Just touched down in Saudi Arabia and eager to get behind the wheel? Whether you’re planning to navigate Riyadh’s busy streets or take a leisurely drive through Jeddah, your first step is to figure out if your foreign driving license can be easily converted, or if you’ll need to start fresh.Whether you’re a new resident or a long-term expat, this guide breaks down the process of converting your license or applying for a new Saudi driving license. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know, so you won’t be left guessing.
Driving in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner: What you need to know
Foreigners are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia under certain conditions. If you hold a valid international or foreign driving license, you can legally drive for up to one year from your date of arrival in the Kingdom, or until your license expires, whichever comes first. After this period, or if you become a resident, you will need to obtain a Saudi driving license. If you’re from India, Europe, or any other country, you can drive in Saudi Arabia for up to one year using your home country’s driving license. However, you must carry both your original license and a translated International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is required by law for driving on a foreign license in Saudi Arabia, as it serves as an official translation of your original license. Keep in mind that driving without a valid Saudi or officially converted foreign license could result in fines or legal consequences, so be sure to get the necessary documentation in place before you hit the road.Key driving rules for non-Saudi residents:
- Legal driving age: 18 years
- Regulatory authority: Public Security Department under the Ministry of Interior
- Women: Legally allowed to drive since 2018
- Foreign license use: Permitted for up to one year
- GCC citizens: Can drive using their home country’s license until expiry
- Rental companies: Often require a Saudi-issued license
If you’re planning to stay longer than a year, or you’re applying for certain services, you’ll need to convert your license or obtain a new one, depending on where it’s issued from.
Two paths to a Saudi Driving License: Conversion vs. new application
Saudi Arabia offers two different paths for obtaining a Saudi driving license, depending on where your original license was issued.If you’re eligible for direct license conversion, meaning you hold a valid license from one of the approved countries, you can convert it directly into a Saudi license without the need to take a driving test. This process is much faster and more straightforward.However, if your home country is not on the approved list, you won’t be able to convert your license directly. Instead, you’ll need to apply as a new driver, which involves enrolling in a Saudi driving school. You’ll need to complete both theoretical and practical driving tests and pay for training sessions, testing, and issuance fees.
Countries eligible for direct license conversion
If you hold a valid driving license from one of the 48 approved countries, including GCC countries, you’re eligible to convert it directly into a Saudi driving license, no driving test required. However, an application, translation, documentation, and medical check are mandatory.List of approved countries for license conversion:
- Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea
- GCC and MENA: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
- North America: Canada, United States
- Africa: South Africa
If your license is from one of these countries, here’s how you can convert it.
Step-by-step – How to convert your foreign license
Step 1: Translate your foreign license to Arabic
Your first task is to get your driving license officially translated into Arabic. Without this step, the conversion process will not proceed.
- Translation Cost: Around SAR 100 (~$27 USD)
- Timeframe: Usually takes 1–2 business days
- Where: Certified translation offices or online translation services
- Requirement: Must be stamped and officially approved
Step 2: Book an appointment on Absher
Use the official Absher portal (absher.sa) to book an appointment with the General Department of Traffic (Muroor).
- Navigate to: Appointments → Traffic → Replacement of Driving Licenses
- Choose your city (e.g. Riyadh)
- Upload your documents (translated license + original)\
- Schedule a date (preferably 5–7 days ahead to allow time for your medical check)
- Download and keep the appointment confirmation PDF
Step 3: Pay the license fee via Sadad
Use your bank’s online app to access Sadad under Government Payments and select “Driving License Issuance.”
- Fee for 2 years: SAR 80 (~$21.60 USD)
- Fee for 5 years: SAR 250 (~$67.50 USD)
- Keep a printed payment receipt to include in your application
Step 4: Complete a medical examination
Visit an Efada-approved medical center for your health check, bringing:
Valid Iqama (residency card)- Original foreign license
- Two passport-sized photos
Tests include:
- Eye exam
- Blood group test
- General health check
- Cost: Between SAR 150–200 (~$40.50–$54.00 USD)
- Tip: Early morning visits usually mean shorter wait times
Step 5: Visit Muroor to finalize the process
On your appointment day, head to the designated Muroor office or traffic school with:
- Original foreign license
- Arabic translation
- Valid Iqama and passport
- Medical report
- Absher appointment confirmation
- License fee receipt
- Two passport-sized photos
Make sure you have your Iqama and all original documents ready, as they are required to complete your license issuance.If everything is in order and your license is from an approved country, you’ll receive your Saudi license the same day, no tests required.
What if your country isn’t on the approved list?
If your home country is not listed, you will need to apply as a new driver in Saudi Arabia. That means:
- Enrolling in a local driving school
- Completing both written and practical driving tests
- Paying for training sessions and test fees
This process is longer and involves multiple steps, including lessons and test scheduling, but is required for full legal driving eligibility in Saudi Arabia.Also read: How can foreigners obtain a Saudi driving license if they’re not eligible for direct conversion?
Summary: Eligibility, cost, and time breakdown
| Visitor type | Driving rights |
|---|---|
| Tourist | Drive up to 1 year on foreign/international license |
| GCC Citizen | Drive on home license until expiry (no need to convert unless resident) |
| New Expat Resident | Drive up to 3 months on foreign license (not eligible for rentals) |
| Long-Term Expat | Must convert or apply for a Saudi license |
| Item | Estimated cost (SAR) | USD equivalent (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| License Translation | SAR 100 | $27.00 |
| Medical Test | SAR 150–200 | $40.50–$54.00 |
| License Issuance (2 yrs) | SAR 80 | $21.60 |
| License Issuance (5 yrs) | SAR 250 | $67.50 |
| Misc. (Photos, Copies) | SAR 50–75 | $13.50–$20.25 |
| Total Range | SAR 350–600 | $94.50–$162.00 |
