Tips on how to obtain saudi driving license ?
Well, this is my final part of the 3 part series of obtaining saudi driving license. So for the benefit of all I am adding this as a question.
If you don't know how to drive, you need to register for a Driving course at your regional driving schools. They are located all over the country. And the website is www.rt.gov.sa.
If you have a foreign license, you can register for a immediate urgent course and get your license with in a day.
1. Get a letter from your company, attest it at the Chamber of Commerce. 25 Riyals for attestation.
2. If you don't know your blood type, you need to get a medical report with the blood type.
3. Take copies of your iqama, passport, visa, local driving license
4. Get your driving license translated to arabic. You can get it from services from shops near the driving school area. I got my translated the application form filled in arabic, photos taken all in one stop shop. Cost me 50 riyals in total. You can also get these guys to make a file with all the documents and photo copies needed. I got this done this way. You need 4 photos depending on the license type but 6 Max. But take at least 4 extra photos with you at all times. They tend to loose photos at some times.
5. Go to the first counter (license checking) they will check for all documentation, and will stamp.
6. Next go to the Eye Testing, give your documents, look through the eye testing machine, get the file stamped
7. Head to the Driving test area, Do the Forward and Reverse in the car, don't forget the seat belt, hand brake, neutral gear rules. Instructor will sign if you pass it.
8. Go back to the license counter, give your iqama, and driving license with file to the license checking counter. He stamp the file again. Take back the iqama. Attach firm your original driving license and hand over to the document receiving counter. Pay 100 Riyals. He will give you a pink slip with your photo, and a date and time for the next test.
9. Test are usually from 6 in the morning or after 8 in the night. Be there on time for the test. Hand over your pink slip to the instructor there, and collect the sheet of paper which contains all the traffic symbols and rules and regulations.
10. Time to study. Make sure you learn everything.
11. Your instructor will guide you to the steps on how to use the computer and what type of questions what will come on the computer. Both in english and arabic.
12. Head to the examination all,(follow the instructor). Study while your can. Wait until your name is been called.
13. Go to the computer room, choose the language you want to receive the question in and answer them Good Luck.
14. Guidelines (YOU MUST! get the 1 - 10 Question correct, next question you can get 5 wrong on light vehicles and 2 wrong on heavy vehicle type of questions. Anything more than that you will fail. You got 30 minutes. Its plenty of time, So RELAX!! Don't be in a hurry.
Once you, pass the examiner will call your name, he will attach the your pink slip with the exam results. You have nothing to do here. Just speak to him, thank him and go out of the door.
15. Sit on the bench and enjoy, relax while your name is been called for driving test.
16. Driving Test - Final Obstacle. Make Sure!! YOU See ALL The Traffic Signs, and not exceed speed of 50 Km. You can shift up to 3rd gear. Use traffic signal at all times, Seat Belt, make sure your examiners seat belt if on as well. Traffic signs - STOP, where there is STOP sign don't just drive through STOP the car, look left and right, and wait for your examiner to give go. Good luck.
17. If you pass, you go straight back to first examination hall. Wait there until your name is called. Take the file, make sure your local license is there.
18. File your other results which are attached, take your driving license, keep it with you. Go to the license issue hall, take a number and wait. Here you need to pay 400 riyals for the license. Use riyadh bank, there are few people there, they will agree to transfer the money for 450 riyals. Make sure you go with them and get the slip. Slip should have your iqama number. * you can also do this your self by paying directly to any Riyadh Bank branches.
19. When you are called, take the file show the iqama, show the 400 riyals slip, show your driving license. He will ask you for blood group. If you know you need to tell him exactly what it is, if not attach the blood report to file.
20. Once you hand over, wait for 15 minutes, you will get your driving license.
All in a days work.
Congrats. You got your driving license. OBEY THE RULES on the ROAD. The highest death in saudi is caused by high speed and not obeying traffic lights.
If you guys have anything to add please add.