Getting a driver’s license as an expatriate woman in Saudi Arabia is quite simple, with two routes: converting your original driving license to a Saudi one or getting a new one altogether. This guide outlines the process for both these options to make your process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Converting a Foreign Driving License in Saudi Arabia
Eligibility
Expat women who hold a valid driver’s license in the Gulf Country Council (GCC), United States, and certain European countries can convert their driver’s license instead of applying for a new one. This helps smoothen the process significantly.
Steps to Convert a Foreign License
- Verification: Ensure that your original driving license is from a valid country.
- Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the traffic department through the Absher portal.
- Documentation: Prepare the required documentation, including your original driving license, a translated copy, your original Iqama, passport-sized photos, and your medical report (if you have already done so).
- Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination at one of the authorized health centers to acquire your medical report, which will directly be submitted to the traffic department.
- Submit Application: Submit your application and fill out all necessary forms at the designated traffic office.
- Pay Fees: Pay the necessary fees, which include the processing fee and the medical examination fee.
- Receive License: After verification, you will be notified as to how to receive your converted license.
Obtaining a New Saudi Driving License
The process looks a bit different for expat women without a valid driving license. You must undergo training and evaluation to apply for a new driving license. Here’s what you’ll have to do:
- Step 1: Appointment
Absher Account: book an appointment with the traffic department through the Absher portal.
Documentation: Make sure you have your digital Iqama and appointment confirmation for the appointment. - Step 2: Assessment Test
Initial Evaluation: An instructor will first assess your initial driving skills to determine the required training you’ll have to undergo. You will either have to undergo five, fifteen, or thirty hours of training based on your initial proficiency.
- Step 3: Enrollment
Enroll in Driving School: Pay the tuition fee required based on your designated hours. The fees are SR 700, 1400, and 2500 for 5, 15, and 30 hours respectively.
- Step 4: Theory Classes
Complete Theory Training: Attend the mandated four hours of theory classes, either in person or through the driving school’s app.
- Step 5: Computer Test
Take a computer-based driving test with 40 multiple-choice questions on the content of the theory classes. To pass this evaluation, a score of at least 70% is required.
- Step 6: Practical Training
Driving Practice: take practical driving lessons that cover the essentials of basic driving and maneuvering skills.
Schedule Final Test: once completed, book your final driving test through the driving school’s application.
- Step 7: Final Driving Test
Test Assessment: You will be tested on your driving skills by an instructor. This test is mandatory to pass to proceed and qualify for your driving license.
- Step 8: Printing the Driving License
Fee Payment: Pay the necessary fee for the issuance of your driving license.
Medical Report: obtain and submit the Efada medical report from an authorized health center.
Collect License: Collect your driving license from the designated traffic department office
Total Costs
- Driving School Fee: SR 700 minimum (variable cost dependent on training hours)
- Driving License Fee: SR 200 for a 5-year driving license
- Efada Medical Test: SR 150 fixed cost
This brings up the total minimum cost to SR 1050.
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