Where to go for a driver's license in Lebanon
The General Directorate of Land Transport (GDLT) is the government body that issues driver's licenses in Lebanon. You cannot get a license from a private office or online — you must visit an official GDLT center in person. The main center is located in Beirut, but GDLT also operates branch offices in other cities including Tripoli, Sidon, and Baalbek.
Each center handles the same services, though wait times and hours vary by location. Before you travel to a center, call ahead or check with locals about current operating hours, since centers sometimes close without advance notice due to fuel shortages, power cuts, or staffing issues. The Beirut center is the most consistently staffed, but also the most crowded.
Key Takeaways
- The General Directorate of Land Transport (GDLT) is the only government body that issues Lebanese driver's licenses, and you must explore in person at one of their centers.
- You will need your national ID card, a medical certificate from a licensed doctor, and proof of residence to begin the process.
- The written test covers Lebanese traffic laws and road signs; the practical test takes place on a closed course at the center itself.
- Processing times vary widely depending on the center's workload, but typically range from several weeks to several months.
- Bring original documents and copies, as centers often require both and may turn you away if you do not have them.
Documents you need to bring
Start by gathering your national ID card (the original, not a photocopy). You will also need a medical certificate issued by a licensed Lebanese doctor within the past three months. This certificate confirms you meet basic health standards for driving — the doctor checks your vision, hearing, and general fitness. You cannot use a certificate from a private clinic that is not registered with the Lebanese Medical Association.
Bring proof of residence, which can be a utility bill, rental agreement, or property deed in your name. You will also need two or three passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), though the center may take these on-site for a small fee. Bring both originals and photocopies of your ID and proof of residence — centers vary in what they accept, and having both protects you from a wasted trip.
The written test and what it covers
After you submit your documents, you will sit for a written test on Lebanese traffic laws and road signs. The test is given in Arabic, French, or English depending on the center and your request. Questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to respond to traffic police signals. You need to pass with a score that varies by center, but typically around 70 percent or higher.
The GDLT does not publish an official study guide, but you can find practice questions through driving schools in Lebanon or online resources that focus on Lebanese traffic law. Many people study by reviewing the actual Lebanese traffic code, which is available through the GDLT office or through some driving schools. You usually get one attempt at the written test; if you fail, you must wait a set period (often two weeks to a month) before retesting.
The practical driving test
If you pass the written test, you will be scheduled for a practical test on a closed course at the GDLT center. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle basic driving tasks — starting the car, steering, braking, parking, and responding to traffic cones or simulated obstacles. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and covers whether you can control the vehicle safely, not whether you can navigate city streets.
You must bring your own car or arrange to use one at the center (some centers have vehicles available for a fee). The examiner will tell you what to do — "turn left," "park here," "stop at this line" — and grades you on how smoothly and safely you execute each task. Like the written test, you usually get one attempt, and if you fail you must wait before retesting.
How long the process takes
From the day you submit your documents to the day you receive your license, the timeline depends heavily on how busy the center is. In normal conditions, expect anywhere from four weeks to three months. During peak seasons (spring and early summer) or when a center is understaffed, it can stretch to six months or longer.
After you pass both tests, the center prints your license on-site or sends it to you by mail, depending on their system. Ask the center staff when you pass your test whether you can pick up your license in person or whether they will mail it. Some centers let you collect it within days; others require you to wait for postal delivery. Keep your test receipt as proof that you have passed until your physical license arrives.
What to expect at the center
Arrive early in the morning, as centers often reach capacity by mid-day and stop accepting new applicants. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized. The staff will review your paperwork, take your photograph if needed, and direct you to the testing area. Bring a pen for the written test and be prepared to wait — even if you arrive early, you may spend one to three hours at the center before your test begins.
Centers are often crowded and noisy, with limited seating. Bring water and be patient; staff are usually helpful but may speak only Arabic, so consider bringing a translator if you do not speak Arabic fluently. If any of your documents are missing or incomplete, staff will tell you what you need and you will have to return another day with the correct paperwork.
Renewing or replacing a license
Lebanese driver's licenses are valid for three years from the date of issue. To renew, you return to the GDLT center with your current license, a new medical certificate, and proof of residence. You do not retake the written or practical test for a renewal — you only need to pay the renewal fee and submit updated documents. The renewal process is usually faster than getting a first license, often taking two to four weeks.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any GDLT center. Bring your national ID, proof of residence, and a police report if your license was stolen. A replacement typically takes the same amount of time as a renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not live in Lebanon?
You must have a Lebanese national ID card and proof of residence in Lebanon to obtain a license. Visitors and temporary residents cannot get a Lebanese license. If you are a Lebanese citizen living abroad, you can explore through a Lebanese embassy or consulate in some countries, though services vary by location.
What happens if I fail the written or practical test?
You can retake the test after a waiting period, usually two to four weeks. The center will tell you the exact date you are may be able to access to retest. You do not have to resubmit all your documents — only pay the retest fee and show up at the scheduled time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need to attend a driving school before I can test?
No formal requirement exists to attend a driving school, though many people do to prepare. The GDLT will test you whether or not you have formal training. Driving schools can help you study for the written test and practice the practical test, but they are not mandatory.
Can I use an international driver's license instead of getting a Lebanese one?
An international driving permit is valid in Lebanon for a limited time (usually one year) if you also carry your home country's license. However, if you plan to live in Lebanon or drive regularly, you need a Lebanese license. Police may ask for it, and insurance companies often require it.
What if the GDLT center is closed when I try to visit?
Call ahead or ask locals about current hours before traveling. If a center is closed, try visiting a different branch location or return on a different day. During national holidays or fuel crises, centers may close unexpectedly, so flexibility helps.