Saudi Arabia Now Lets Citizens of 48 Countries Convert Foreign Driving Licenses Without Taking a Test

Saudi Arabia Now Converts Driving Licenses from 48 Countries Without a Test

In a major move to streamline life for expatriates, Saudi Arabia has introduced a new policy allowing direct conversion of foreign driving licenses from 48 specified countries without requiring a local driving test. This significant reform simplifies bureaucracy, saves time and money for eligible residents, and aligns with the Kingdom's broader goals of improving the expatriate experience under Vision 2030.

Who Is Eligible? The List of 48 Countries

The policy applies to holders of valid driving licenses from a diverse list of countries, spanning key expatriate source markets. The list includes, but is not limited to:

• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Portugal.

• North America: United States, Canada.

• Asia-Pacific: India, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong.

• GCC & MENA: United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman.

• Other: South Africa.

If your country of license issuance is not on this list, you will be required to undergo the full Saudi licensing process, including theory and practical driving tests at an accredited driving school.

The Step-by-Step Conversion Process (No Test Required)

For eligible applicants, the process is administrative but must be followed meticulously:

1. Official Translation: Get your original foreign driving license translated into Arabic by a government-approved translation office. This certified translation is mandatory.

2. Medical Test: Undergo a mandatory medical examination at an authorized health center. This typically includes an eyesight test and a general health check.

3. Absher Appointment & Payment:

   • Log in to the Absher platform (portal.absher.sa) using your Saudi residency (Iqama) details.

   • Book an appointment at your local Traffic Police Department (Muroor).

   • Pay the relevant license issuance fees through the SADAD payment system.

4. Final Submission: Visit the Muroor office at your scheduled time with the complete document pack:

   • Original foreign driving license and its Arabic translation.

   • Valid passport and original Iqama (Residence Permit).

   • Medical test report.

   • Payment receipt.

   • Passport-size photographs (as per Saudi specification).

Upon verification, your Saudi driving license will be issued without any driving assessment.

For Those Not Eligible: The Standard Licensing Route

If your home country is not on the approved list, you must obtain a Saudi license from scratch. This process involves:

• Enrollment: Registering at a government-approved driving school.

• Theory Training & Test: Completing classroom sessions on Saudi traffic laws and passing a computer-based test.

• Practical Training & Test: Taking mandatory driving lessons and passing a final road test with an examiner.

• Issuance: Upon passing both tests, you can apply for the license through Absher.

Previously, all expatriates could use their international license for up to 90 days (or as per bilateral agreements) before having to convert. This new policy creates a privileged pathway for specific nationalities.

Why This Policy is a Game-Changer

This reform addresses a long-standing pain point for expatriates and supports Saudi Arabia's economic transformation:

• Ease of Living: Removes a significant administrative hurdle, making it easier for skilled professionals and their families to settle.

• Economic Efficiency: Saves residents considerable time and money (often thousands of SAR in driving school fees).

• Attracting Global Talent: Simplifies relocation for professionals from key partner countries, enhancing Saudi Arabia's competitiveness in the global talent market.

• Road Safety: Maintains standards by ensuring only holders of licenses from countries with rigorous testing standards can convert, while still requiring a medical check.

Important Considerations Before Applying

• License Validity: Your foreign license must be valid and not expired.

• Residency Status: You must hold a valid Saudi residency permit (Iqama). Tourist visas are not eligible for conversion.

• Use Official Channels: Complete the entire process via Absher and authorized centers. Avoid unauthorized agents promising expedited services.

• Grace Period: Even with an international license, ensure you complete the conversion before your 90-day grace period expires to avoid fines for driving with an invalid license.

Also Read: Major Strategic Shift: Saudi PIF Plans $27B Japan Investment in AI, Logistics & Mining

Conclusion: A Welcome Step Towards Streamlined Governance

The introduction of direct license conversion for 48 countries is a clear, practical step in Saudi Arabia's ongoing administrative modernization. It acknowledges the global mobility of talent and removes a redundant barrier for expatriates from nations with robust driving standards.

This policy will be widely celebrated by the expatriate community and is likely to encourage smoother relocation for thousands of professionals contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.