Getting a Saudi Driving Licence: The Full Process

Getting a driving licence in Saudi Arabia is now a mostly electronic process, with appointments, training records and test results flowing through أبشر and linked directly to the traffic system. Whether you are a Saudi citizen or a resident on an Iqama, the path is clear once you understand each step. This سعودي ليفنج guide walks you through eligibility, the medical exam, driving school, the tests, fees, validity and renewal so you know exactly what to expect.

Who can apply

A private driving licence is open to Saudi citizens and residents who hold an active national ID or Iqama. The minimum age is generally 18. Your identity must be valid and in good standing in the system, since residents may find their licence validity tied to their Iqama period.

• Valid national ID (citizens) or Iqama (residents).
• An active أبشر Individuals account.
• A Saudi mobile number and a registered National Address.

Step 1: Set up your Absher account

Before anything else, create and activate an أبشر Individuals account linked to your Saudi mobile number and National Address. This is where you will book appointments, track progress, pay fees and later access your digital licence. If you already use أبشر for other government services, you are ready to move on.

Step 2: Complete the medical examination

You will need an eye test and a general medical examination at an approved centre. The result is sent electronically to the traffic system, so there is no paper certificate to carry around. Fees differ from one centre to another, and no single nationwide price is published — confirm the cost directly with the centre before you go.

Step 3: Book your driving-school appointment

In أبشر, go to My Services → Traffic → Driving Licence Issuance to book or update an appointment at an authorised driving school. The school first assesses your current driving ability, and your required training hours are set based on that assessment.

At the school you typically complete:

• An initial driving assessment.
• Theory lessons covering rules and road signs.
• Practical training behind the wheel.
• Simulator or yard training where required.

Course prices vary by school, by your assessment result and by the number of training hours required, so there is no fixed national rate. Ask the school for a breakdown before you commit.

Step 4: Pass the tests

To qualify for the licence you must pass:

• The computer-based theory test.
• The practical driving test.
• The final road test.

Your results are transferred digitally to the traffic system once completed, which keeps the process moving without extra paperwork.

Step 5: Issue the licence and choose your period

After passing, use the driving-licence issuance service in أبشر (or follow traffic-department instructions for any step not completed electronically) to finalise issuance and arrange delivery to your National Address.

The government fee for a private licence is 40 ريال سعودي per year, and you choose a validity period of 2, 5 or 10 years:

• 2 years — 80 ريال سعودي
• 5 years — 200 ريال سعودي
• 10 years — 400 ريال سعودي

For residents, the validity you can select may be limited by your Iqama validity or other traffic-system eligibility rules. Once issued, you can access a digital driving licence through أبشر, while the physical card is delivered to your registered address.

Renewing your licence

Renewal is straightforward in أبشر: choose My Services → Traffic → Renew Driving Licence, select 2, 5 or 10 years, pay the applicable fee and confirm your National Address for delivery. Before renewal, make sure you have:

• A valid electronic medical examination on record.
• No outstanding traffic violations or other system restrictions, as these must be cleared first.

If your licence is lost or damaged, a replacement is listed at 100 ريال سعودي.

Where to handle each step

Keep these channels in mind:

• أبشر — for appointments, issuance, renewal and your digital licence.
• Authorised driving schools — for assessment, training and testing.
• The General Traffic Department (Muroor) — for any case that cannot be completed electronically.

Because the process keeps shifting toward full electronic handling, always confirm the latest requirements and any fees on the relevant official Saudi portal before you start.

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