Complete step-by-step guide for expats — from Absher registration to receiving your Saudi driving licence. Verified facts, exact fees, and everything you need to know.
You must meet all of these requirements before applying
Follow these steps in order — skipping any step will delay your application
Go to absher.sa or download the Absher app. Log in with your Iqama number and date of birth. Navigate to Services → Traffic → Issuing a Driver's Licence and click Start Service.
You will be given two options: Driving Assessment (for experienced drivers) or Beginner Training (30 hours). Choose based on your driving experience — the school will assess you at registration.
After confirming your Absher appointment, pay the licence fee through your bank app using the SADAD system. Select "Government Payments" → "Driving Licence Issuance" and complete payment.
The government fee for a private car licence is SAR 40 per year. Choose your validity period — 1, 2, 5, or 10 years. Most expats choose 5 years (SAR 200) or 10 years (SAR 400).
Visit an approved Efada medical centre for a basic health examination. The test includes a vision test, blood group test, and general health check. Results are uploaded electronically to the Ministry of Interior system — you do not need to carry them.
The Efada test costs approximately SAR 150–200 including VAT. Results are usually available the same day. Morning visits tend to be less crowded.
Back in Absher, select your region (Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Region, etc.) and choose an approved driving school from the list. Select a date and time for your initial assessment or theory class booking.
You will receive an SMS confirmation with your appointment details. Save this message — you need to show it at the driving school.
Attend the driving school on your appointment date. After submitting your documents, you will sit the computer theory test — 35 questions, 30 minutes, pass mark 22/35. The test covers Saudi traffic rules and road signs and is available in Arabic, English, Urdu, and Hindi.
You can skip questions and return to them. Your result appears on screen immediately. If you fail, you can retake after a waiting period.
After passing the theory test, you complete practical driving lessons with an instructor. The number of hours depends on your assessment:
Experienced drivers (with a foreign licence) — typically a shorter assessment course of 6 hours.
Beginner drivers (no previous licence) — full 30-hour training programme costing approximately SAR 1,500–2,500.
The practical road test is conducted by a driving instructor at the driving school. You will be assessed on basic vehicle control, road positioning, junctions, parking, and following Saudi traffic rules.
If you fail, retakes are normal and permitted. The school will advise on waiting periods and retake fees.
Once you pass all tests, your Saudi driving licence is issued. You can choose to:
Collect in person — at the driving school or Muroor (traffic police) office.
Saudi Post delivery — your licence is mailed to your registered address. Track via Absher app.
Check your Absher app for status updates. The licence is valid for 1, 2, 5, or 10 years depending on the fee you paid in Step 2.
Missing a document means a wasted trip — check this list before you go
| Document | Details | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Original Iqama (Residency Permit) | Must be valid — expired Iqama will be rejected immediately | Required |
| Iqama photocopy | Bring at least 2 copies (both sides) | Required |
| Original passport | Plus photocopy of photo page and visa page | Required |
| Efada medical report | From an approved medical centre — automatically linked to Absher electronically | Required |
| Passport-size photographs | 4 photos (4×6 cm) with white background | Required |
| SADAD payment receipt | Printed copy of your licence fee payment | Required |
| Absher appointment confirmation | SMS or printout showing your booking | Required |
| Foreign driving licence (original) | If you hold a licence from your home country | If applicable |
| Arabic translation of foreign licence | Must be from an approved translation centre — required if licence is not in Arabic | If applicable |
| Sponsor's ID copy (Kafeel) | Copy of your sponsor's national ID | Some schools require |
Government fees are fixed — driving school fees vary by school
Experienced drivers with a foreign licence: approximately SAR 700–900 total (Efada + short course + government fee for 5 years).
Beginner drivers (no previous licence): SAR 2,000–3,000 total including full 30-hour training.
Some nationalities can convert without taking the full driving test
Exemption rules can change. Before assuming you are exempt, visit your local Muroor (traffic police) office or driving school with your original licence and Iqama to confirm your eligibility. Bring an Arabic translation of your licence regardless.
Renewal can be done entirely online via Absher in most cases
Log in to Absher → My Services → Traffic → Renew Driving Licence. In approximately 90% of cases, only a quick Efada medical check is required — no retests.
Renewal fees (private car):
When to renew: You can start the renewal process when your licence has less than 180 days of validity remaining. Do not wait until it expires — a late penalty of SAR 100 per year (up to SAR 500 maximum) applies.
About getting a Saudi driving licence as an expat
The computer theory test is the first big step. Practice with our free questions.
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