The Process of Applying for a Driving License in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, applying for a driving license can be a process. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get your Saudi driving license:
First, you’ll need to apply for a learner’s permit. You can do this by visiting your local Traffic Department and submitting the required documents, including an application form, ID, and medical certificate. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be asked to take a written exam. This exam will test your knowledge of Saudi traffic laws.
Applying for a driving license in Saudi Arabia may take time and effort, but it’s ultimately worth it. Follow these steps, and you’ll be driving in no time.
What are the types of vehicles you can drive with a Saudi Arabian driver’s license?
You can drive several vehicles in Saudi Arabia with a Saudi driving license. These include:
- Cars: As long as you’re over 18 years old, you can drive a car with a Saudi Arabian driver’s license
- Trucks: You can also drive a truck with a Saudi Arabian driver’s license. The minimum age requirement to drive a truck in Saudi Arabia is 21.
- Buses: You can also drive a bus with a Saudi Arabian driver’s license. The minimum age requirement to drive a bus in Saudi Arabia is 21.
What Is the Cost of Getting a Driver’s License In Saudi Arabia?
The cost of getting a driver’s license in Saudi Arabia can be divided into two parts: the cost of the license and the cost of taking driving lessons.
The cost of the license itself is very reasonable. The Saudi government charges a fee of:
- SR 400 for a 10-year permit or SR 200 for five years
- The driving license application fee is SR 20
- The cost for a computer test is SR 100
Taking driving lessons is the biggest expense of getting a driver’s license in Saudi Arabia. Driving schools charge different rates, but the average cost is SAR 1,500.
Overall, the license cost is around 200 Saudi Riyals for five years. However, this is just the cost of the license. Additional costs are also associated with taking the driving test and registering your car. The total cost of getting a driver’s license in Saudi Arabia can be over 2,000 Saudi Riyals, which is about USD 532.
What Document Do You Need to Get a Driving License in Saudi Arabia?
You will need a few documents in Saudi Arabia to obtain a driving license. These include :
- Get your foreign driving license (if you have one) translated into Arabic.
- Get your Blood group and eye test report from any dispensary in Saudi Arabia.
- Your Iqama (Resident permit) copy
- Your passport copy (both front and back sheets)
- Your four Passport size photo (white background)
Where Do You Apply For a Driving License In Saudi Arabia?
The General Directorate of Traffic has an electronic booking service for driving lessons through the Interior Ministry’s “Absher” platform.
Users must go to the “Absher” platform to book a driving lesson.
You must go to the approved driving schools to apply for a driving license in Saudi Arabia. Here are some of the driving schools:
- Al Khobar Modern Driving School.
- Dallah Driving School.
- Al Ghawar Driving Center.
- Al Shumaisy Driving School.
- Jeddah Advanced Driving School.
- Dammam Modern Driving School
What’s the Minimum Age to Apply for a Driving License In Saudi Arabia?
The minimum age to apply for a private driving license in Saudi Arabia is 18, and for a public driving license, it is 21.
Who Cannot Be Issued With a Saudi Driving License?
A few groups are not allowed to apply for driving licenses in Saudi Arabia. These include:
People convicted of certain crimes: If you have been convicted, you will not be allowed to apply for a driving license in Saudi Arabia. This includes crimes such as murder, manslaughter, rape, and armed robbery. If you have been convicted of any of these crimes, you must wait until your sentence is completed before applying for a license.
Those who suffer from certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions will disqualify you from getting a driver’s license in Saudi Arabia. These include conditions such as seizures, diabetes, and heart disease. If you suffer from any of these conditions, you must get a doctor’s note confirming that you are healthy enough to drive before you can apply for a license.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident of Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to meet some requirements to get a driving license. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
First, you must complete a driver’s education course approved by the Saudi government. Both public and private driving schools offer these courses, typically around 30 hours in length. The cost of the course will vary depending on the school you choose.
Once you’ve completed a driver’s education course, you’ll need to pass a computer test (theory test) and a practical driving test (road test). The written exam covers topics such as road signs and traffic laws, while the practical test will assess your skills behind the wheel. You can take both tests at any licensed driving school in Saudi Arabia.
To apply for a license, you must submit several documents, including your driver’s education certificate, a medical report from an authorized clinic, and proof of residency in Saudi Arabia (Iqama). You may also be required to provide copies of your passport and other identification documents.
You’ll be issued a driving license once you’ve submitted all the necessary documents and passed both tests.