Obtaining a driver’s license is essential for driving in Saudi Arabia. As an expat, if you plan to buy a car, you need to acquire a driver’s license. This process requires preparation and understanding of the rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia rules and regulations.
Having a driver’s license is necessary for all residents to travel within the city and beyond. An individual with a valid driving license can rent or even buy a vehicle in Saudi Arabia. Also, a hefty fine of 500 SAR is charged to a resident who drives without a driving license. Here, we will guide you through the necessary documents and training required to obtain a driving license and drive safely on Saudi roads.
Types of Saudi Arabia Driving License
There are different types of driving licenses in Saudi Arabia, each used for a different purpose. Make sure you apply for a driving license according to your requirements.
- Private Driving License
- Public Driving License
- Motorbike Driving License
- Heavy Vehicle Driving License
- Diplomatic Driving License
- Temporary Driving License
Eligibility Criteria to Obtain a Driver’s License
Before applying for a driving license in Saudi Arabia, make sure you are aware of the eligibility criteria. Ensure that you meet the following conditions and requirements to obtain a driver’s license.
- An applicant must be 18 years of age for a private driving license and 20 years of age for public and work vehicle licenses.
- Valid residence visa (Iqama).
- Passport copy.
- Driving License application form.
- Medical examination report.
- Six recent passport-sized photographs (4×6 cm).
- If you are an expat, provide a driver’s license from your country, if available.
- Driving License Fee.
- Appointment at Absher for a driving license.
- Translation of a foreign driving license, if required.
Steps to Obtain a Driving License in KSA
Follow these steps to ensure you acquire a driver’s license in stress-free Saudi Arabia.
Fill Out an Application Form
For an application form, you need to book an appointment at the official website of the Public Transport Department, known as the Absher website.
- Create an account on Absher using your information and then select the driving license services tab.
- Book an appointment by adding all your documents and information for your driver’s license.
- Pay the driving license fee through a credit or debit card.
- After submitting the necessary documents, you will get a confirmation message. You can either print out the appointment letter or save it in a PDF.
Additionally, you can also get an application form by visiting the Public Transport Department and paying the application fee. Submit all the necessary documents mentioned above and have someone fill out the form in Arabic. Once submitted, you will be issued an appointment letter mentioning the day of your driving test at the driving school.
If you already have a driver’s license from a Gulf country, you are allowed to drive around with a foreign driver’s license. However, if you have a driving license from a country that is not registered, you will need to apply for a Saudi driving license. But, you will not be required to attend driving lessons; instead, you can get a driver’s license straightaway by passing a driving test.
Driving License Fees
The fee for a private driving license is SAR 40 annually. You can also apply for a permit valid for two years or more by paying SAR 80 or more, respectively. The fee for a public vehicle permit is SAR 100. For a motorbike license, the fee is SAR 20. If you need a permit for a temporary period, the cost will be SAR 100. In case of a lost driving license, the replacement fee will be SAR 100.
Medical Test
The first step to acquiring a driving license is to undergo a medical test at a government hospital. You must be medically fit to drive in Saudi Arabia. You should also undergo an eye test by an authorized optician and bring your medical report to the Driving School.
Driving License Test
A resident holding a valid driving license from another country can apply for the driving test without taking the driving classes at the Dallah Driving School.
However, a resident needs to take driving classes by enrolling in one of the driving schools in Saudi Arabia. The applicants are required to pass the initial driving test before the practical test. In this test, the applicants are assessed for their understanding of the basic concepts of driving. It is advised not to get nervous and to make sure to wear a seat belt, adjust the driving seat, the rearview, and side mirrors, and then calmly pass the test.
Note that there are two rows to apply for the driving test: manual and automatic. You can choose any based on your requirements.
If an individual passes the initial test, they will be further examined in the practical and computer tests. There are a total of 20 questions that need to be completed within a limited period of 30 minutes, and a maximum of 2 mistakes are allowed to be made. However, if he gets a low score on the initial driving test, he will be asked to enroll in training classes.
Driving School
If you fail in the first trial, you will need to attend additional classes at a driving school. You will be required to complete a minimum of 6 hours of training, which includes both theoretical and practical instruction. The classes cover topics such as understanding road signs, traffic rules, and regulations in Saudi Arabia. Once the training is completed, you will be scheduled for the final test to obtain your driving license. You must arrive on time, wait for your turn, and give your best during the test. The final test typically includes tasks such as parking, reversing, and driving in controlled areas.
Here are some driving schools in Saudi Arabia:
- Dallah Driving School – Various regions of the Kingdom
- Al Sharq Driving School – Dammam
- Saudi Driving Training School – Riyadh
- Jeddah Advanced Driving School – Jeddah
- Model Driving School – Madinah
- Al-Shamisi Driving Schools – Makkah
These schools are accredited by the Traffic Department and offer training programs to teach driving, in addition to providing theoretical and practical tests.
Collect Your Driving License
After passing the driving test, you will get notified of your driving license in two weeks. Submit the essential documents at the designated counter and collect your driver’s license. Now, you are ready to hit the roads of Saudi Arabia legally. Drive safely and confidently with your new driving license.
Follow Arabwheels.sa to stay ahead on the roads. If you are looking for a new car, explore options on Arabwheels and find the one made for your needs.
