Driving in Saudi Arabia — License, Rules & Car Ownership Guide

Summary: A practical, step‑by‑step how‑to for expats who want to (1) get a Saudi driving license, (2) buy or finance a car, and (3) carry the right insurance and know what to do after a minor incident. This page avoids volatile rates and focuses on repeatable checklists, decision trees, and copy‑paste scripts.

TL;DR: Choose your license path (convert your foreign license or obtain a new one), buy cash or compare finance on total cost, and carry at least third‑party liability with a simple post‑incident routine saved in your phone. Deep claims/disputes live in the Insurance Hub.

How to use this page

• Designed for first‑time residents and in‑country movers.

• We skip volatile details (e.g., fees, interest rates). Instead, we give what to check, what to ask, and what to save.

• We keep claims/disputes high‑level here; deep workflows and escalation paths are in the Insurance Hub.

Pick your license path (convert vs new) — decision tree

A) I hold a valid foreign license → Try conversion. B) My foreign license is expired/damaged or not eligible → Follow the new‑license track. C) I’ve never held a license → Driving school + theory + road test (new‑license track).

Tip: Keep your name order identical across passport, residency ID, and foreign license to avoid system mismatches.

Documents & appointments — what to bring, where to book

Appointments

• Book a Traffic (Moroor) slot for licensing services through the resident portal/app.

• For driving schools, book the school after you have your Traffic slot if the process requires it in your city.

Bring these originals (plus clear copies):

• Passport and residency ID (if resident).

• Foreign license (for conversion path) and official translation if requested.

• Medical/vision form/receipts (see next section).

• Four 4×6 photos (some centers capture photos on site).

• Payment receipts or reference numbers for any government fees already paid online.

Keep a single folder: physical copies + a cloud folder named Driving-Licensing/YourName containing PDFs and photos of everything.

Medical/vision, tests & card issue — step by step

1) Medical & vision: Complete at an approved clinic if requested; keep receipts and stamped forms. 2) Document check & biometrics: At the Traffic (Moroor) office or school, present originals; fingerprints/photos if required. 3) Theory test: Computer‑based; questions on road signs, safety, and local rules. Practice with official materials if your school provides them. 4) Practical test: Test routes include parking, lane discipline, mirrors, signals, and controlled stops. 5) Payment & issue: Pay the issuance fee via the government payment channel; collect your license card.

If you’re converting: Some applicants may be asked to complete a brief drive regardless of origin. Bring your foreign license and translation to the test lane just in case.

Driving schools: what actually helps you pass

• Book consecutive lessons (same instructor) to build rhythm.

• Practice the test route at the same time of day as your exam.

• Drill the parking sequence (mirrors → signal → position → slow steering input → straighten).

• Theory flashcards: signs, stopping distances, right‑of‑way at roundabouts.

• Simulated test: have your instructor grade you on the official scoring sheet.

Common snags & fixes

• Name order mismatch between passport and documents → update at source; carry a letter/affidavit if older documents differ.

• Expired/damaged foreign license → you’ll likely be routed to the new‑license track; plan time for school.

• Translation issues → use an approved translator; ensure the translation matches passport order.

• Photo specs → confirm if the center will capture photos; if not, bring physical photos with the correct background color.

Buying a car — cash vs finance vs lease

Dealer vs private sale: Dealer offers faster transfer and bundled warranties; private sellers can be cheaper but demand more due diligence (see inspection list below).

Used‑car inspection — 40 checks that catch expensive problems

Exterior & structure

• Panel gaps, overspray, mismatched paint, rust points, windshield chips, headlight clarity.

• Tire tread & age code (week/year), spare condition, jack/tools present.

Interior & electrics

• All warning lights off after start; AC cold at idle and under load; window regulators; central locking; seat rails; infotainment; reverse camera.

Underbody & engine bay

• Leaks (oil/coolant/transmission), belt condition, battery age, corrosion signs, exhaust mounts.

• Brake pads and discs; straight‑line braking without pull; no vibration at highway speeds.

Road test

• Smooth gear shifts, tracking straight, no wheel wobble, no clunks over bumps.

• Listen for compressor cycling; hot restart after a 10‑minute stop.

Paperwork

• Registration matches seller ID; fines/history cleared; service book/receipts; two keys.

If you can, pay an independent inspection shop; a written report is cheap insurance against surprises.

Finance decisions — total‑cost method, early settlement, and exit scenarios

Total‑cost method: Don’t anchor on monthly payment. Compare total repayable (principal + finance charges + fees) across terms. Ask for the amortization schedule and check that the math matches the offer.

Key questions to lenders/dealers:

• Is pricing flat or reducing? What fees apply upfront and monthly?

• How is early settlement calculated and what is the rebate on unearned charges?

• Can I choose my insurer, or is it bundled? If bundled, what’s the repair network/deductible?

• What happens if I change employers or leave the country mid‑term?

Exit scenarios: Early sale, job change, or end‑of‑assignment. Ask for written steps and fees before you sign.

Reading your motor policy — schedule fields that matter

• Policy type: Third‑party (legal minimum) vs Comprehensive (adds own‑damage/theft/weather).

• Named drivers: Match real drivers; unlisted drivers can invalidate claims.

• Deductible/excess: Amount you’ll pay per claim—write it on your glovebox card.

• Repair network: Agency (dealer) vs non‑agency garages; affects parts/wait times.

• Add‑ons: Roadside assistance, GCC coverage, personal accident, glass cover, natural perils.

Deep claims/disputes (timelines, escalations, templates) → see the Insurance Hub.

After a minor crash — wallet‑card procedure

1) Safety first; move vehicles if instructed. 2) Photograph both cars, plates, and the wider scene (include road markings). 3) Exchange residency ID, license, and insurance; take clear photos of documents. 4) File the incident report via the national reporting channel/app; save the case number. 5) Contact your insurer; follow instructions for assessment/repair. 6) Keep receipts, approvals, and photos in your claim folder.

What not to do: Don’t admit liability on the roadside; let the incident report and insurer process determine fault.

Ownership paperwork & glovebox kit

• Registration (istimara), insurance policy & hotline, finance contract + amortization schedule, inspection report, incident numbers.

• Glovebox kit: small flashlight, reflective vest, phone charger, pen/notepad, mandatory triangles; printed wallet‑card with your policy number and claim steps.

Long‑drive prep & maintenance cadence

• Before trips: Fluids, tire pressure (including spare), wiper blades, lights, and a quick brake check.

• Pack: Water/snacks, phone mount, USB cable, power bank.

• Cadence: AC service ahead of summer; rotate tires as per manual; keep receipts in a digital folder.

Arabic & English scripts (counters, lenders, garages, insurers)

Arabic — license conversion at counter

«أرغب في استبدال رخصة القيادة الأجنبية. هذه المستندات، هل تحتاجون ترجمة إضافية؟»

Arabic — early settlement with lender

«أحتاج عرض سداد مبكر موضحًا طريقة احتساب خصم الأرباح وجميع الرسوم المتبقية.»

Arabic — claim follow‑up with insurer/garage

«أتابع مطالبة التأمين رقم [###]. هل صدر تفويض الإصلاح؟ وما تاريخ التسليم المتوقع؟»

English — dealer questions

“Is early settlement allowed and how do you compute the rebate? Can I choose my insurer? What’s the parts lead time and do you provide a courtesy car?”

FAQs

Road‑rules primer (practical habits that keep you safe)

• Lane discipline: Keep right except to overtake; signal early when changing lanes; check mirrors twice.

• Following distance: In dry conditions, use the three‑second rule; increase it in rain or dust.

• Speed & signage: Expect speed cameras and variable limits; watch for temporary roadworks.

• Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already on the roundabout; choose the correct lane early and exit with a signal.

• School zones & buses: Slow down around schools; never overtake a bus picking up or dropping off children.

Weather & road conditions — heat, rain, and dust

• Heat: Check coolant and tire pressures more often in summer; avoid leaving child seats/electronics in direct sun.

• Dust/sand: Slow gently; avoid sudden steering; use headlights and keep windows closed; replace cabin filters on schedule.

• Rain/standing water: Increase following distance; avoid deep puddles; test brakes lightly after passing through water.

Employer car policies & allowances (read the fine print)

• Eligibility & grade: Some roles include an allowance or company car; clarify fuel, maintenance, and insurance responsibilities.

• Accident reporting: Follow the employer’s incident policy in addition to insurer steps; who contacts the reporting platform?

• Family drivers: Confirm if spouses/relatives can be authorized drivers on employer‑provided vehicles.

• End‑of‑service: Return conditions, fair wear and tear, and settlement if you leave early.

Hybrid/EV ownership — practicalities

• Charging access: Ask your building/compound about EV charging rules and electrical capacity; some towers restrict charging in basements.

• Home charging: If allowed, confirm socket specs and where load cables can run safely.

• Public charging: Map stations near work and along regular routes; plan buffer time for peak hours.

• Battery warranty: Read warranty duration and health metrics; ask how the dealer measures battery state for resale.

Importing a personal vehicle — reality check

• Compliance: Vehicles must meet local standards; verify emission/safety compatibility.

• Costs & paperwork: Shipping, customs, and registration add time and expense; request a total landed cost estimate in writing.

• Parts & service: Ensure a service network exists locally for your model; otherwise resale and downtime can suffer.

New resident onboarding — first 10 days on the road

Day 1–2: Install maps, insurer, and roadside‑assistance apps; add your policy number to your phone’s ICE (in case of emergency) contact. Day 3: Drive your work and school routes at peak time to discover choke points. Day 4: Practice parking in your building and a mall with tight ramps. Day 5: Create a glovebox kit: triangle, vest, flashlight, charger, wipes, and printed wallet‑card. Day 6: Review your policy schedule and save a photo of the deductible. Day 7–10: If you financed, set up autopay and calendar reminders for service intervals.

Dealership negotiation — what’s flexible vs fixed

• Flexible: Accessories (mats, tint, dashcam install), first service, delivery date, and sometimes admin fees.

• Often fixed: Base vehicle price on hot models, finance rate if lender‑set, and registration fees.

• Tactic: Ask for out‑the‑door pricing in writing (vehicle + fees + accessories) and a VIN for the allocated car.

Example: early‑settlement math (conceptual, no numbers)

• Scenario: You financed a car and plan to leave early. Ask the lender for: principal outstanding, unearned finance charge rebate, and early‑closure fees.

• Compare: Early settlement vs keeping the car until return. If selling, obtain a payoff letter for the buyer’s bank and coordinate at the branch.

Insurance add‑ons — choose with intent

• Roadside assistance: Worth it if you do long highway trips.

• Glass coverage: Saves out‑of‑pocket on windshields in desert driving.

• Personal accident: Consider based on your family’s protection plan.

• GCC cover: Useful if you’ll drive cross‑border; check limits and proof needed.

• Rental car while repairing: Ask about daily caps and maximum days.

Minor‑incident flowchart (printable)

Safe? → yes → Photos (plates, damage, scene) → Exchange IDs → Report case in the incident app → Save reference number → Insurer (instructions/assessment) → Repair → Collect & verify invoice → Archive PDFs.

If not safe, call emergency services first and follow instructions.

Garage & body‑shop conversations — questions to ask

• “Is repair agency or approved non‑agency?”

• “What’s the parts lead time? Are parts new or refurbished?”

• “Can you share before/after photos and the work order?”

• “What warranty applies to the repair?”

Resale strategy — keep options open

• Keep service stamps/invoices; clean, documented cars sell faster.

• Avoid heavy cosmetic mods that hurt resale.

• Photograph the car in daylight and keep a maintenance log with dates and mileage.

• If financed, advertise as “bank‑transfer sale” with payoff letter ready.

City driving playbook — parking & malls

• Basement ramps: Practice wide entries; avoid cutting late; use mirrors for blind corners.

• Ticketing: Photograph your parking bay number and level to avoid getting lost.

• Peak exits: Plan to leave 10 minutes before closing to avoid long queues.

Insurance & finance — document hygiene

• Create a folder: Car/YourName/Policy, Car/YourName/Finance, Car/YourName/Service.

• Save original PDFs and also a single merged PDF for quick sharing.

• Name files YYYYMMDD_DocType.pdf and keep a timeline.txt with brief notes.

What to do after repairs — quality control

• Walk‑around with the adviser; check panel gaps and paint match in sunlight.

• Test AC at idle and in motion; verify warning lights are off.

• Review the invoice line items and confirm parts/labour; keep the work‑order copy.

When plans change — mid‑assignment pivots

• Temporary relocation: Consider short‑term comprehensive cover options if the car will be parked; verify storage requirements.

• Selling before exit: Book inspection early; gather all documents; plan overlap with your final exit date so transfer is clean.

Family safety — child seats & routines

• Use age‑appropriate child restraints; position rear seats correctly and disable front passenger airbags where child seats face rear.

• Establish a car‑seat check ritual (straps snug, chest clip at armpit level) and a back‑seat reminder (bag or phone in the back).

If you don’t pass the first time — retest strategy

• Ask for feedback immediately and write it down (parking angle, mirror checks, lane changes).

• Book the next slot while the muscle memory is fresh; take 1–2 focused lessons on only your weak spots.

• Practice the route at the same time of day to match traffic patterns.

• Simulate pressure: do a full mock test with scoring; treat any minor fault as if it were major and correct it.

Short‑term mobility while you wait (rental & car‑share)

• Rentals: Companies may require a valid local license; some accept specific foreign licenses for short periods—confirm policy before booking.

• Car‑share/subscriptions: Read mileage caps and penalties; verify insurance coverage and excess.

• Economy tip: Combine ride‑hailing with metro/bus where available while licensing completes.

Safety tech & spec sheet — what to prioritize

• ESC (stability control), ABS, and multiple airbags (front/side/curtain).

• ISOFIX anchor points for child seats.

• Adaptive cruise & lane assist: useful on long intercity drives—verify how they behave in local conditions.

• Tyre‑pressure monitoring and a full‑size spare for highway trips.

Fuel & payments — smooth refuelling

• Confirm fuel type for your engine; using the wrong grade can cause knocking or poor performance.

• Many stations accept cards and wallets; keep a small cash float for older sites.

• Avoid running below ¼ tank on long routes; plan stops where exits and re‑entry are straightforward.

Tyres & seasonal care

• Check tyre date codes; avoid aged stock even if tread looks new.

• Rotate per the owner’s manual; align if you see uneven wear.

• In hot months, measure pressure when tyres are cold; re‑check after long highway runs.

Premium factors — why your quote changes

• Driver profile: age/experience, claims history.

• Vehicle value: new vs used, repair cost, theft risk.

• Repair network: agency vs non‑agency.

• Deductible: higher deductibles often mean lower premiums; choose a level you can actually pay.

• Add‑ons: roadside assist, rental car, GCC cover all affect price.

Anticipate road behaviors (defensive driving cues)

• Leave room for sudden lane changes at exits.

• Expect variable indicator use; double‑check before moving.

• Keep a buffer around heavy vehicles and at on‑ramps.

• Scan far ahead for brake lights and temporary cones.

Documents to keep with you (and why)

• License + residency ID: routine checks and rentals.

• Registration & insurance card: required at incidents and some checkpoints.

• Work authorization or employer letter: if driving an employer vehicle.

• Emergency contacts and medical info (phone ICE settings).

Dashcams & privacy — play it safe

• If you use a dashcam, mount it so it doesn’t obstruct your field of view.

• Store footage securely; mute audio by default to avoid recording conversations without consent.

• Check local guidance before sharing footage publicly.

Final‑exit planning — car & policy wrap‑up

• Selling a financed car: Request a payoff letter early; line up a bank appointment with the buyer for transfer.

• Insurance: Cancel or transfer per policy terms after sale; keep proof of no‑claims if available.

• Registration: Complete transfer before your final exit to avoid administrative issues later.

Five progressive practice drives (confidence builder)

1) Empty‑lot basics: mirrors, slow slalom, tight turns, parking boxes. 2) Local grid: right turns, controlled stops, light traffic. 3) Arterial road: lane changes, roundabouts, left turns with protected signals. 4) Ring road: merging, lane discipline, speed management. 5) Night + rain/dust: safe following distances, gentle inputs, planned exits.

Service & parts — keep downtime low

• Choose a garage with clear work orders and updates by SMS/WhatsApp.

• Ask for old parts to be returned with packaging; photograph serial numbers.

• Keep a list of common parts (filters, belts) and intervals in your notes.

Insurance communications — templates you can copy

Initial claim (EN):

“Submitting claim #[###]. Attached: incident reference, photos, policy schedule, driver license/ID copies. Please confirm next steps and the assigned garage.”

Status follow‑up (AR):

«أتابع مطالبة رقم [###]. هل تم إصدار تفويض الإصلاح؟ ما الموعد المتوقع للتسليم؟»

Complaint escalation (EN):

“Escalation for claim #[###]. Please confirm outstanding documents, assessment status, and a target resolution date. I will attach this thread to my consumer complaint if timelines are missed.”

License timeline at a glance — conversion vs new (checklist table)

Finance comparison worksheet (print and fill)

Claim workflow — step vs evidence (no durations)

Theft & parking risk management

• Park in well‑lit areas; prefer secured basements or compounds.

• Don’t leave valuables visible; avoid leaving residency cards in the vehicle.

• Consider a discreet steering lock or immobilizer if parking on the street.

• Photograph the bay and surrounding vehicles in public lots to document condition pre‑park.

Glossary — useful Arabic terms (with transliteration)

• Moroor (Traffic Authority) — المرور (al‑murūr)

• License — رخصة قيادة (rukhsat qiyāda)

• Registration — استمارة (istimāra)

• Insurance — التأمين (at‑ta’mīn)

• Accident report/case number — رقم الحادث/البلاغ (raqm al‑ḥādith / al‑balāgh)

• Early settlement — سداد مبكر (sadād mubakkir)

• Repair authorization — تفويض إصلاح (tafwīḍ iṣlāḥ)

• Garage/workshop — ورشة (warsha)

Abbreviations you’ll see

• TP = Third‑Party (liability insurance)

• Comp = Comprehensive (own‑damage plus liability)

• VIN = Vehicle Identification Number

• ABS/ESC = Anti‑lock Brakes / Electronic Stability Control

• ISOFIX = Child‑seat anchor standard