Complete Guide to Getting a Driving License in Saudi Arabia

I’m thrilled to share some great news with you all—I have finally received my Saudi driving license, and it’s valid for 10 years! Standing right outside the driving school, I can’t help but smile with joy at this achievement. In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of obtaining a driving license in Saudi Arabia, including how long it takes, the costs involved, and the step-by-step procedures. Whether you’re planning to get your license soon or just curious about the process, this guide will help you understand everything clearly.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Booking an Appointment at the Driving School
• Step 2: Attending the Training Sessions
• Step 3: Theory and Computer Training
• Step 4: Passing the Theory Exam
• Step 5: Medical and Eye Tests
• Step 6: Final Practical Driving Test
• Step 7: Submitting Documents and Choosing License Duration
• Summary of Costs and Timeline
• Additional Tips and Support
• FAQ: Common Questions About Saudi Driving License
• Conclusion

Step 1: Booking an Appointment at the Driving School

The first thing you need to do is book an appointment at a driving school. I went to Almasi Driving School in Makkah to get this done. You can either try booking online through the official Absher platform, but if it doesn’t work, visiting the school in person is a reliable alternative. At Almasi, I paid 150 SAR to secure my appointment. Make sure your Iqama is valid because that’s the only document you need to book your appointment—no extra paperwork is required at this stage.

Step 2: Attending the Training Sessions

Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive a message or phone call with the date and time. On the scheduled day, you have to go to the driving school and submit your Iqama at the waiting area. Your name will be called, and then you’ll be taken inside for training.

Depending on the type of vehicle license you are applying for, the training duration and fees vary:

• Grade A (Light vehicle): 690 SAR, usually 1-2 days of training.
• Grade B: 1490 SAR.
• Grade C: 2200 SAR.

After paying the fees, you will undergo practical driving training where an instructor assesses your driving skills and provides lessons accordingly.

Step 3: Theory and Computer Training

After the practical training, you’ll be given access to a digital platform through a link sent to your phone. This platform contains videos and materials you need to study for the theory portion of the license exam.

You will attend a six-day theory class schedule, where you learn about traffic rules, road safety, and other essential topics. Each day, you’ll receive a notification with the time for your training session, which lasts about two hours. Attendance is important, and these classes prepare you for the computer-based theory test.

Step 4: Passing the Theory Exam

Once you complete the theory classes, you will take the computer-based exam. I passed mine with a score of 83, which was a relief! This exam is crucial as it tests your understanding of traffic laws and safe driving practices.

Step 5: Medical and Eye Tests

Before proceeding to the final driving test, you must complete a medical examination and an eye test. You can do these tests either at the driving school’s affiliated clinic or at any nearby medical center. The costs vary: at the school, it was 150 SAR, but outside clinics might charge between 80-90 SAR. I opted to complete the tests at the school for convenience.

Step 6: Final Practical Driving Test

The last step is the final driving test. On the test day, you’ll be asked to demonstrate your driving skills, including parking maneuvers such as reverse parking. The test is straightforward if you have practiced well. There were only three candidates during my test, and all of us passed easily. After the test, the instructor congratulates you and directs you to submit your documents at the office.

Step 7: Submitting Documents and Choosing License Duration

After passing the driving test, you need to submit your medical report and other required documents to the traffic department. Then, you’ll be asked to decide how long you want your license to be valid:

• 5 years: 220 SAR
• 10 years: 420 SAR

I chose the 10-year license for 420 SAR, which I found to be a good investment for the long run.

Summary of Costs and Timeline

• Appointment booking: 150 SAR
• Training fees (depending on vehicle type): 690 to 2200 SAR
• Medical and eye test: 80-150 SAR
• License fee (5 or 10 years): 220 or 420 SAR

The entire process from booking the appointment to receiving the license took around one month, including the training, exams, and tests.

Additional Tips and Support

The process is quite straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. If you need help with locations, appointments, or any other details, feel free to reach out. I can share the exact locations and useful contacts to make your journey easier.

FAQ: Common Questions About Saudi Driving License

What documents do I need to apply?

You only need a valid Iqama to book your appointment and start the process.

Can I book the appointment online?

Yes, through the Absher platform, but if it doesn’t work, visiting the driving school in person is recommended.

How long does the training last?

Training can vary from 1 to 7 days depending on your license type and progress.

What is the cost of the entire process?

It ranges from approximately 1140 SAR to 3000 SAR depending on vehicle type and medical test location.

How long is the license valid?

You can choose either 5 years or 10 years validity when submitting your documents.

Is the final driving test difficult?

With proper training and practice, the test is manageable. It mainly includes driving and parking maneuvers.

Getting a Saudi driving license is a well-structured process that requires patience, practice, and following the correct steps. From booking your appointment to passing the theory and practical exams, each stage is designed to ensure you are a safe and responsible driver on Saudi roads. I hope this guide helps you navigate the process smoothly and achieve your goal of becoming a licensed driver in Saudi Arabia. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Good luck, and drive safely!