Saudi Arabia Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Saudi Arabia Driving Licence : Obtaining a driving license in Saudi Arabia allows you to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads. Here is an overview:

Types of Licences

• Learner’s licence – Allows learner driving in the presence of an instructor. Valid 1-3 years.
• Provisional licence – Allows driving once tests are passed. Valid 1-2 years.
• Full licence – Issued after completing provisional period. Valid 10 years.

Governing Body

The General Directorate of Traffic issues driving licences through various Traffic Departments across Saudi Arabia.

Minimum Age

• 17 years for learner’s licence
• 18 years for provisional licence
• 20 years for full licence

Documents Required

• Application form
• Health certificate
• Eye test certificate
• Passport photos
• ID card copy
• Proof of residence
• Licence fee

Getting a Licence

• Pass theory test
• Get learner’s permit
• Complete training
• Pass practical test
• Obtain provisional licence
• Drive on provisional licence
• Obtain full licence

Applying for Your First Saudi Arabian Driving Licence

Follow these steps to get your first driving licence in Saudi Arabia:

1. Meet Age Requirement

You must be minimum 17 years old to apply for a learner’s permit.

2. Get Health Certificate

Undergo a medical checkup and obtain a health certificate from an approved health center.

3. Pass Eye Test

Have your vision checked at an optician and get an eye test certificate showing visual acuity.

4. Apply for Learner’s Permit

Submit the application form with above documents, passport photos and licence fee at the Traffic Department.

5. Pass Theory Test

Appear for a computerized theory test on traffic rules, regulations and road signs. Study the driving handbook.

6. Get Learner’s Permit

Upon passing the theory test you will get a printed learner’s permit valid for 1-3 years.

7. Enroll in Driving School

Complete mandatory driving lessons at a licensed driving school.

8. Pass Practical Test

Appear for the practical driving test with a driving inspector.

9. Obtain Provisional Licence

Once you pass the test, you will be issued a provisional licence valid for 1-2 years.

Renewing your Saudi Arabian Driving Licence

Driving licences must be renewed every 10 years in Saudi Arabia. Here is how to renew your licence:

When to Renew

Licences can be renewed within 6 months of expiration without having to retake tests.

Where to Renew

Visit the Traffic Department where your licence was issued. Fill out the application form.

Documents Required

• Current driving licence
• Application form
• Medical certificate
• Eye test certificate
• ID copy
• Passport photos
• Fee

Renewal Process

• Submit required documents
• Undertake eye test
• Get new licence printed with new validity period

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Licence

In case of loss or damage, driving licences must be replaced within 7 days. Here is how to replace your licence:

Report Loss

File a police report about the loss and obtain a copy.

Apply for Replacement

Visit the Traffic Department with the police report, ID copy and licence fee to apply.

Get Replacement Licence

The Traffic Department will verify your records and print a replacement licence card. It will have the same number and expiry.

Changing Address on Saudi Arabian Driving Licence

If you change residence address, follow this procedure:

Documents Required

• Application form
• Current driving licence
• Proof of new address
• ID copy
• Passport photos
• Fee

Process

• Visit the Traffic Department
• Submit change of address application with above documents
• New licence will be printed with updated address

Transferring Foreign Licence to Saudi Licence

If you become a Saudi resident you can drive for 3 months on your foreign licence. To continue driving after that:

• Provide your foreign licence for transfer
• Pass a driving test if required
• Get a medical test
• Pay required fees
• Get a local Saudi licence

Taking the Driving Test in Saudi Arabia

Here are some tips for taking your driving test:

Booking the Test

Book your test appointment at the Traffic Department. Bring your learner’s permit and test fee.

Vehicle Requirements

Bring a suitable registered vehicle with insurance. The examiner will inspect it.

Test Format

The test consists of yard test and road test assessing your driving skills.

Passing Criteria

You must score at least 80% to pass the test.

Failure Policy

You must wait 7 days before reappearing if you fail. After 4th failure, must wait 6 months.

Traffic Violations and Penalties

Some common traffic violations and penalties:

• Over speeding – 300 SAR fine
• Reckless driving – 800 SAR fine + licence suspension
• Running red light – 500 SAR fine
• Using phone while driving – 300 SAR fine
• Driving without licence – 900 SAR fine
• No seat belt – 300 SAR fine
• Wrong parking – 100 SAR fine

FAQs on Saudi Arabia Driving Licence