What You Need to Know About Jordanian Driver's Licenses

A Jordanian driver's license is issued by the Department of Traffic and Road Safety (part of the Public Security Directorate) and is required to drive legally in Jordan. The license comes in different categories based on the type of vehicle you want to operate — motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles each have separate classifications. The process involves a written test, a practical driving test, and a medical examination, and the timeline from process to receiving your license typically takes four to six weeks.

Jordan recognizes both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, and your license will specify which you are authorized to drive. If you hold a valid license from another country, you may be able to convert it to a Jordanian license without retaking all tests, though this depends on bilateral agreements and the country that issued your original license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Jordan, 16 for motorcycles, and 21 for commercial vehicles or buses.
  • The Department of Traffic and Road Safety requires a medical certificate, proof of identity, and proof of residency before you can sit for the written test.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs in Arabic; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a practical driving test with an authorized examiner, which typically happens within two to three weeks.
  • Foreign license holders may convert their license to a Jordanian one if their country has a reciprocal agreement with Jordan, but this varies by nationality.

Age Requirements and License Categories

Jordan divides driver's licenses into five main categories, each with its own minimum age. Category A is for motorcycles and requires you to be at least 16 years old. Category B covers standard passenger cars and requires you to be 18. Category C is for trucks up to 7.5 tons and requires you to be 18, though some employers may require you to be 21. Category D is for buses and requires you to be 21. Category E is for articulated trucks (tractor-trailers) and also requires you to be 21.

If you are under 18 but at least 16, you can only hold a Category A (motorcycle) license. You cannot drive a car until your 18th birthday, even if you have passed all tests. The license itself is valid for ten years for most categories, though commercial drivers (Categories D and E) may face different renewal requirements depending on their employer's insurance and safety policies.

Documents and Medical Requirements

Before you can sit for the written test, you must gather several documents and obtain a medical certificate. The Department of Traffic requires a valid passport or national ID card, proof of residency (a utility bill or rental agreement dated within the last three months), and a completed process form available at any traffic office. You will also need a medical certificate from an approved physician confirming you have no conditions that would make you unsafe to drive — this includes vision tests, hearing tests, and a general health assessment.

The medical certificate must be obtained from a doctor registered with the Department of Traffic; not all physicians are authorized to issue these certificates. You can find a list of approved medical examiners at the main traffic office in Amman or at any regional traffic directorate. The certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue, so if you do not complete your license within that time, you will need a new medical examination.

The Written Test: Content, Language, and Passing Score

The written test is administered in Arabic and covers Jordanian traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly (70 percent) to pass. You are given 30 minutes to complete the test. If you do not speak Arabic fluently, you should study the official traffic manual in advance; the Department of Traffic does not provide interpreters or translated tests.

The test is offered at traffic offices throughout Jordan, typically on weekdays. You must bring your completed process form, your documents, and your medical certificate. Once you pass the written test, you receive a certificate valid for six months. This certificate allows you to schedule your practical driving test during that window. If six months pass without taking the practical test, you must retake the written test.

The Practical Driving Test and Vehicle Requirements

After passing the written test, you schedule a practical driving test with an authorized examiner. The test takes place on public roads or at a designated testing facility and lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner assesses your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake smoothly, park, reverse, and follow traffic signals and road markings. You must demonstrate safe lane changes, proper use of mirrors, and appropriate speed control.

For the practical test, you must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and roadworthy. The vehicle must have a valid inspection certificate and functioning safety equipment (lights, wipers, brakes, horn). If you do not own a vehicle, you can use one from a driving school, and many schools in Jordan offer both instruction and test vehicles as part of their programs. The test is conducted in the same vehicle category you are testing for — if you are testing for Category B (cars), you must use a car, not a truck.

Converting a Foreign License to a Jordanian License

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country, you may be able to convert it to a Jordanian license without retaking the written and practical tests. However, this depends on whether your country has a reciprocal agreement with Jordan. Countries with reciprocal agreements include most European nations, the United States, Canada, Australia, and several Arab states, but the list changes and varies by specific license category.

To convert a foreign license, you must submit your original license (or a certified copy), your passport, proof of residency in Jordan, a medical certificate, and a completed process form to the Department of Traffic. The conversion process typically takes two to four weeks. If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement, or if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (usually three years), you will need to take the full test process as a new applicant. Contact your nearest traffic office to confirm whether your specific license is may be able to access for conversion.

Fees and Timeline

The cost of obtaining a Jordanian driver's license varies slightly by category and region, but the process fee is typically between 15 and 25 Jordanian dinars (approximately $21 to $35 USD). The medical examination costs an additional 5 to 10 dinars, depending on the clinic. If you use a driving school for instruction and the practical test vehicle, you may pay 200 to 400 dinars for a complete course, though this is optional — you can study independently and use your own vehicle for the test.

The overall timeline from process to receiving your license is usually four to six weeks. This breaks down as follows: one to two weeks to gather documents and pass the medical examination, one to two weeks to sit for the written test after submission, one to three weeks to schedule and complete the practical test, and one to two weeks for the license to be printed and issued. If you fail either test, you must wait at least one week before retaking it, which extends the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Jordan on a foreign license while I am waiting for my Jordanian license?

Yes, you can drive on a valid foreign license for up to one year from the date you enter Jordan, provided your license is written in English or has an official English translation. After one year, you must hold a Jordanian license to drive legally. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required but can be useful as supplementary documentation.

What happens if I fail the written test or the practical test?

If you fail the written test, you must wait at least one week before retaking it. You can retake it as many times as needed, but each attempt requires a new test fee. If you fail the practical test, the same one-week waiting period applies. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the traffic manual or take driving lessons between attempts.

Do I need to take driving lessons from a school, or can I teach myself?

Driving lessons are not legally required, but they are strongly recommended. Many people study the traffic manual independently and practice with a friend or family member, then take the practical test. However, driving schools are familiar with the test route and examiner expectations, which increases your chances of passing on the first attempt. Schools typically charge 200 to 400 dinars for a full course.

What if my medical certificate expires before I finish the license process?

If your medical certificate expires before you pass the written test, you must obtain a new one. If it expires after you pass the written test but before you take the practical test, you do not need to renew it — the certificate is only required before the written test. However, if more than one year passes between your medical examination and your practical test, you may be required to get a new certificate.

Can I hold a Jordanian license if I am not a Jordanian citizen?

Yes, you can hold a Jordanian license as a foreign resident. You must have proof of residency (a lease agreement, utility bill, or employer letter) and a valid passport or residency permit. The license is issued on the same terms as for Jordanian citizens and is valid for ten years. When you leave Jordan, your license remains valid only within Jordan.