Expat Driving

As long as they meet specific legal criteria, non-Saudi residents are indeed free to drive in Saudi Arabia . For their first year, expats may use an international driving license; but, should they intend to stay longer or if their license is from a non-approved nation, they must obtain a Saudi driving license.

Furthermore, knowing Saudi driving customs and particular traffic laws is quite vital as they could vary greatly from those of other nations. Making sure all required paperwork are consistent with local rules and current helps expatriates stay free from penalties or legal problems.

Driving Regulations

The legal driving age in Saudi Arabia is eighteen.
A major turning point in Saudi Arabia, women have been legally permitted to drive there since 2018.
Non-Saudis with licenses from approved countries—such as GCC states, EU countries, the US, Canada , and Australia —can drive for up to a year on their international licenses before having to get a Saudi license.
Most renting companies and insurance companies want expats to have a Saudi driving license for transactions and coverage.

Driving Customs and Safety

Saudi Arabia strictly enforces speed restrictions, especially over the Saher system—a network of automated cameras. While roads run from 120 to 140 km/h, speed limits in cities are usually set between 50 and 60 km/h.

Lane Discipline: Road culture can vary from what many expatriates would be accustomed to since slower vehicles are typically found in quicker lanes. Safety demands defensive driving practice.

Driving in a sandstorm can be dangerous since they limit view. It's advised to keep a safe distance from other cars and, should necessary, turn on headlights.

Seatbelt Laws: Strictly enforced for both drivers and passengers are these ones. Anyone disobying these rules will be fined.
Dealing with Police: Expats should always have their Iqama (residence permission), driving license, and automobile registration to avoid fines during inspections. Police checkpoints are rather common.

Getting a Saudi driving license is necessary for anyone staying in Saudi Arabia more than one year or for those without a license from a recognized nation. Here is a detailed instruction on how to get one:

Required Documents & Eligibility

Applications for a Saudi driving license have to satisfy several requirements:

Candidates have to be at least eighteen years old.
Count on Absher: To handle the application process, register on Absher, the e-services portal used in Saudi Arabia.
Medical Review: Finish an approved center's medical exam.
Documents: Send various important documents, including:
Four passports-sized pictures
Residence permit, or Iqama, and passport
Original foreign driving licence and, if relevant, an Arabic-translated copy.
ID paper of sponsor and evidence of appointment confirmation
Typical errors in this process include missing medical visits, which could need rebooking, and neglecting to translate a foreign license into Arabic, so delaying the application.

Register with Absher

First step toward getting a Saudi driving license is opening an Absher account. View the "Driving License" section following registration to begin a fresh license application.

Set up your appointment

After Absher registration, make a theoretical test appointment through a licenced driving school. This test will address road safety, traffic rules, and Saudi-specific driving policies.

Send Your Application

Send all of the ready papers through Absher once they are ready. You will get a confirmation including a test date upon successful submission. Not forget to finish the required medical exam before the test day.

Training and tests

Applications depending on eligibility could have to pass both theoretical and practical tests. Certain expatriates with permits from approved nations could be excluded from these examinations.

Absher license status

View your license status on the Absher platform once all stages have finished. The license will be ready for collecting and you will be informed.

Considering the restrictions in public transportation, driving provides a sensible approach for expats in Saudi Arabia to get about the land. Understanding the required legal requirements, traffic rules, and driving standards helps expatriates to enjoy safe and compliant travel all throughout the nation.

Easy Steps to Obtain a Driving License in Saudi Arabia for Expats

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