HomeTypes of Driving Licenses in Saudi Arabia

Private Driving License

Eligibility and Requirements

The private driving license is designed for individuals who wish to drive personal vehicles. To qualify for this license, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Medical Fitness: A medical examination confirming physical and mental fitness is required.The medical examination must be conducted at an approved medical center or hospital recognized by the Saudi traffic authorities.
• Training Course: Completion of a recognized driving school course.
• Written and Practical Tests: Passing both written knowledge and practical driving tests.
• Provide a copy of Civil Affairs ID.
• Provide six photos, size (4X6) cm.
• Pay the required fees.
• Provide a file to save documents.

Validity and Renewal

The private driving license is typically valid for 10 years. Renewal involves:

• Fill-in the specified form completely.
• Provide the original Driving License to be renewed.
• Provide two photos, size (4X6) cm.
• Provide a copy of Civil Affairs ID (Saudis.)
• Pay the required fees.
• Provide a file to save documents. 
• Provide an identification letter (Non-Saudis.)
• Provide a copy of Resident Permit (Iqama) and passport (Non-Saudis.)
• Provide the damaged license in case of a Damage Replacement request.
• Provide a police report in case of a stolen license.
• Publish in local newspapers in case of a lost license.
• Provide a Civil Defense report in case of a burned license

Heavy Vehicle  License

Eligibility and Requirements

The public driving license is intended for individuals who drive commercial vehicles, such as taxis, buses, and trucks. Requirements include:

• Age Requirement: Minimum age of 21 years.
• Medical Fitness: Comprehensive medical examination.
• Experience: Holding a valid private driving license for at least one year.
• Training and Testing: Completion of additional training specific to commercial driving and passing relevant tests.
• Fill-in the specified form completely.
• Provide four photos, size (4X6) cm.
• Provide an identification letter from an official authority.
• Pay the required fees.
• Provide a file to save documents.
• Provide an identification letter from the sponsor (Non-Saudis.)
• The applicant’s occupation must entitle driving heavy vehicles.

Validity and Renewal

Public driving licenses are valid for 5 years. Renewal procedures are similar to those for private licenses but may include additional professional qualifications.

Temporary Driving License

Eligibility and Requirements

Temporary driving licenses are available for individuals who are in Saudi Arabia on a temporary basis and wish to drive. Requirements include:

• Age Requirement: Minimum age of 17 years.
• Medical Fitness: Standard medical examination.
• Training Course: Completion of a driving course.
• Testing: Passing written and practical driving tests.

Validity and Renewal

Temporary licenses are valid for one year and can be renewed annually upon meeting renewal criteria.

Motorcycle License

Eligibility and Requirements

For those interested in driving motorcycles, a specific motorcycle license is required. Criteria include:

• Age Requirement: Minimum age of 16 years.
• Medical Fitness: Passing a medical examination.
• Training Course: Completion of a motorcycle driving course.
• Testing: Passing both theoretical and practical tests.

Validity and Renewal

Motorcycle licenses are valid for 10 years, with renewal procedures similar to those of private driving licenses.

Heavy Vehicle License

Eligibility and Requirements

Heavy vehicle licenses cater to drivers of large trucks and construction vehicles. Requirements are stringent:

• Age Requirement: Minimum age of 21 years.
• Medical Fitness: Comprehensive medical examination.
• Experience: Holding a valid private driving license.
• Specialized Training: Completion of heavy vehicle driving courses.
• Testing: Passing rigorous theoretical and practical tests.

Validity and Renewal

These licenses are valid for 5 years, with renewal involving additional safety and professional competence assessments.

Specialized Licenses

Eligibility and Requirements

Specialized licenses are for driving vehicles like ambulances and firefighting trucks. Requirements include:

• Age Requirement: Minimum age of 21 years.
• Medical Fitness: Specialized medical fitness examination.
• Experience: Holding a relevant public driving license.
• Specialized Training: Completion of specific vehicle operation courses.
• Testing: Passing specialized driving tests.

Validity and Renewal

Specialized licenses are typically valid for 5 years, with rigorous renewal requirements to ensure ongoing competence.

Penalties and Fines

There are consequences if you are driving without a license in KSA. It includes:

1. Fines: The fine for driving without a license ranges between 500 and 900 SARs.
2. Impoundment: The government can imprison your vehicle for a certain period of time, such as months or years.
3. Legal Consequences: In case a driver is caught red multiple times for the same offense, it will lead to additional fines and court appearances. 
4. Imprisonment: If an accident or other serious violation takes place without a license, it will lead to imprisonment. Also, it will cost a lot of money for the driver to deal with the court and government authorities in the process.