The Complete Guide to Saudi Driving Licenses (2025): For New Expats, Swaps & Women

If there is one topic that confuses every single new expat in Saudi Arabia, it is the Driving License.

When I first arrived, I was told five different things by five different people.

"You can just swap your UK license instantly!"
"No, you have to take 30 hours of classes because you are a resident now."
"Women have to go to a special university to learn."

The confusion is understandable because the rules depend entirely on where you are from and what visa you are on.

I have been through the chaos of the Dallah Driving School, I have helped friends convert their foreign licenses, and I have watched the system change rapidly in the last few years.

This guide replaces all the rumors with facts. Whether you are an American looking to swap your license, a beginner starting from scratch, or a woman looking for the best driving school, this is the only guide you need for 2025.

Part 1: The "Golden Ticket" (Converting a Foreign License)

This is the most common question I get: "I have a license from back home. Do I really need to take a test?"

The answer is: It depends on your country.

Group A: The "Direct Swap" Countries

If you hold a valid, unexpired license from the UK, USA, Canada, European Union (EU), Australia, New Zealand, or GCC countries (Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar), you are the lucky ones.

You do not need to take a driving test or attend classes.

The Process for Direct Swap:

Login to Absher: Go to Appointments > Traffic > Book an appointment for "Replace Foreign Driving License."
Translation: If your license is not in English or Arabic (e.g., French or German), get it translated by an authorized translation office.
Medical Test: Go to any optical shop or clinic linked to the "Efada" system.
The Visit: Go to the Traffic Police (Muroor) or Dallah center. Bring your original license, Iqama, and passport.
(Note: You cannot do this without a valid residency. Check your status using our [Ultimate Guide to Checking Your Saudi Iqama Status]).

Group B: The "Assessment" Countries

If your license is from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, etc., you cannot do a direct swap. However, you do not necessarily need to start from zero.

You qualify for the "Mid-Level" Path (6 Hours).

Instead of taking the full 30-hour beginner course, you will be given a quick "Assessment Test" (driving a car for 2 minutes around a yard).

If you drive well: You only have to attend 6 hours of lectures/training.
If you drive poorly: They will downgrade you to the 30-hour beginner course.

Pro Tip: When doing your assessment, drive like a grandma. Two hands on the wheel. Stop completely at stop signs. Check mirrors constantly. If you look too aggressive, the officer will assign you 30 hours just to "teach you patience."

Part 2: Required Documents (The "Green Folder")

Before you go to any driving school or Muroor office, you need to prepare your file. In Saudi Arabia, showing up without one piece of paper can waste your entire day.

Go to a stationary shop (Jarir or a local Maktaba) and buy a Green Paper Folder. Put these inside:

Original Iqama + 2 Photocopies.
Passport Copy (Photo page + Visa page).
4 Photos: Size 4x6 cm (White background).
- Note for Men: Do not wear sunglasses.
- Note for Women: Hijab is fine, but your face must be uncovered.
Medical Report (Efada): You cannot book a test without this. It must be uploaded digitally by the clinic to the MOI system.
Printout of your Absher Appointment.

Part 3: The Process for Beginners (The Dallah School)

If you have no license, or if you failed the assessment, you are in for the full experience. You will be attending the Dallah Driving School.

Step 1: Theory Classes & The Computer Test

You will attend lectures on road signs and safety. Then, you face the Computer Test.

The Test: 20 Questions. You must get 18 correct.
The Trap: The English translation is sometimes poor.
The Hack: Do not study the book they give you. Download the app "KSA Dallah" on your phone. The questions in the app are identical to the real exam. Memorize the "Points System" (e.g., Drifting = 24 points, Red Light = 12 points).

Step 2: Practical Training (The Yard)

You will spend hours driving in the "Yard." This is a closed circuit with cones. You will practice:

Parallel Parking: Parking between two barriers.
The "S" Reverse: Reversing through a winding path without hitting cones.
Figure 8: Driving in tight circles.

Step 3: The Final Road Test

This is the moment of truth. You get in a car with a police officer.

Immediate Fail: Not putting on your seatbelt before starting the engine.
Immediate Fail: Rolling through a Stop sign (you must stop for 3 seconds).
Immediate Fail: Hitting a cone during the parking test.

(Nervous about driving here? You should be. The roads can be chaotic. Read our honest take on [Is Saudi Arabia Safe? Crime & Driving Risks]).

Part 4: Women Driving in Saudi Arabia (Specifics)

Since the ban was lifted in 2018, the infrastructure for women drivers has become world-class. In fact, women's driving schools are often better than the men's schools.

Where do women learn?

Unlike men who mostly go to "Dallah," women often go to driving schools located inside universities. These are modern, clean, and run by female instructors.

Riyadh: Princess Nourah University (PNU) Driving School.
Jeddah: King Abdulaziz University Driving School.
Eastern Province: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University.

Is the test different?

The traffic rules are exactly the same, but the environment is different.

Instructors: All instructors are women.
Cost: The training fees for women are currently higher than for men in some schools (ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 SAR for the full course), although prices are slowly standardizing.
Waitlists: This is the biggest challenge. The waitlist for PNU can be months long. Book your appointment the second you get your Iqama.

Part 5: License Types & Costs (2025 Table)

When you apply, you need to know what you are applying for.

Private License (Khususi): This is what 99% of expats need. It allows you to drive cars and SUVs (up to 3.5 tons).
Motorcycle License: Separate test, separate license.
Heavy Transport: For trucks/buses (requires different visa profession).

The Cost Breakdown

Service	Cost (SAR)	Notes
Medical Exam	100 - 150	Varies by clinic
License Fee (2 Years)	80
License Fee (5 Years)	200	Standard Choice
License Fee (10 Years)	400	Best Value
Translation	50 - 100	Only for non-English licenses
Training (6 Hours)	~690 + VAT	For "Assessment" path
Training (30 Hours)	~2,760 + VAT	For Beginners

(Need to budget for this? You might need a local bank account to pay via SADAD. Check our comparison of [Best Banks for Expats: Al Rajhi vs SNB]).

Part 6: Common Questions & Myths

Q: Can I drive with my International Driving Permit (IDP)?

A: If you are on a Visit Visa, YES. You can drive rental cars with your home license or IDP.

A: If you have an Iqama (Residency), NO. Once you are a resident, you must get a Saudi license. You might get away with it for a few weeks, but if you have an accident, your insurance will likely refuse to pay because you are "unlicensed" under Saudi law.

Q: My profession on my Iqama is "Laborer" or "Painter." Can I get a license?

A: In the past, there were restrictions on certain low-income professions getting licenses. However, in 2024/2025, these rules have relaxed significantly for "Private" licenses. However, always check with your HR, as they need to provide a "No Objection Certificate" (Letter of Introduction) in some regions.

Q: Can I drive a manual car if I take the test in an automatic?

A: No. If you pass your test in an Automatic car, your license will be restricted to Automatic only (Code 1). If you pass in a Manual (Stick shift), you can drive both.

My Advice: Unless you are a car enthusiast, just take the Automatic test. Riyadh traffic in a manual car is a nightmare.

Final Verdict

Getting your Saudi Driving License is a rite of passage. It is the moment you truly become "independent" in the Kingdom.

Yes, the lines at Dallah are long. Yes, the "S-Parking" is stressful. But once you pass, you have the freedom to explore everything from the Corniche in Jeddah to the Edge of the World in Riyadh.

My final piece of advice: Get the 10-year license. You do not want to come back to this building again in 2 years!

(Once you have your license, you'll need wheels. Read our [Buying a Used Car in Saudi Arabia: The Guide I Wish I Had] to avoid scams).