Getting a Saudi Driving Licence as an Expat —
The Complete 2026 Guide

If you've recently moved to Saudi Arabia on an Iqama, one of the first practical questions you'll face is: how do I get a driving licence here? The process differs significantly depending on where you're from, what licence you currently hold, and how much driving experience you have.

This guide walks through the entire journey from an expat's perspective — what changes based on your nationality, what stays the same for everyone, and how to avoid the most common and costly mistakes.

1. The 1-year grace period explained

When you first arrive in Saudi Arabia on a residency visa (Iqama), you are permitted to drive using your valid foreign driving licence for up to one year. This grace period exists to give new residents time to settle in and complete the Saudi licensing process.

After this one-year period expires, you must hold a Saudi driving licence to legally drive. Continuing to drive on an expired grace period or a foreign licence beyond this point is a traffic violation.

2. Does your nationality affect the process?

Yes — significantly. Saudi Arabia recognises driving licences from certain countries as equivalent to its own standards, allowing those drivers to convert their licence through a simplified process. Other nationalities must go through the complete process, including the theory and practical tests.

3. The full process for non-exempt nationalities

If your nationality requires the full process — which applies to the majority of South Asian, Southeast Asian, and African expats — here is what to expect:

1. Register on Absher and select Services → Traffic → Issuing a Driver's Licence
2. Choose your training path — driving assessment for experienced drivers, or the full 30-hour beginner course if you have no prior licence
3. Complete the Efada medical test — vision, blood group, general health (SAR 150–200)
4. Pass the computer theory test — 35 questions, 22 to pass, 30 minutes, available in English/Urdu/Hindi/Arabic
5. Complete driving lessons if required by your assessment
6. Pass the practical driving test with a certified instructor
7. Receive your Saudi driving licence — collected in person or via Saudi Post

For the full step-by-step breakdown with documents and exact fees, see our complete licensing guide.

4. The fast-track process for exempt nationalities

If you hold a licence from an exempt country, the process is significantly shorter:

1. Register on Absher and select the licence issuance service
2. Get an Arabic translation of your foreign licence from an approved translation centre (SAR 50–150)
3. Complete the Efada medical test
4. Submit your documents at the driving school — original licence, translation, Iqama, photos
5. Receive your Saudi licence — often without needing to retake the theory or practical test

5. Realistic cost breakdown by scenario

Costs vary significantly based on your situation. Here's a realistic breakdown:

6. Common mistakes expats make

• Waiting until the last month of the grace period. The process takes longer than people expect, especially during busy periods. Start at least 2 months early.
• Not checking exemption status before booking. Some expats assume they need the full process when they may be eligible for the simplified route — or vice versa. Confirm at Muroor first.
• Showing up without the Efada report linked to Absher. The medical test must be completed and electronically linked before your driving school appointment — bring proof if asked.
• Relying on a digital licence copy. Since a 2025 Interior Ministry circular, traffic police require the original physical licence — not a photo or app screenshot.
• Underestimating the theory test. Even experienced drivers from countries with different road rules (left-hand traffic, different sign systems) can fail if they don't study Saudi-specific rules.
• Not getting an Arabic translation in advance. If your foreign licence isn't in Arabic, get it translated by an approved centre before your appointment — this can otherwise cause delays.

7. Do you need your sponsor's help?

For most of the process, you can complete everything yourself through your personal Absher account — registration, booking, payments, and tracking are all self-service. However, some driving schools may request a copy of your sponsor's (Kafeel's) national ID as part of the documentation, particularly for domestic workers or certain visa categories.

If you're unsure, check with your specific driving school when booking — requirements can vary slightly by branch and your visa type.

8. Final checklist before you start

Once you have these ready, the process moves quickly. The biggest variable is your nationality's exemption status and whether you need the full 30-hour training course. Either way, preparing for the theory test in advance is the single most effective thing you can do to avoid delays and retakes.