Driver License In Saudi Arabia - Everything You Need To Know

Driving in Saudi Arabia can be an exhilarating experience, especially for travelers looking to explore the vast landscapes and vibrant cities of the Kingdom. So understanding the requirements for obtaining a driver license in Saudi Arabia is truly important. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about application form for driving license in Saudi Arabia, including the application process, costs and new rules.

Can Foreigners Drive In Saudi Arabia With An International License?

Yes, as long as they fulfill specific legal requirements, non-Saudi residents are permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia. Foreigners can use their international driver license for a maximum of one year, but if they plan to stay longer or if their license is not from an accepted country, they will need to get a driving license in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding Saudi Arabia's driving traditions and traffic laws is crucial because they may be different from those in other countries. To prevent penalties or legal complications, expatriates must also make sure that their documentation is up to date and complies with local regulations.

Non-Saudi residents are permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Driving License New Rules 

The Ministry of Interior's Public Security Department is the primary driving authority in Saudi Arabia. In the Kingdom, 18 is the legal driving age. However, seeing even younger kids behind the wheel is not unheard of, particularly in rural areas. The law also changed in 2018 to permit women to drive legally, which meant that the government had to handle a lot more license applications than it had previously.

Fortunately, you can use your driver license in Saudi Arabia if it is from a nearby Gulf country, the US, the EU, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. Similarly, you can lawfully drive in Saudi Arabia with international license. The one warning is that certain insurance providers may not cover cars with these licenses, so be careful to do your research. Moreover, some dealerships and car rental companies could require that you hold a Saudi license in order to provide insurance. Therefore, before choosing a company, be sure to shop around.

On the other hand, you will have to go through the entire procedure of obtaining a Saudi license, which includes passing a practical driving test, if you currently hold a driving license from an unapproved country.

In the Kingdom, 18 is the legal driving age

Types Of Driving Licenses In Saudi Arabia

Below are some popular driving licenses in Saudi Arabia that international visitors can refer to:

Private Driving License

People having this license are able to drive their own vehicles around the Kingdom. It is the most popular kind and can be earned by passing a written exam followed by a hands-on driving test at a licensed driving school under the guidance of an instructor.

You are only allowed to drive personal vehicles with this specific license. Using it to operate any kind of public transportation is prohibited.

Motorcycle Driving License

This license, which can be obtained after completing a motorcycle riding school and passing a written and practical exam overseen by an authorized teacher, is required for those looking to ride a motorcycle in Saudi Arabia.

It's the youngest driving license in Saudi Arabia available to applicants, where the minimum age needed to apply for one is just 16 years old. As part of the application procedure, applicants must submit a certificate of good behavior from an official authority in addition to their application. 

Heavy Driving License

As the name implies, anyone who plans to work a large vehicle on a public road, such as a heavy truck or forklift, needs this license. Getting a heavy vehicle driving license is crucial if you plan to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and your position involves operating large vehicles like trucks and heavy mobile equipment.

Some general requirements, such as being of legal age and possessing a valid residency permit, must be fulfilled in order to be eligible for this kind of license. In Saudi Arabia, you must also be employed in a job that requires you to drive a large vehicle in order to be eligible for this kind of license.

General Driving License

It is one of the Saudi driving license types for those who want to drive commercial vehicles like buses or taxis. Specialized training on safety and traffic regulations, a written test and a practical driving exam overseen by an authorized teacher are prerequisites for obtaining this license.

In Saudi Arabia, unlike a private driving license, the minimum age to apply for a general driving license is 21. This is due to the fact that it calls for a greater degree of proficiency and knowledge than what is required for a private driver's license.

There are some popular driving licenses in Saudi Arabia that international visitors can refer to

Documents Required For Driver License In Saudi Arabia 

First of all, collect these documents:

• Original Iqamah
• Photocopy of Iqama
• A copy of your passport
• Driving license of your home country
• Foreign driver's license translation in Arabic from an authorized translation agency, if you are an expat
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical report (Blood Group Test)
• License fee. Saudi driving license cost is 100 SAR if you have a driving license; otherwise, then 435 SAR.
• Application form

How To Apply For A Driving License For Expatriates In KSA?

After obtaining the necessary documents, you have to attend one of the driving schools in Saudi, like Dallah School in Riyadh.

You can download the application form and complete it yourself, or you can pick it up at a local store. You could be charged up to 15 Riyal by the shopkeeper. Next, prepare all of the documents into a file. Although they can do it at the school, it is preferable to complete it on your own and provide the officer with the file.

You need to do an eye-sight checkup and an officer will review and stamp all of your completed documents. He will then request that you proceed to the "License check" counter. The officer will send you for a "First try" after stamping your documents once more.

You can choose Manual or Automatic. You can only drive automatic cars if you select Automatic. You can drive both if you opt for a manual license.

Saudi First Try Test

To apply for driving license KSA you need to pass the first-try test. It is to check if you understand the basics of driving. You will be asked to drive a little by the man in the car. Simply move forward, then reverse. The man will be watching to see how confident you are and how you handle things.

Make sure to check the mirrors, wear the seatbelt and adjust the seat while you are in the car. Do not panic if the guy puts pressure on you; behave normally and concentrate on driving.

You need to understand some basic driving-related Arabic words. It is possible that the man does not speak English or any other language.

To apply for driving license KSA you need to pass the first-try test

Driving School Timings

In case you have to take training classes. Register at the driving school, which is close by. The driving schools run in two shifts and are located in all of the major cities.

• Day Shift: 7:00 to 12:00
• Evening Shift: 15:00 to 19:00

Additionally, you must confirm the times with the school. During Ramadan and on other occasions, timings may vary. Checking with your school is preferable.

Final Driving Test

The driving test consists of five main sections. It is better to practice everything. Here it is:

• Zigzag Path
• Reverse
• Speed up
• Break Application
• Height-inclined start/stop

If you pass the driving test, you will be scheduled for a computer test called "The Ishara Test (Signal Test)" and a reverse parking test.

Saudi Driving Computer Test

While the reverse parking exam is easy to understand, the Ishara exam (also known as the Signal Test) can be challenging. You can still fail this test even if you are an excellent driver if you do not know about road signs and signals. 

Congratulations! You have done it if you pass the test. A new Kingdom driver's license will be given to you once you wait your turn.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the process of obtaining a driver license in Saudi Arabia may seem challenging at first, but with the right information and preparation, it’s entirely manageable. From choosing the right Saudi driving license types to completing the application form for driving license in Saudi Arabia, being well-informed is the key to a smooth process.

For travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia, the first step to enjoying the freedom of the open road is securing your Saudi visa. Applying through our website is the easiest and most convenient way to do so. We offer a seamless, fast, and reliable visa application service, saving you from the hassle of lengthy paperwork or embassy visits.

Driving in Saudi Arabia can be a great way to explore this fascinating country, but always remember to follow traffic laws for a safe driving experience!