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Updated July 2023

For individuals visiting or residing in Saudi Arabia, it is important to possess a valid driving license. Obtaining and renewing this license is crucial, as driving without a valid one can lead to potential legal ramifications, including substantial fines or even vehicle confiscation. Holding a Saudi driving license not only provides greater flexibility for transportation but also fulfills the legal obligations for renting or owning a vehicle.

Please keep reading the article below to find out how to obtain a Saudi driving license.

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Saudi driving license latest news

Expatriates who depart Saudi Arabia on a final exit visa and subsequently return with a new visa now have the opportunity to replace their old driving licenses. The Saudi General Directorate of Traffic has advised expatriates who return with a new resident ID to contact their departments and apply for a driving license using the new ID number.

If an expatriate’s driving license has expired after leaving the kingdom on a final exit visa and they later return to Saudi Arabia, they will need to pay the applicable fees and fines, undergo a medical check-up, consult with the traffic department, and apply for a new license. Moreover, a foreigner coming to Saudi Arabia on a visit visa can drive using an international license or a valid foreign driving license for one year.

Saudi driving license

When visiting or living in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to have a valid driver’s license. There are 6 types of driving licenses in the KSA:

private driving license
public driving license
motorcycle driving license
heavy vehicle driving license
diplomatic driving license
temporary driving license

Saudi driving license application

Eligibility

To qualify for obtaining a Saudi driving license, individuals must meet the following criteria as outlined below:

the applicant must have an active Absher account
the applicant must provide a valid medical check-up report from an authorized center. This report includes an eye examination, blood type, and other necessary tests
a medical examination must be carried out at one of the approved centers
for non-Saudis, a valid Iqama (residence permit) is required

Application form

To obtain the application form for the issuance of your Saudi driving license, kindly access the official website of the Public Traffic Department from the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom.

Required documents

Prior to obtaining your Saudi driving license and undergoing the driving test, it is necessary to gather all the essential documents. Please note that your required documents may vary depending on the type of Saudi driving license you choose.

Private driving license

the applicant’s minimum age must be 18 years
provide medical check-up report
provide a copy of civil affairs ID
provide six photos, size (4×6) cm
pay the required fees
provide a file to save documents

Public driving license

the applicant’s minimum age must be 21 years
the applicant’s occupation must require a public driving license
provide medical check-up report
provide six photos, size (4×6) cm
provide a copy of the family record or a report from civil affairs office to identify his occupation if he is single
the applicant must not have a criminal record
pay the required fees
provide a file to save documents
submit a reference letter if the applicant is a government employee

Heavy vehicle driving license

fill in the specified form completely
provide four photos, size (4×6) cm
provide an identification letter from an official authority
pay the required fees
provide a file to save documents
provide an identification letter from the sponsor (non-Saudis)
the applicant’s occupation must entitle driving heavy vehicles

Motorcycle driving license

the applicant’s minimum age must be 16 years
fill-in the specified form completely
provide four photos, size (4×6) cm
provide a copy of your civil affairs id (Saudis)
provide a copy of the resident permit (iqama) and passport (non-Saudis)
provide a letter from the guardian
pay the required fees
provide good conduct and behavior certificate from an official authority
provide an approved identification letter
provide a file to save documents

Diplomatic driving license

fill-in the specified form completely
provide four photos stamped by the diplomatic authority
provide an approval letter from the ministry of foreign affairs
provide a copy of the applicant’s driving license issued from his own country, translated into Arabic and stamped by the diplomatic authority
provide a file to save documents

Application procedure

To obtain your Saudi driving license, please follow these steps thoroughly.

visit the Absher Platform
select “Issuing a Driver’s License”
book an appointment in a driving school for theoretical testing.
once your application has been accepted, you will receive a message verifying your registration.
perform and pass the necessary hours and requirements. This includes medical examination at one of the accredited centers, including the practical and theoretical stages.
applicants are exempted from the test if they hold a valid foreign or international driving license recognized by the relevant department in the Kingdom.

To follow up on the status of your license,

log in to your Asbher account.
click on “My Services”, then “Inquires”, then “Traffic”, and then “Public Query Driving License”
enter the required information, including National ID or Iqama number and date of birth.
click on “View” for all information about the driving license.

Saudi driving license test

Once the medical examination for the driver’s license is completed, applicants are required to undergo the initial Saudi first-try test, which assesses their understanding of basic driving concepts. The test is conducted by an examiner who assigns a score, ranging from A (Alif) to D, based on the applicant’s performance. If the score is an A, the applicant is deemed ready for the final test; otherwise, they must enroll in training classes based on the examiner’s assessment.

Upon successful completion of the driving test, applicants are provided with a date for the reverse parking and computer test. It is important to note that the computer test consists of 20 questions and must be completed within 30 minutes. To pass this test, applicants are allowed a maximum of two mistakes.