessons and 40 practical lessons, is required.
2. Gather the necessary documents: a valid passport, valid residency permit, passport-sized photographs, and a completed application form available from the DVLD. A valid passport and residency permit are among the core documents required.
3. Pass a medical examination at an approved medical centre, including an eye test.
4. Pass a theoretical test based on Jordanian traffic laws. The test is available in Arabic and English. As with theory tests elsewhere — covering road signs, speed limits, and traffic regulations — study materials and practice resources are available online.
5. Pass a practical driving test, which can be taken at approved driving schools or at the Vehicle Licensing Department.
6. Pay the applicable fees for the licence. Upon passing both tests, the applicant will receive a temporary licence until the official licence is issued and sent to the provided address.

Class 1 (private car) and Class 3 licences are issued for a period of ten years. Fees associated with the full licensing process — including driving school charges, examination fees, and the licence issuance fee — are set by the DVLD and may be updated periodically. Consulting the official DVLD website or contacting the department directly before budgeting is strongly advisable. It is recommended to check with the local Vehicle Licensing Department for the most up-to-date information and any changes in the process or requirements.

How do you renew a driving licence in Jordan?

A Jordanian driving licence for a private car remains valid for ten years. Once this period is approaching its end, the driver must apply for renewal through the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Transport. This ten-year cycle is comparable to the renewal framework in countries such as France and Germany, making it relatively familiar to many licence holders accustomed to long-validity documents.

Renewal requires the submission of a medical certificate, completion of an eye examination, and payment of the applicable fee. These health checks serve to confirm that the driver remains physically and visually fit to operate a vehicle — a condition that is standard in renewal systems across many countries. Unlike certain jurisdictions, such as those within the European Union where drivers above the age of 70 may face more frequent renewal requirements, Jordan applies a uniform procedure across age groups, though any age-specific provisions should be verified with the DVLD for the most current guidance.

The Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department has put in place streamlined procedures designed to make the renewal process more efficient. While attendance at a DVLD centre in person remains the primary route, the Jordan e-Government portal should be checked for any online or digital renewal options that may now be available, as the range of government services accessible digitally has been growing in recent years.

Foreign nationals renewing a Jordanian driving licence should ensure their residency permit is still valid at the time of renewal, as an expired residency document can create complications. Specific renewal fees applicable to foreign nationals had not been confirmed through officially published sources at the time of writing — visiting a DVLD centre in person or checking the official website before your appointment is the most reliable way to obtain current figures.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Jordan?

Jordan is a signatory to the 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, and under this framework, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal requirement for visitors wishing to rent a car and drive legally in the country. The IDP functions as an internationally recognised, multilingual summary of your national driving licence, enabling Jordanian authorities and car rental operators to verify your entitlement to drive regardless of the language in which your home licence is printed.

Drivers must carry both the 1949 version of the IDP and their national licence at all times when behind the wheel. The IDP has no independent standing and cannot be used on its own — it is effective only when presented in conjunction with the national licence it accompanies and is designed solely as a translation document.

An IDP is valid for a maximum of 12 months from its date of issue, and its validity will not outlast the expiry of the accompanying national licence. If your home country licence is set to expire during your stay in Jordan, your IDP will also lapse at that point. Because an IDP must be obtained in the country where the national licence was issued, you should apply for it before departing for Jordan.

Foreign nationals who hold an IDP may use it to drive in Jordan for up to six months, after which a Jordanian licence becomes necessary. The IDP is therefore primarily a tool for tourists and short-stay visitors. Individuals relocating to Jordan on a long-term basis should regard it as a temporary measure and move forward with the licence exchange or conversion process well within the six-month window. In practice, reports suggest that enforcement of the IDP requirement at car rental counters is inconsistent, but carrying one alongside your national licence remains the legally compliant and safest approach.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Jordan?

Road users in Jordan are subject to a range of penalties for traffic violations, including speeding, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consequences can include financial fines, points recorded against the driver’s licence, suspension of driving privileges, and in more serious cases, imprisonment. Jordan operates a points-based system under which infringements are logged against the driver’s record.

A fine of 250 JOD (as of 2025) applies to anyone found driving a vehicle carrying Jordanian registration plates without holding a valid Jordanian driving licence. Crucially, beyond the financial penalty, no insurance provider will extend coverage to a driver in this situation. This combination — an immediate fine and the complete absence of insurance protection — means that driving without the correct local licence carries consequences that extend well beyond the fine itself.

Traffic police are authorised to issue on-the-spot fines ranging from 15 to 150 Jordanian dinars for a variety of offences including speeding, as set out in UK Government travel guidance for Jordan at the time of publication. The exact amount varies according to the nature and severity of the violation. It is also illegal to drive or travel as a front-seat passenger without wearing a seatbelt, or to use a mobile phone while driving.

Continuing to drive on an expired foreign licence — that is, remaining on a home-country licence beyond the permitted six-month grace period — is effectively treated as driving without a valid licence under Jordanian law and can result in the same penalties that apply to unlicensed drivers. Drivers stopped without a valid IDP may similarly be treated as having no licence, potentially leading to vehicle seizure, arrest, or a compulsory court appearance. Penalty amounts and specific provisions are subject to change; always verify current penalties with the DVLD or a qualified legal professional in Jordan.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Jordan?

Driving in Jordan falls under the regulatory remit of the Ministry of Transport, which establishes the rules governing how licences are obtained and used. Operational responsibility for day-to-day licensing functions — including the issuance, exchange, and renewal of licences — rests with the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department (DVLD), which sits within the Ministry’s broader structure.

The DVLD delivers its services through a network of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centres spread across the country. For expatriates based in Amman, the principal centre is in the Marka area of the city. Additional centres operate across other governorates throughout the Kingdom, ensuring that services are accessible beyond the capital.

The key agencies and resources to be aware of are:

• Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department (DVLD) — the primary body responsible for licence issuance, exchange, and renewal. The main office is in Marka, Amman, with branches across the country.
• Ministry of Transport — the regulatory authority with oversight of road transport policy in Jordan. Website: www.mot.gov.jo
• Jordan e-Government Portal — a central online platform for accessing a wide range of government services and information: www.jordan.gov.jo
• Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ) — the authorised body for issuing International Driving Permits to Jordanian nationals and residents planning to travel abroad. It also serves as a useful point of contact for general motoring enquiries. Website: www.racj.com

IDP delivery is available via Aramex offices, which can facilitate collection and delivery across different regions of the country. For general enquiries about licence requirements, expats are encouraged to contact the DVLD directly or consult the Jordan e-Government portal for the most current procedural information, bearing in mind that requirements and fee schedules may be updated without widespread advance notice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Jordan with a foreign licence straight away?

Yes — upon arriving in Jordan, you may drive immediately using a valid foreign licence, as long as it is written in Arabic or English or you carry a certified translation. This arrangement is permitted for up to six months. If you are living in Jordan as a resident beyond that point, you are expected to obtain a locally issued licence.

Do I need to retake my driving test to get a Jordan licence?

This depends on the country that issued your licence. Nationals holding licences from the United States and much of Europe are able to exchange their licence for a Jordanian one without sitting any examination, thanks to Jordan’s reciprocity arrangements. Applicants whose country of licence issue falls outside these arrangements will be required to go through the complete process, including both theory and practical tests.

How long does it take to get a Jordanian driving licence through exchange?

When all required documents are prepared and in order, the exchange can usually be completed within a single visit to the DVLD centre in Marka, Amman. Those who have been through the process typically report spending around two to three hours working through the various administrative stages. The physical licence itself may require additional processing time before it is formally issued and delivered.

What documents do I need to exchange my foreign licence in Jordan?

You will generally need your valid passport along with a copy, your valid Jordanian residency card, the original foreign driving licence and a copy, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form obtained from the DVLD, a medical certificate that includes an eye test, and payment of the relevant fee. If your licence is not in Arabic or English, a certified translation will also be required. Always check the current document requirements directly with the DVLD before attending your appointment.

How much does it cost to exchange a foreign driving licence in Jordan?

As of 2025, expats report that exchanging a qualifying foreign licence — such as one issued in the US or Europe — for a Jordanian licence costs approximately 250 JOD in total. This figure covers the administrative fees involved and should be confirmed with the DVLD before your visit, as official fee schedules are subject to change.

Is an International Driving Permit required in Jordan, or is my national licence enough?

Formally, Jordan is bound by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which requires an IDP to be carried alongside your national licence in order to drive legally. In reality, enforcement is variable and some international car rental companies may accept a national licence alone. Nevertheless, carrying an IDP is the legally correct approach and is strongly advisable, particularly if you are involved in an accident or stopped at a police checkpoint.

Can I drive a Jordanian-registered car without a Jordanian driving licence?

No. Operating a vehicle with Jordanian number plates without a valid Jordanian driving licence attracts a fine of approximately 250 JOD as of 2025, and — more significantly — no insurance company will provide coverage for any accident that occurs in this situation. Any expat wishing to drive a locally registered vehicle, including one supplied by an employer, must hold a valid Jordanian driving licence.

How often do I need to renew a Jordanian driving licence?

A standard Class 1 (private car) Jordanian driving licence is valid for ten years. Renewing it requires a medical certificate, an eye examination, and payment of the applicable renewal fee, and must be carried out at a DVLD centre. Foreign nationals must also have a valid residency permit in place at the time of renewal. Check the official DVLD website or the Jordan e-Government portal for current fees and information on any available online renewal options.