8 Type of Driving License Categories in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, there are different types of driving licenses, each allowing you to drive different kinds of vehicles.

This guide will help you understand what each license is for, what you need to get one, and what vehicles you can drive with it.

If you’re looking to drive a car, truck, or even a motorcycle, this article will explain everything you need to know.

We have gathered all the information from official sources to make sure you have the most accurate details. Let’s dive in!

Types of Driving Licenses in Saudi Arabia

There are several types of driving licenses in Saudi Arabia. Each one has different rules and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

1. Private Driving License

This is the most common type of license. It allows you to drive your own car, such as a sedan or an SUV. To get this license, you need to pass a computer test and a physical driving test.

Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Provide a medical check-up report.
• Show a copy of your Civil Affairs ID.
• Submit six passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
• Pay the required fees.
• Bring a file to store your documents.

Allowed Vehicles

• Private cars and light vehicles (e.g., sedans, SUVs) with white number plates.

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Public transport vehicles like buses and taxis.
• Heavy vehicles like trucks.
• Motorcycles and specialized vehicles.
• Vehicles with yellow, blue, or green number plates.

2. Public Driving License

A public driving license is for people who want to drive commercial vehicles, like buses or taxis. This license requires more training and a higher level of skill.

Requirements

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• Your job must require you to drive a public vehicle.
• Provide a medical check-up report.
• Submit six passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
• Show a copy of your Family Record (or a report from Civil Affairs if you’re single).
• You should not have a criminal record.
• Pay the required fees.
• Provide a reference letter if you’re a government employee.

Allowed Vehicles

• Public transport vehicles (e.g., taxis, buses) with yellow number plates.

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Heavy vehicles (unless you have a heavy vehicle license).
• Motorcycles.
• Vehicles with blue or green number plates.

3. Heavy Vehicle Driving License

This license is for people who want to drive large vehicles like trucks or buses. If you plan to work in a job that requires driving heavy vehicles, you will need this license.

Requirements

• Fill out the required form.
• Provide four passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
• Provide an identification letter from an official authority.
• Pay the required fees.
• Provide a sponsor’s letter (for non-Saudis).
• Your job must require you to drive heavy vehicles.

Allowed Vehicles

• Trucks, heavy machinery, and large buses with blue number plates.

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Motorcycles.
• Specialized vehicles like bulldozers and construction equipment.

4. Motorcycle Driving License

To ride a motorcycle in Saudi Arabia, you need this special license. It involves taking both a computer test and a practical riding test.

Requirements

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• Fill out the required form.
• Provide four passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
• Provide a copy of your Civil Affairs ID (for Saudis) or a copy of your Iqama and passport (for non-Saudis).
• Provide a letter from a guardian if you’re under 18.
• Pay the required fees.
• Submit a Good Conduct Certificate.

Allowed Vehicles

• Motorcycles of all engine sizes.

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Cars, trucks, buses, and specialized vehicles.

5. Diplomatic Driving License

A diplomatic driving license is for diplomats and their families who are living in Saudi Arabia. This license does not require tests but needs proof of identity from the embassy or consulate.

Requirements

• Fill out the required form.
• Provide four passport-sized photos, stamped by the diplomatic authority.
• Provide an approval letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Show a translated version of your foreign driver’s license, stamped by your diplomatic authority.

Allowed Vehicles

• Private cars registered under diplomatic plates with green number plates.

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Public transport vehicles.
• Heavy vehicles.
• Motorcycles.

6. Specialized Driving Licenses

Specialized licenses are for driving special vehicles like ambulances or firefighting trucks. These require additional training and tests.

Requirements

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• Pass a specialized medical fitness exam.
• Hold a public driving license.
• Complete a specialized training course.
• Pass driving tests for specific vehicles.

Allowed Vehicles

• Vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, or construction machinery.

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Private cars, motorcycles, public transport vehicles.

7. Temporary Driving License/Permit

A temporary license is for those who are learning to drive in Saudi Arabia. It is usually valid for up to one year and gives you limited driving privileges.

Requirements

• You must be at least 17 years old.
• Provide a medical check-up report.
• Submit six passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
• Show a copy of your Civil Affairs ID (for Saudis) or a passport (for GCC citizens).
• Provide a letter from your guardian or sponsor.

Allowed Vehicles

• Light private cars for people under 18 (usually for learning purposes).

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Public transport vehicles, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, and specialized machinery.

8. SATA International Driving License (IDP)

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is for Saudi drivers who want to drive in other countries. It’s a translation of your Saudi driving license into several languages and is accepted in many countries.

Requirements

• You must have a valid national driving license with at least one year of validity.
• Provide a copy of your Saudi driving license.
• Submit a passport-sized photo.
• Provide a copy of your passport.

Allowed Vehicles

• Any vehicle that your national driving license allows you to drive while traveling abroad.

Not Allowed Vehicles

• Vehicles not permitted by your home country’s license or restricted by the host country’s laws.

List of Countries That Accept the Saudi International Driving License

Saudi Arabia’s International Driving License is accepted in many countries around the world. Some of these countries include:

• Australia
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Germany
• France
• Egypt
• Canada
• Pakistan
• India
• UAE
• And many more… View full list here

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of driving licenses in Saudi Arabia is important for anyone who plans to drive. Make sure to choose the right license for the type of vehicle you want to drive, and ensure you meet all the requirements.

If you’re thinking about applying for a driving license, start by visiting your local driving school or traffic office for more details. For additional preparation, check out Saudi Driving Test for training quizzes to help you ace the test. And remember, always drive safely!

Read Next: How to apply for Driving License in Saudi Arabia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)