New to KSA as an expat: How to get a driving licence
Getting a driving license in Saudi Arabia depends entirely on whether you can convert an existing foreign license or need to go to Dallah Driving School. Below is everything you need to know about eligibility, costs, procedures, and how to find cheap car insurance in Saudi Arabia after that.
Who can get a driving license in Saudi Arabia?
To get a driving license in Saudi Arabia, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Iqama (residency permit)
- Pass a medical examination
- Either:
- Hold an eligible foreign driving license for conversion, or
- Pass the required driving tests through a Saudi driving school
How to Get a Saudi Driving License
- Option 1: License Conversion
- Best for: Holders of valid licenses from the GCC, US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, or New Zealand.
- 👉 Find out how to Convert License in Saudi Arabia
- Option 2: Apply for a Saudi Driving License
- Best for: Beginners or holders of licenses from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, etc.
- 👉 Find out how to get a Saudi Driving License
How much does a driving license cost in Saudi Arabia?
| Expense | Cost (SAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving School Fees (Advanced/Category A) | SAR 690 | May be higher if assigned to a beginner track |
| Medical Test | SAR ~ 132 | Includes eyesight and blood type test |
| Theory Test Retake (if required) | SAR 86 | Only applies if you fail the theory exam |
| Driving License Fee (5 Years) | SAR 200 | SAR 80 for 2 years or SAR 400 for 10 years |
| Total Cost* | SAR 1,108 | Assuming passing all tests on the first try. |
How to Convert a Foreign Driving License in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Saudi Arabia accepts direct license conversions for valid license holders from:
- GCC Countries
- US, Canada, UK, EU countries
- Australia, New Zealand
- Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia
Step 2: Prepare the requirements for license conversion
Before booking an appointment on Absher, you should:
- Do the medical test at an Efada-approved health center.
- Provide certified license translation for non-arabic licenses.
- Pay the license issuance fee through SADAD using your banking app.
Step 3: Book the Appointment on Absher
When booking, make sure to select [Replacement of driving licenses] from the list of available services for Moroor.
How to Apply for a Saudi Driving License
1. Book an appointment on Absher
Everything starts with Absher. You book an appointment for a driving license and pick a school.
Log in to Absher → Go to Appointments → Traffic → Issue Driving License.
Here’s a tip if you can’t find available appointments on Absher for driver’s license
If you can’t find a driving school appointment on the Absher portal in Saudi Arabia, Reddit & Facebook users advise checking on Thursdays between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM when new slots are typically loaded.
2. Do the medical test
To get your Saudi Driving License, you’ll need to pass a medical test first. The test includes:
- An eyesight test
- Blood type verification
- A general health assessment
If you pass the medical test, you’ll get an SMS from Moroor confirming your status as FIT.
3. Attend Driving School
At the driving school, an instructor will evaluate your driving skills.
Based on your performance, you’ll be assigned to one of the following training categories:
- A for Advanced
- B for Intermediate
- C for Beginner
Your category determines how many training hours you’ll need to complete, and the total training cost.
4. Attend Theory Classes
Theory classes cover:
- Saudi traffic laws
- Road signs
- Parking rules
- Safety regulations
- Driving violations
Many schools use video-based classroom lessons.
5. Take the computer theory test
After completing your theory classes, you’ll take a computer-based exam.
To pass, you must answer at least 21 out of 30 questions correctly.
How to prepare for the theory test KSA
- Read the driving handbook carefully
- Practice mock exams
- Use the KSA Dallah app for sample questions
If you fail, you can retake the exam after paying a retest fee.
6. Start practical training
After passing the theory exam, you’ll move to practical training with an instructor. Yard first, then the road.
7. Pass the final driving test
Examiners can be strict, so stay calm and follow instructions exactly. Just be ready to drive for a few minutes in traffic & park the car
The test is usually over in no time if you show confidence and control.
8. Pay license fee & collect
When you pass, you pay the fees, choose how many years you want, and the license gets issued and printed on the spot.
Got your license? Here’s what to know about car insurance
Now that you’ve got your license in hand, you’re almost ready to start driving in Saudi Arabia; but there are still a few important things to know about car insurance.
Can you drive someone else’s car in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You can legally drive someone else’s car in Saudi Arabia as long as you hold a valid driving license. But, if you’ll be using the car regularly, the owner should add you as an authorized driver on Absher first.
Will car insurance cover me if I drive someone else’s car in Saudi Arabia?
It depends entirely on the type of car insurance the owner has:
- Third party car insurance: In Saudi Arabia, third party insurance will cover any driver using the car, as long as they have a valid license. But it will only cover damage they cause to others.
- Comprehensive car insurance: Comprehensive car insurance in Saudi Arabia only covers accidents caused by the owner, close family members (spouses, siblings, or children), and their officially registered private drivers.
⚠️ Never borrow or drive a friend’s or relative’s financed/leased car unless they have issued a driving authorization for you. If they haven’t done this, you are driving completely uninsured.
How much does car insurance cost for a new driver in Saudi
As a new driver, you’ll likely find car insurance prices in Saudi Arabia EXPENSIVE! Statistically, new drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, so insurance companies charge them more.
Want cheaper car insurance for next year?
Step 1: Drive safely from day one! An accident-free year earns you a No Claims Discount (NCD), over time you can save up to 60% on your car insurance with this discount.
Step 2: Run a quick check across Saudi Arabia’s top insurance providers on wakeel to instantly find the lowest car insurance price for you.
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