Saudi Arabia’s New Rule: Convert Your Foreign Driving License Without a Test
In a significant reform welcomed by the expatriate community, Saudi Arabia has streamlined its driving license process, allowing nationals from 48 specified countries to convert their foreign licenses directly to a Saudi license without taking a local driving test. This policy change removes a major bureaucratic hurdle, making it faster and more convenient for skilled professionals and residents to drive legally in the Kingdom.
Who Qualifies? The Approved List of 48 Countries
The policy benefits holders of valid driving licenses from a broad range of nations, recognizing their rigorous licensing standards. Key countries on the list include:
North America: United States, Canada
Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Portugal
Asia-Pacific: India, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong
GCC & Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
Other: South Africa
If your country of license issuance is not on this list, you must follow the standard process, which includes attending a driving school and passing both theory and practical tests.
The Step-by-Step Conversion Process (Test-Exempt)
For eligible applicants, the path to a Saudi license is now purely administrative. Follow these steps carefully:
Official Arabic Translation: Get your original, valid foreign driving license translated into Arabic by a government-approved translation office. This certified translation is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Medical Test: Undergo a medical examination at an authorized health center. The test includes an eyesight check and general health screening. Obtain the official medical report.
Absher Portal & Payment:
Log in to the Absher platform (portal.absher.sa) using your Iqama (Residency Permit) details.
Navigate to the traffic services section to book an appointment at your local Traffic Police Department (Muroor).
Pay the prescribed license issuance fees securely through the SADAD payment system.
Final Submission at Muroor: Attend your appointment with the complete document pack:
Original foreign license and its official Arabic translation.
Valid passport and original Iqama.
Medical test report.
Payment receipt.
Passport-size photographs (with a white background, as per Saudi specs).
Upon successful verification, your Saudi driving license will be issued on the spot.
For Non-Eligible Countries: The Standard Process
If your home country is not on the approved list, you must obtain a license from scratch:
Enrollment: Register at a government-accredited driving school.
Theory Component: Complete classes on Saudi traffic laws and pass a computer-based test.
Practical Component: Take mandatory driving lessons and pass a final road test with an inspector.
License Issuance: Apply for the license via Absher after passing both tests.
Why This Policy is a Strategic Move
This reform is a strategic element of Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and attracting global talent:
Ease of Living: Eliminates a time-consuming and expensive process (saving thousands of SAR in driving school fees), significantly easing the transition for new residents.
Economic Efficiency: Reduces administrative bottlenecks, allowing skilled expatriates to focus on their work and family settlement.
Talent Attraction: Makes Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for professionals from key partner nations by simplifying a critical aspect of daily life.
Road Safety & Compliance: Encourages timely conversion to a local license, ensuring all drivers are medically fit and their details are registered in the national system, promoting safer roads.
Important Considerations and Warnings
License Validity: Your foreign license must be current and not expired. An expired license invalidates the conversion eligibility.
Residency is Mandatory: You must hold a valid Saudi Iqama. This service is not available for tourists or visit visa holders.
Beware of Agents: Complete the process yourself via official channels (Absher, Muroor). Unauthorized agents often overcharge and may provide fraudulent documents.
Grace Period: Remember, you can only drive on your international license for a maximum of 90 days after arrival. You must complete the conversion within this period to avoid fines.
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Conclusion: A Landmark Reform for Expatriate Life
The introduction of direct, test-exempt license conversion for 48 countries is a landmark reform that reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernization and improving the expatriate experience. It acknowledges the global standards of partner nations and removes a redundant layer of bureaucracy.
This proactive policy will be celebrated by the large expatriate workforce and is poised to make Saudi Arabia an even more competitive and welcoming destination for international professionals in the years to come.
