The Transport Ministry has introduced a new optional license category tailored specifically for citizens aged 60 and above, allowing them to legally operate certain types of vehicles without undergoing the standard driving examinations.
According to the amendment published in the Government Gazette, this special license is available to individuals who are 60 years of age. The license allows holders to drive motorcycles with engine capacities below 60cc, auto-cycles, and island pickups.
Unlike conventional driving licenses that require passing written and practical exams, this new license will be issued after completing a four-hour training program. The program is designed to equip senior citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely operate vehicles in a limited environment.
The Transport Ministry clarified that this license is only valid on the island where it is issued. License holders are prohibited from driving on roads with speed limits above 30 kilometers per hour, and they are not permitted to drive on bridges or highways anywhere in the Maldives.
Moreover, the license can be revoked if the holder commits more than one traffic violation.
Senior citizens may still choose to renew or obtain a regular license by going through the existing procedure, including passing the required examinations.
The Ministry says this amendment aims to ensure safe mobility options for older citizens while maintaining necessary traffic safety regulations.