Saudi Driving Licence: The Full Process Guide

Getting behind the wheel legally in Saudi Arabia starts with a valid private driving licence, and the whole journey is now managed almost entirely online. Whether you are a resident learning to drive for the first time or an experienced driver who needs a local licence, this guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through every step: from your medical test and Absher setup to driving school hours, the theory and road tests, and the official fees you will pay.

What you need before you start

Three essentials must be in place before you can apply for a first-time private licence:

• A valid Iqama (residency permit) with your details up to date.
• An active أبشر Individuals account linked to your current mobile number.
• A passed medical fitness and eye test, sent electronically to your Traffic Department (Muroor) file.

Make sure your Iqama and mobile number are current in أبشر first — most bookings, payments, and test results are tied to this account.

Step 1: The medical and eye test

Your first practical step is a medical fitness and vision check at a Muroor-approved clinic or optician. The cost is typically around SAR 100–200, and the results are uploaded directly to your traffic file. For most applicants there is no paper certificate to carry — once it appears in your record, you can move on to the next stage.

Step 2: Book training and tests online

The core of the process runs through أبشر and the National Platform service for driving licence issuance, which connects with approved driving schools to schedule your training and testing. From here you will:

• Book your theory classes and an initial driving evaluation at an approved school.
• Attend an assessment that determines how many training hours you need.

Based on your existing driving experience, the school assigns a training package — commonly 6, 15, or 30 hours. Complete beginners usually receive the largest block, while experienced drivers may be assigned fewer hours after a positive evaluation.

Step 3: Complete your training

Training is delivered only through approved driving schools licensed by Muroor. Booking is mandatory for new drivers and for most applicants converting a foreign licence who do not pass the evaluation. Your program will include:

• Theory classes covering road rules and signs.
• Simulator sessions, if the school uses them.
• Practical driving hours as assigned in your package.

Step 4: Pass the theory and road tests

Once training is complete, you sit two exams under Muroor supervision:

• A computer-based theory test on traffic rules, signs, and safe driving.
• An on-road practical (road) test to demonstrate real driving skills.

Passing both clears you to issue your licence.

Step 5: Pay the fee and collect your licence

The final step is paying the government issuance fee through the electronic payment system linked to أبشر, then collecting your licence card or arranging delivery. The standard government fee for a private licence is SAR 40 per year, paid in multi-year blocks:

• 2-year licence: SAR 80
• 5-year licence: SAR 200
• 10-year licence: SAR 400

Separately, the driving school course fee for a regular private-licence applicant is SAR 435, and your medical test adds roughly SAR 100–200. Actual training costs can vary depending on how many hours you are assigned.

Fees for other licence types

The annual government fee (first issuance, per year of validity) differs by licence category:

• Private driving licence: SAR 40
• Temporary driving licence: SAR 100
• Private transport licence: SAR 200
• Public works vehicle licence: SAR 300
• Public transport / bus licence: SAR 400
• Motorcycle licence: SAR 20

A few practical tips

• Keep your أبشر contact details accurate — appointment reminders and payment links arrive here.
• Book early: popular driving schools in the Riyadh (الرياض), Jeddah (جدة), and Dammam (الدمام) areas can have waiting lists.
• If you hold a valid foreign licence, ask the school about conversion; many drivers still need an evaluation, and some must complete training if they do not pass.

Because fees and requirements can be updated, always confirm the latest figures and steps on the relevant official Saudi government portal before you book. With your documents ready and appointments booked through أبشر, the road to a Saudi licence is a clear, well-structured process.

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