The Saudi Arabia Driving Test Experience
Are you planning to take the Saudi Arabia driving test? If you’re prepping yourself, it would be helpful if you know what to expect. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process — from when you schedule the test to after the driving test.
Let’s jump right into it.
Schedule for the Test
If you want to sign up for the Saudi Arabia driving test, you need to log into the Saudi Driving License portal — the password is the same as that of your Absher account. Next, fill out the form and upload the documents.
The site will ask you if you have a previous driver’s license — if you have a foreign driver’s license, choose “yes”. After that, you can select an appointment date. Of course, give yourself enough time to practice; the last thing you want is to schedule the test too early and end up failing the driving test.
We would also recommend that you try and choose a time frame that is early in the morning when it’s not too hot. Similarly, avoid scheduling the test during the hottest months. This is because Saudi Arabia can get extremely hot and the heatwave might affect your performance negatively during the test.
Once you’ve scheduled, you will receive a text message confirming your appointment with the date, time, location, and a map of your driving exam.
What if you don’t have an Absher Account? You can visit the driving school where you will be advised further. If you do that, you will be requested to pay the driving test fee manually and then wait for a text message to confirm your driving test appointment.
Arriving at the Test Centre (Muroor office)
To calm down your nerves on the day of the test, ensure that you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you do that, you will have sufficient time to confirm if everything is in order before the test. Also, it will help you beat the long queues.
When you arrive at the Muroor office, you will be required to show your phone with the text message to confirm your appointment. You will also need to prepare your foreign driver’s license (if you have one), your Civil Affairs ID (if you’re a Saudi citizen), and your Iqama (resident permit) to prove your identity. After your appointment is confirmed, you will be given a queue number as you wait for your turn.
After your queue number is called out, an officer will verify your documents and take your fingerprints. You will then wait for the officer to call all the applicants for the test.
Pre-Driving Test
Once everything has been sorted out, you will be guided to a vehicle to start the test. At the parking lot, you will meet an officer who will explain what the test entails and what you’re required to do on the track. If you have any questions, you can ask the examiner at this point.
Once that’s out of the way, you’ll give them your Iqama (Resident permit) and your foreign driving license (if you have one) and get straight to the test.
Driving Test
Driving Test Stage 1
When you start the driving test, the examiner will explain how you will be evaluated. You will also notice that they have an iPad or a paper; this is the score sheet that is used to evaluate your performance.
Keep in mind the first thing the examiner will check even before you start the car is whether you put on your seat belt. Also, check your mirrors and adjust them if you’re not getting a clear view. This might earn you a few points.
In Saudi Arabia, the test is limited to the track. At the track, the examiner will test your parking skills. The examiner might ask you to back up and parallel park at a particular spot. Remember to try and park within the lines and don’t hit the curb. In addition to that, don’t forget to signal or do mirror and shoulder checks when parking.
The examiner might also ask you to drive on the sloppy side of the track to test your hand-braking skills.
Driving Test Stage 2
In the next part of the test, the examiner might ask you to drive along a track that looks like an eight. To achieve the perfect 8, you need to use a combination of accelerator and clutch at the same time to maintain your speed.
When you’re close to the turn, remember to leave some space between the corner and your car. This way, the turn will become easier and smoother to navigate. Of course, remember to keep your speed at a minimum; the last thing you want is to lose control of your vehicle during your test. Last but not least, don’t forget to indicate.
After The Test
Once you’re done with the test, the examiner will ask you to park the car. At this point, don’t forget to do mirror checks and proper indications even if you think the driving test is over.
After you step out of the vehicle, you will be directed to a counter to verify if you’ve passed. If you’ve passed and have a foreign driver’s license, you can sit and wait as they print your driver’s license in a few minutes.
However, if you’re a Saudi and this is your first driver’s license, you still have to pass the computer test to get your driver’s license. The written exam can be done within 30 minutes, and you only need to correctly answer 75% of the questions.