Kerala’s 74-Year-Old “Driver Amma” Goes Viral After Dubai Drive

Kerala’s 74-Year-Old “Driver Amma” Goes Viral After Dubai Drive

Turning Fear into Confidence: Kerala’s 74-Year-Old “Driver Amma” Goes Viral in Dubai

A 74-year-old woman from Kerala has drawn widespread attention after a video of her confidently driving a luxury car in Dubai went viral on social media. Radhamani Amma, popularly known as “Driver Amma,” was seen driving a Rolls-Royce Ghost while dressed in a traditional saree.

The video gained attention not for spectacle but for what it represented — experience, legal compliance, and steady confidence built over decades. The clip has since sparked wider discussions on lifelong learning, women in professional driving, and road safety.

Verified facts and timeline: Radhamani Amma is a resident of Kerala and a professional driving instructor with over 40 years of experience. During a visit to Dubai, she legally drove a Rolls-Royce Ghost after presenting a valid International Driving Permit. The video was shared on her official Instagram account @maniamma_official and later circulated widely.

Who is involved and where: Radhamani Amma runs a driving school in Kerala that specialises in training individuals to operate heavy motor vehicles. The Dubai drive occurred during a personal visit. There has been no indication from authorities of any traffic violations.

Expert and legal clarification: Motor vehicle experts note that age is not a legal barrier to driving as long as licence validity, medical fitness, and regulatory compliance are met. Driving abroad requires an International Driving Permit and adherence to local laws, both of which were fulfilled in this case.

Public relevance: The incident highlights the participation of women and senior citizens in professional driving roles. It has also renewed attention on skill-based confidence, structured training, and calm driving behaviour rather than speed-driven practices.

Radhamani Amma began driving in the early 1980s after encouragement from her husband. She obtained her four-wheeler licence in 1981 and a heavy vehicle licence in 1984, a time when very few women in Kerala pursued such qualifications.

After her husband’s death in 2004, she continued operating her driving school independently. The India Book of Records later recognised her for holding the highest number of driving licences in her age category.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra also shared her video on social media, describing it as motivational. However, there is no official endorsement or policy association linked to the event.

What is confirmed and what is not

It is confirmed that Radhamani Amma holds multiple valid licences, legally drove in Dubai, and shared the video herself. Claims beyond documented records or assumptions about institutional recognition are not verified.

Disclosure

This report is based on publicly available information and verified media interviews as of publication. Details may evolve if official updates are issued.

FAQs

Who is Driver Amma?
Radhamani Amma is a 74-year-old professional driving instructor from Kerala.

Was she legally permitted to drive in Dubai?
Yes. She possessed a valid International Driving Permit.

Why did the video gain attention?
Because it highlighted experience, legal compliance, and professional driving skills.

Does this incident change driving laws?
No. It does not affect existing regulations.

References / Sources

The Indian Express – Background interview
https://indianexpress.com

India Book of Records – Public recognitions
https://indiabookofrecords.in