Driving in Saudi Arabia is now an indispensable skill for expatriates and females who are eligible for full driving rights. Whether you are an expatriate, a resident, or even a lady who wishes to acquire a Saudi driving license, this article will guide you through the entire process.
Types of Driving Licenses in Saudi Arabia
Before proceeding with the application, one should know the types of driving licenses offered in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia offers different types according to the vehicle type and use:
- Private Driving License – This is for drivers who use privately owned vehicles.
- Public Driving License for commercial vehicle drivers and taxi drivers.
- Heavy Vehicle Driving License – Required for driving trucks and large buses.
- Motorcycle Driving License – For those who wish to ride motorcycles.
- Diplomatic Driving License – Issued to diplomats and embassy staff.
- Special Driving License – For driving agricultural and construction vehicles.
- Temporary Driving License – Temporary license for learners.
Getting a driving license in Saudi Arabia
Whether you are eligible or not?
One should be 18 years and older for a private driver’s license. One should be 21 years and older for the public driver’s license.
The expatriates must have a valid Iqama (resident permit)
Go through a medical check-up
All candidates must take a medical test consisting of the following. It can be conducted in official clinics and hospitals across the nation.
- Vision test
- Blood group test
- General Health Check-up
Prepare the necessary papers.
To obtain a Saudi driving license, you will require an original Iqama and Duplicate Iqama, a copy of your passport, four recent photos, a Saudi Driving License Application Form (online or from Driving Schools), a Medical Test Report, Blood Group Certificate, Foreign driver’s license translation as needed and Identification of the Sponsor for Expats.
Get Registered at the Absher Platform
The Absher platform is the government of Saudi Arabia’s official web portal through which citizens can make different official transactions. In their quest to ensure access to the Absher website, create an account, enrol with a Driving School and structure the test of driving.
Choose training with a certified school. A few of the most recognized schools are:
Al Ahsa Driving School
Saudi Driving School (SDS)
Dallah Driving School
Driving theory and tuition are included in the training to prepare you for the test.
Attempt theory test
To analyze your understanding of the following areas.
- Traffic rules and regulations
- Road signs
- Safe Driving Practices
You learn it either at school or on the Internet and must pass with at least the minimum mark.
Sit for the Driving Test
You would have to undergo the test of driving once you are trained, which tests your proficiency in Stop the vehicle at crossroads Park as per traffic rules
Pay fees and get your license.
Following the tests being carried out, you need to pay the fees for the license using the Sadad Payment System with your bank. Your Saudi driving license is released after fees are paid.
How do Expats get a license without a Foreign License?
If an expatriate does not have an international driving license, they must:
- Sign up for driving school
- Undergo complete theoretical and practical training
- Pass the driving test
- Supply all necessary documents
- Pay the necessary fees
Conversion of License for Expats
The expatriates who have a valid foreign driver’s license are eligible to convert it into a Saudi driver’s license under the following conditions:
The conditions are that their home country is one of the countries accepted, and they pass the eye and medical tests. They also produce authenticated and translated foreign driver’s licenses.
How do women in Saudi Arabia acquire a driving license?
Following the royal decree of 2018, Saudi Arabian women were legally permitted to drive. It is the same for women to get a Saudi driving license as for men, but some things are specific to female drivers.
Steps for Women to Obtain Driving License
- Register with a Female Driving School – Specialized driving schools for females are:
Saudi Driving School (Riyadh)
Jeddah Advanced Driving School
Eastern Province Driving School
- Take Theory Classes – Women must complete at least 8 hours of theory courses.
- Practice Driving – Female students must train for 20-30 hours.
- Passing the Driving Test involves a computer test and a driving test.
- Pay Fees and Acquire License – Women are charged the same fees as men.
Foreign or international license holders with valid licenses can apply for direct conversion by verifying the license.
Obtaining an International Driving License in Saudi Arabia
An international driver’s license legalizes it for citizens and residents to operate in foreign nations, and you are obligated to undergo the process.
Register and apply first through the Saudi Automobile and Touring Association. Submit the required papers, copies of Saudi driving licenses, copies of the passport and passport photos. Pay the fee and have your international driving license within days.
Bottom Line
Obtaining the driver’s license in Saudi Arabia is simple if you are eligible and do it the right way. Whether you are an expat or a lady who would like to get a driver’s license in Saudi Arabia, the following is all it takes to complete the process without any issues. Doing it right will allow you to operate within the country legally and safely.