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Driving in Saudi Arabia

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Updated byVincent Dall Aglioon 16 October 2024

Driving in Saudi Arabia is the easiest and most convenient way to get around. That being said, expats in Saudi Arabia will have to get accustomed to the driving style in Saudi Arabia. Getting a good understanding of driving etiquette and road signage is the first step to developing your road skills in Saudi Arabia.

Can expats drive in Saudi Arabia?

To drive in Saudi Arabia, you need to be at least 18 years old. If you have a valid driver's license issued in one of the EU states, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the neighboring GCC states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and UAE), you will be able to use it for three months. If you have an international driver's license, you will be able to use it for a period of one year.

Important:

Since June 2018, women can legally drive on the territory of the Kingdom. The decades-long ban on women driving was finally lifted with a historical decree. It was a significant step for empowering women and for the mobility of both expats and locals.

How to convert a foreign driver's license into a Saudi license

If your driver's license has been issued in the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the neighboring GCC states, you won't need to take a driving test to get a new license. Instead, you will be able to convert your existing driver's license into a local one.

To convert your foreign driver's license in Saudi Arabia, you will need to:

  • Get an Absher e-services account;
  • Pay a license fee;
  • Get your medical tests done (this typically includes eye and blood tests);
  • Have your current, national license translated into Arabic by an approved translation agency;
  • Bring all of the above as well as your Iqama and passport at the time of your appointment in one of the official driving school or traffic police centre (Muroor).

You will then be issued a local driver's license.

How to apply for a driver's license in Saudi Arabia

If you don't yet have a driver's license or your driver's license can't be converted into a local one, you will need to apply for a new driver's license in Saudi Arabia. You can do that at one of the many driving schools across the country.

To apply for a driver's license, you will need to present the following documents:

  • A receipt for the license fee;
  • Copy of your passport and four passport-sized photos;
  • Residence permit card (Iqama);
  • Completed application form;
  • Medical report.

Once you've submitted all the documents, you will first need to take a three-hour class followed by a test. Next, you will need to take a driving test.

If you pass both of these examinations successfully, you will be given a ten-year driver's license.

Driving in Saudi Arabia

Driving in Saudi Arabia may take some getting used to. While the road conditions and road safety in the country are improving, outside the big cities, you may still come across people not fully in line with traffic regulations.

You may also regularly come across armed guard posts on the road, which can be quite unnerving for those who are not used to this. If you are stopped at one of these road checks, do not panic and simply follow the instructions of the officer. In most cases, you will only be asked to show your driver's license, vehicle registration and Iqama copy. Make sure to keep these documents with you at all times when driving in the country.

Like in most countries, in Saudi Arabia, you will be driving on the right side of the road. Road layouts are quite clear—but do get ready to come across plenty of roundabouts. Street signs in all major cities are bilingual (Arabic and English). With that, navigating local roads, even with a GPS, may be problematic: a lot of roads don't actually go by their official names, and local landmarks are often used instead when giving directions. However, nowadays, most directions are exchanged through Google Maps location and your phone should be enough to take you to your destination. It will also be a great help for live traffic updates.

Traffic violations in Saudi Arabia can result in fines and license suspension. Each violation equals a certain number of points—when this number gets to 24, your license will be suspended. Note that driving under the influence will immediately amass you 24 points and result in an instant suspension of your driver's license as well as more serious legal consequences. To compare:

  • Running a red light will cost you 12 points.
  • Driving without brakes/lights equals 8 points.
  • Not having your seatbelt on is 2 points.

Note the leading cause of traffic accidents in the country is speeding. This is why it is especially important to pay attention to your speed while driving and observe all the regulations and speed limits in place. Urban freeways typically have a speed limit of 70 km/h, and highways limit the driving speed to 120 km/h. Keep in mind that all major routes are equipped with speed cameras. There is also an extensive network of cameras that will record other violations, such as not wearing the seatbelt, using the mobile phone, or driving at night without your lights.

Driving costs and car maintenance in Saudi Arabia

Driving in Saudi Arabia is definitely a more convenient option for getting around than taking public transportation. With that, make sure you are aware of the related costs.

One of the best things about driving in Saudi Arabia is the low fuel costs. The average price for a liter of petrol 95 is SAR 2.33, which is about $0.62, half of the international average. There are also no road taxes or tolls to worry about.

However, as Saudi Arabia is characterized by an exceptionally hot climate, vehicle maintenance costs tend to be quite high and wear and tear sets in sooner. Note that you will need to submit your vehicle for the annual Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection, called “fahas” in Arabic.

You are not obliged to purchase a fully comprehensive car insurance plan in Saudi Arabia; however, third-party coverage is compulsory.

Buying a car in Saudi Arabia

Brand-wise, Toyota is the leader of the Saudi Arabian car market with an extensive network of dealerships. Because of this, maintenance for Toyota vehicles is significantly easier and less expensive compared to other cars. With that said, American vehicles come in as a close second and are also quite popular with expats. Note that most cars run on petrol, and Diesel options are quite rare. While hybrid vehicles are more and more commonly seen, fully electric cars, on the other hand, are still a rare occurence.

Overall, car prices in Saudi Arabia are on the reasonable side, and most expats prefer to buy or rent vehicles on the spot—as opposed to bringing their own cars from their home countries. Another reason for this is that car import rules in Saudi Arabia are quite strict, with lots of limitations and paperwork involved.

The majority of expats who move to Saudi Arabia do so on a work contract, which often includes transportation in the form of a personal vehicle with a driver. If this option is available to you, we strongly suggest that you take it—it will make things much easier on your part as driving in a foreign city is never easy.

However, if transportation is not part of your contract, buying or renting a car would be the next best thing.

Buying a car in Saudi Arabia is quite straightforward. You simply need to locate a dealership that sells the model you are interested in, pay them a visit, take the vehicle for a test drive, and, if everything is to your liking, proceed with the purchase. Most dealerships will take all the paperwork off of your hands, and you will simply need to sign on the dotted line.

If you are not on the market for a new vehicle, you can rent one. You will find both international and local car rental companies in the country that will be able to provide you with a car. To rent a car in Saudi Arabia, you need to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license, whether local or foreign. You will also need to present your passport and Iqama.

Traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia

As we've mentioned at the beginning of this article, road safety is improving in the country. However, there is still quite a long way to go.

Speeding and reckless driving remain to be the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents. So, make sure that you stay vigilant and don't get distracted on the road when driving at any time.

If unfortunately, you do get into a traffic accident in Saudi Arabia, you will need to call the emergency number — 993 or 199033. (For a complete list of emergency numbers in Saudi Arabia, click here). During the call, you will need to provide the location and basic details of the accident—if you don't speak Arabic, it would be best to have someone help you make the call. Due to the large number of cars and the congestion that occurs with traffic accidents, the traffic police unit Najm was created to answer quickly and arrive on the scene rapidly. It is important to download the Najm app which will allow you to record any traffic accident and call the traffic police quickly. It also has an integrated camera function. If you happen to be in a traffic accident, make sure to record the scene in the app while taking all safety precautions. Once that is done, you are allowed to move your car in order to avoid traffic congestion while waiting for the Najm officer to arrive on the scene. When the police arrive at the scene, they will write an accident report. The Najm police will handle most traffic accidents, however, it is possible that another police department will be involved (either the Muroor or the police). This is usually the case for accidents where there are injuries, or one of the owners does not have insurance, or in the cases of hit and runs.
You may also call your employer for assistance with this or reach out to your embassy. Make sure not to sign any documents in Arabic if you don't understand their contents. If the police find you to be responsible for the accident, you will probably be asked to pay a fine. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, you might be held in custody until your fine is paid.

If your car breaks down in the middle of the road:

  • Park out of the way of the traffic;
  • Turn in your hazard lights;
  • Place a warning triangle next to your vehicle;
  • Call a car breakdown service or 993.

You can also ask for assistance from fellow motorists.

General tips for driving in Saudi Arabia

Driving in a foreign country can be seen as quite challenging at first. However, if you do your research, follow the traffic rules, and exercise due diligence on the road, it can actually be both a convenient travel solution and an interesting experience.

To make sure your experience on the country's highways goes smoothly, check our list of precautions to take on the road.

When driving in Saudi Arabia, make sure to always have your driver's license, passport, Iqama and vehicle papers with you at all times.

Be very careful when driving at night, on poorly lit roads, and in the countryside. Be aware that camels often cross roads, even in the cities — and hitting a camel is actually one of the frequent causes of traffic accidents in the country.

Avoid going off-road if you are not an experienced off-road driver or are not accompanied by one. Without knowing proper driving techniques, you can easily get stuck in the sand and will have to search for assistance.

Make sure to always have a good supply of drinking water in your car. Temperatures in Saudi Arabia tend to get very high, and it's very important to have enough water with you in case of traffic or other emergencies.

If stopped by traffic police or at a checkpoint, remain calm and follow the officer's instructions. In most cases, you will only be asked to present your identification and car papers.

Pay extra caution when driving during the month of Ramadan. With everyone fasting all day, people tend to be in a hurry to get home at the end of the day, and there may be quite a bit of speeding on the roads.

Road rage is never a solution. It is always best to give way, even if the other driver is in the wrong, rather than have an accident. If you don't feel like you are up for handling traffic or are having a hard time navigating the streets, consider hiring a car service to keep you out of trouble.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Vincent studied linguistics and foreign language acquisition at the University of Geneva. He first travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia to teach French and English. In 2023, he moved to Saudi Arabia. He enjoys movies, books, baking, and chess.

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Comments

  • junebaguinang
    junebaguinanglast year

    I have astigmatism I would like to ask those who know if i will have a problem. because im planing to get a driving license here in Saudi Arabia.


    Thank you for the answer

  • sedasokulgan
    sedasokulgan3 years ago(Modified)

    A year ago I tried to get my driving license here in Jeddah. I got all necessary papers ready and went to the traffic police section. I have a German driving license since I was 19 years old. Unfortunately I never had the chance to use it here in Saudi Arabia, because it was not allowed for women to drive. Now I am 58 years old.. That doesn't matter for me, because I still feel fit and always drove safely. The officer at the section told me to go the German embassy or consulate to get a certification. He didn't want to help at all. Is there any body out there who can show me what to do ? I don't mind to make a driving test to prove that I can drive... I heard, that here in Jeddah it is much more difficult to get a driving license than in any other city... If you have any recommendations, would be great.. thanks

  • fidarsi
    fidarsi4 years ago(Modified)
    Hi, I just want to share my experience. I have Canadian Driving license and it took me less than an hour for conversion at Dallah Driving School in Riyadh (King Fahad Road), its fast and easy, but you need to take the below documents with you which might take 1 to 2 days: 1. Original Driving License and an Arabic Translation 2. Original Iqama and a copy 3. Passport copy 4. Medical report - eye sight and blood group (from authorized medical centers, be sure they upload your medical record in Efada web. You need to provide your cell phone number and your 10 digit sponsor ID. After upload you must get text on your cell phone) 5. 4 passport size photographs 6. License fee (for 10 years, SR400 - recommended to pay online from your bank via Govt Services. There are different fee options based on years) - Recommended to go early in the morning at 7:00 am. - Take Registration Form from outside of Gate 1, they can fill this for you and make a File - ensure that they file the translation copy of license in the file (it cost me SR 5) - He asked me to go to Traffic Office which is in the Main Office (Traffic Office opened at 7:30 am) - Go to any window and they will verify your papers (ensure they will know you have Foreign Driving License to fast track, otherwise you will need to follow they long process of test etc.) - The Guy asked me to wait and after 10 minutes he gave me Saudi 10 years Driving License Hope its helps, better to go and get first hand info. This was my experience and pleasant one but do not know what other Foreign Licenses can be converted. The guys there might not be fluent in English, but they can understand....
  • feverpitch
    feverpitch6 years ago(Modified)
    Hello, I would like to provide a recent update on this post for current British driving license holders wishing to obtain a Saudi license. This can be done very easily and quickly. You don’t need to take any lessons or sit a test. This also applies to some other countries, but I will focus only on British license holders. Location - Al Khobar Current driving license - British Bank account - Riyad Bank Driving School visited - Al Khobar Modern Driving school (link below) Medical Centre visited - Al Mana Medical Centre (link below) Translation Office Visited - (link below) Step 1- Make sure you have your iqama from your employer before you start the process. Step 2- Pay the driving license fees online. With Riyad Bank you simply login choose SADAD bills > government services > pay/refund > driver license > pay > issue license On the next screen you have to put in the duration of your license (2,5,10 years), the cost and the beneficiary id which is your iqama number. I chose 5 years which is 200 riyals. I think 10 years is 400 riyals. Once that is done and paid, print out a copy of this payment. Other banks will have a slightly different process, but as long as you know that the beneficiary is your iqama, you should’t have any problems. Step 3- Go to the translation office listed below. Take your original British driving license and iqama. They will translate your license into Arabic. The whole process takes about 15 minutes and costs 40 riyals. I went to the translation office slightly to the right of the one I listed, as the staff were more helpful. They have big windows and signs advertising ‘International driving licenses’ and there are two guys working there that speak good English and are efficient. Step 4- Go to the medical centre listed below with your iqama and sponsor ID (this can be found on your Absher account and is 10 digits long). Tell the staff that you want a blood and eye test. The total cost was 168 riyals. You will have to go and see a few different doctors, which could take a total of 40 mins, but they have wifi and air-con, so it’s no big deal. I didn’t have the blood test, as my work ID had my blood type listed on the card, so they just took that as given. If you have an official piece of paper with your blood type on it, take it with you as this could save some time and pain :) At the end of the process, they will give you a paper confirming you have completed the tests and they MUST upload your documents online. Make sure that you check with them that they have done this, as you will not be issued a license without it. To be fair, the woman at the desk told me before I asked, so I am pretty sure they know the procedure, but please check verbally before you leave the clinic. Step 5- Take a copy of your passport (picture page) and iqama your translated driving license original British license original iqama medical certificate Riyadh bank license payment confirmation to the Al Khobar Modern Driving School. When I entered the building, I turned left into the waiting area where there were about 6 guys sitting down. I headed to the information booths and asked the guy in the booth what I should do if I wanted to get a Saudi license. I played the ‘help me I am a foreigner card, and it worked…this time’ :) He asked for my papers and then realised that I had everything ready, so he graciously filled in the form for me (it was in Arabic, obviously). It took him about 5 minutes to do this and at the end he said ‘Come back tomorrow morning at 8 am to pick up license’. I thanked him and left. Make sure you take a pen with you and some recent pictures. He only needed one for my application. I don’t know if everyone will be as helpful, but on a ‘normal’ day when people are working at the reception, someone who speaks English might be able to help you, but if you can take a local with you to assist, this would be beneficial. Step 6- Go back to the driving school with all the same documents from the previous day. Get there at 8 am, and when you enter the building, turn right. Here you will show your documents to the security guard, and he will gesture you to go to one of the far left windows to submit your documents. The man at the window will take your documents and may ask if you have uploaded the medical details online and paid for the license. Show him the payment and confirm the medical information has been uploaded. Then, take a seat and wait about 20 minutes (this was my waiting time as there were only 5 people ‘in front’ of me). A guy, or a security guard will then come out, call your name, and you collect your Saudi license. Halas, as they say! This entire process took me 5 days, simply because I did it step-by-step. However, all of this could be done much faster, and this is the reason I wrote this post, so that you know what to do. Yes, you can get the medical and translation done at the Driving School, but I didn’t know this until I got there, and to be honest, the whole process wasn’t that difficult, so it’s your choice. However, be careful with the cost. Links Driving school https://www.google.com.sa/maps/place/Al Khobar Modern Driving School/@26.3679903,50.1775243,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x3e49e589116c171f:0x7e023f6f9d621df3!2sAl Khobar Modern Driving School!8m2!3d26.3679855!4d50.179713!3m4!1s0x3e49e589116c171f:0x7e023f6f9d621df3!8m2!3d26.3679855!4d50.179713?hl=en Medical Centre https://www.google.com.sa/maps/place/Almana Medical Center/@26.350173,50.1989004,15.31z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sal mana medical center!3m4!1s0x3e49ef3458d28e3d:0xa767ae33352802c3!8m2!3d26.3539002!4d50.2084415?hl=en Translation Center https://www.google.com.sa/maps/place/ÙÙتب اÙعÙر٠ÙÙترجÙØ© اÙÙعتÙدة‭/@26.278486,50.2135085,209m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x3e49e8261da1bbe1:0xe483ef18d8292b36!8m2!3d26.2784848!4d50.2140557?hl=en

See also

All of Saudi Arabia's guide articles