Obtaining a driving license in Saudi Arabia, much like any other country, is a highly specific process with specific criteria to fulfill and steps to follow. While initially daunting, it is truly not something complex, and this guide will give you all the information you need to be on the road soon.
Eligibility Criteria for a Driving License
Before trying to acquire a driving license, it is important to make sure you fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Age Requirement: a private driving license application requires applicants to be at least 18 years of age. To apply for a public or vocational license, the requirement is to be at least 21 years of age.
- Medical Fitness: Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination at one of the authorized health centers to ensure vision and general health fitness for driving.
- Residency: Non-Saudi residents are generally required to possess a valid Iqama to apply for a driving license.
Required Documents
To apply for a driving license in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Completed Application Form: can be acquired from the traffic department or online.
- Valid Iqama: For all expatriates.
- Passport-size Photographs: four to six recently taken passport-size photographs are required.
- Medical Report: from an authorized health center ensuring you’re fit to drive.
- Copy of Passport: This includes the page containing your residency visa (for expatriates).
- Existing Driving License: If you’d like to convert an existing driving license to a Saudi one.
Steps to Obtain a Driving License
- Enroll in a Driving School
Enroll in an approved driving school to receive practical and theoretical training. The duration of the course will vary depending on prior experience (or lack thereof).
- Complete the Medical Examination
As mentioned above, you must undergo a medical examination at an approved health center. These results are automatically forwarded to the traffic department and sure you are in good health and fit to drive.
- Attend Theoretical Classes
Attending the theoretical classes at your training center is crucial to passing the theoretical exam. These classes cover topics such as road signs, traffic laws, and general safe driving practices.
- Pass the Theoretical Test
After completing the theoretical module, you must sit the electronically administered theoretical test that evaluates knowledge of Saudi driving laws, road signs, and driving practices. The study material to clear this exam is usually provided by the training center.
- Practical Training
Next, you must undergo practical driving training with a certified instructor. This training usually covers basic adherence to traffic laws, maneuvering, and driving skills.
- Pass the Practical Test
Once the practical training is complete, you must undergo the practical driving test administered by the traffic department. This tests your general driving practices, adherence to traffic laws, and general driving skills in the real world.
- Pay the Fees
The fees include costs for the application tests, processing fees, and the license itself. This fee can be paid via a multitude of ways, including online portals.
- Receive Your Driving License
After successful clearance of both theoretical and practical modules as well as payment of fees, you will be issued a driving license. This license is generally valid for 10 years, after which it must be renewed.
Tips for Expatriates
Convert an Existing License: If you already possess a driving license from another country, you are likely to be eligible to convert it to a Saudi license directly. Information regarding processes, fees, and requirements is available at the traffic department.
Language Assistance: If Arabic is not a language you’re fluent in, it’s a good idea to get assistance from someone who can help you fill out the forms and guide you through procedures.
Driving Schools with English Instruction: For greater accessibility, certain training centers provide lessons in English for expatriates. This is a good option to explore for those whose first language is not Arabic.
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