In recent years, Saudi Arabia has taken huge strides in terms of transportation, especially when a decree allowing women to drive was issued a couple of years ago. Indeed, getting around the Kingdom these days is definitely easier and more convenient!
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Of course, before anything else, you’ll need to have a license to drive. If you hold a driver’s license from the United Kingdom, United States, or an international license, you won’t need to have it converted. Otherwise, if you don’t, you will have to obtain a Saudi driving license.
Guide to Applying for a Saudi Driving License
The Saudi driving license has a validity period of 10 years. If you are planning to apply, please take note of the following requirements and procedure.
Requirements
- Completed application form (available in Saudi Arabia – Ministry of Transport office/website and in driving schools)
- Original and photocopy of Iqama
- Original and photocopy of passport (including data with photo and visa entry)
- Original driving license (from your country of origin)
- Official translation of your driving license in Arabic
- Four (4) passport-sized photos with white background
- Medical reports (blood test and eye test, may be done at a local clinic/hospital)
- License fee of SAR 435 (may be paid in any Saudi bank)
NOTE: If you are a new or novice driver, you will need to attend driving lessons and pass a driving exam, in addition to the above-mentioned requirements.
Procedure
- Go to the nearest driving school (please visit the Dallah Driving School or Saudi Driving School websites for possible locations). It’s best to arrive around 7am so you can start early.
- Fill up an application form (if you haven’t done so already), available near the entrance.
- Go to the License Office to have your form and documents checked. You may also be asked to take an eye test (if you haven’t done it yet in a clinic/hospital).
- Go to the License Check counter. Your application will be stamped, then you will be sent for a “first trial,” where you will be asked to drive a car.
- Pay SAR 100 as your training fee for a 3-hour class. A lecturer will teach you some basic information about driving. Listen carefully as you will have to take a 20-question computer test after the class.
- Upon passing the computer test, you will be asked to take a driving test.
- Once you have successfully completed the driving test, go to the License Delivery section and wait for your new driving license to be given.
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DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for information-sharing purposes only. The requirements, fees, and procedure may change anytime. To know the latest updates about applying for a driving license, please visit the official website of the Saudi Arabia – Ministry of Transport.
