Thinking about learning to drive and getting your first license? Great step — but there’s some prep work involved. This guide covers everything: requirements, documents, fees, and the full application process for both Saudi citizens and residents.
Who it’s for: Saudi citizens and residents aged 18+
Where to go: Accredited driving school + Absher to complete procedures
Cost: ~640 SAR total (435 school + 105 medical exam + 40-200 license fee)
Timeframe: 2 weeks to 1 month depending on the school and training schedule
Basic Requirements
- Age: 18+ for private license — 21+ for public license
- Medical exam: Eye test and blood type check at an accredited center
- Valid ID: National ID for citizens, or valid iqama for residents
- Absher account: An active account on the Absher Individuals platform
Required Documents
For Saudi citizens:
- Copy of your national ID card
- 6 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background)
- Medical exam result (sent electronically to the traffic department)
For residents (expats):
- Copy of your valid iqama
- Copy of your passport
- 6 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background)
- Medical exam result
- Driving license from your home country if you have one (for possible exchange agreement)
Steps to Get Your First Driving License
- Register on Absher: If you don’t have an account, sign up on Absher Individuals and complete the activation
- Get your medical exam: Visit an accredited medical center for an eye and blood type test — the result is sent electronically to the traffic department
- Book a driving school: Through Absher or directly from the school’s website
- Complete the training: Theory lectures + practical training with a certified instructor
- Pass the test: Theory and practical exams — on passing, you get a completion certificate
- Apply for the license: Through Absher or via the driving school — choose your license duration
- Receive your license: Issued electronically and you can use the digital version in Tawakkalna
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Driving school fee | ~435 SAR (varies by school) |
| Medical exam | 105 SAR |
| License issuance (1 year) | 40 SAR |
| License issuance (5 years) | 200 SAR |
| License issuance (10 years) | 400 SAR |
| Provisional license (for 17-year-olds) | 100 SAR |
⚠️ Warning: Driving without a license or with an expired license is a traffic violation that carries a fine — and for residents, it could lead to deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license without taking the training course?
If you already have a valid license from a recognized country, you can exchange it for a Saudi license without needing a training course. But if this is your first license ever, the course is mandatory.
Are the procedures the same for men and women?
Yes — requirements, fees, and steps are identical. The only difference is which driving schools are available to you.
How long is the first license valid for?
You choose the validity period when you apply — 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years. The best value long-term is the 10-year license at 400 SAR.
Official service link: Absher — Traffic Services
