How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Saudi Arabia as an Expat Woman

So, you want to drive in Saudi Arabia? Brilliant. Whether it’s the school run, spontaneous coffee drives, or just not having to rely on your husband/friends/Uber anymore — getting your own set of wheels is a total game-changer.

But where to start? The process isn’t hard, exactly — but it can be a little fiddly. So here’s a friendly, no-nonsense guide to help you navigate the system without losing your cool.

1. Can You Convert Your Licence?

First things first: check whether you need to go through the full process, or if you can simply convert your existing foreign licence.

If you’re from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or most of Europe, you might be eligible for a straightforward conversion or driving test.

If not, you’ll likely need to:

• Enrol in driving lessons

• Pass a theory and practical exam

💡 Tip: Always double-check with your local Moroor office or driving school. Rules shift occasionally, and what applied last year might not apply now.

2. Set Up (or Update) Your Absher Account

Absher is your admin lifeline in Saudi. Everything from traffic violations to licence applications happens through this portal.

You’ll need:

• A valid Iqama

• A working Absher account linked to your mobile number

It’s worth logging in ahead of time to check that your personal details are all up to date — especially your Iqama expiry and contact info.

3. Get a Medical Check-Up

Pop into an authorised clinic or hospital and ask for a driving licence medical test. They’ll check your vision and blood type, and then upload the results directly into the system.

🩺 No paperwork needed on your end — it all gets logged digitally.

4. Book a Test or Driving Lessons

Depending on your eligibility, this is where things branch off:

• Licence conversion: Book a skills test at an approved driving school

• First-time drivers: Enrol in a course at a school like:

  • Saudi Driving School (Riyadh)

  • Dallah Driving School (multiple cities)

  • Eastern Province Driving School (Dammam)

The skills test typically includes:

• Reversing in a straight line

• Parallel parking

• Basic driving control

🚗 It’s short — often 10–15 minutes — but it’s worth practising a bit if you haven’t driven in a while.

5. Upload Documents + Pay the Fee

Once you’ve passed (or finished your course), upload the following:

• Valid foreign licence (and Arabic translation if needed)

• Iqama

• Passport-size photo

• Your medical results (should already be in the system)

Then pay the fee through SADAD (usually SAR 200–400 depending on the licence length).

6. Collect Your Licence

Once everything’s approved, you’ll get a message telling you your licence is ready. Usually, you’ll collect it from the driving school or Moroor office where you did your test.

That’s it — you’re officially a licensed driver in Saudi Arabia!

A Few Parting Thoughts

Driving in Saudi can feel a bit...intense at first. People drive fast, lane discipline is optional, and road signs can be either overly detailed or mystifyingly vague.

But honestly? It’s worth it. Having the freedom to move around — on your own schedule, without needing a lift — is incredibly empowering. Especially if you're juggling kids, errands, work, or just your own sense of independence.

So whether you're cruising the Corniche in Jeddah or navigating Riyadh's spaghetti junctions, take a deep breath, channel your inner calm, and enjoy the ride.

ave you done this recently? I'd love to hear how it went — the good, the bad, or the gloriously chaotic. Drop a comment below or share your top tips with fellow expat women navigating the same path.