How to Exchange Foreign Driving Licenses In KSA 2021 & 2022
This article will explain the rules for foreign driving licenses in KSA, the exchange of driving licenses, and car purchases.
Many foreigners decide to drive while living in the kingdom between cheaper gas prices and a dysfunctional public transport system in Saudi Arabia. Fortunately, the exchange of foreign driving licenses is quite common and straightforward. This helpful guide provides the following information on this topic.
- DRIVING LICENSE IN KSA
- HOW TO EXCHANGE A FOREIGN DRIVING LICENSE IN KSA?
- GETTING A DRIVING LICENSE IN KSA
- DRIVING IN KSA
- BUYING A CAR IN KSA
- WHERE EXPATS CAN BUY USED CARS IN KSA?
(1)- Driving License In KSA
The main regulatory body for driving in Saudi Arabia is the Ministry of Interior’s Public Security Department. The legal driving age in the country is 18. However, especially in rural areas, it is not uncommon to see young children driving. In 2018, the law got changed to allow women to drive legally. As a result, the government has had to process more license applications than ever before.
Fortunately, if you have a driver’s license from a neighboring Gulf country, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you will be able to use it in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, if you have an international driver’s license, you can legally drive in the country. The only caveat is that some insurance companies cannot insure vehicles under these licenses. So make sure you do your research. Similarly, some car rental companies and dealerships may require you to have a Saudi license to ensure you. So, be sure to shop around before settling into a company.
On the other hand, if you have a driver’s license from a country that is not approved, you will have to go through the entire process of obtaining a Saudi license, including taking a practical driving test.
See Also: Ministry Of Hajj And Umrah Has Opened 17 More Doors In Masjid-Ul-Haram For Umrah Pilgrims
(2)- How To Exchange A Foreign Driving License In KSA?
Required Documents:
If you would like to exchange your driving license with an approved country, start the process online with the following documents:
- Image ID (front and back)
- Valid driving license.
- Translation of driving license (back and forth)
- Medical report results (readily available at clinics that provide driving license medical examinations)
Complete Process:
Unfortunately, the exchange of driving licenses is not available to women who do not have their IQAMA (i.e. women who depend on their husbands or fathers). Once you have all the documents, you need to take the following steps.
- Create and activate an Abshar account using your ID number, phone number, and bank account information.
- Pay SAR 400 license fee
- In the Electronic Services section, click Appointments, then Traffic, then book an appointment. You will receive a confirmation SMS.
- Go to your designated traffic office with all your documents and take your practical driving test. Some nationalities may skip this stage, but I don’t think KSA allows skipping driving tests.
- Submit your driving license!
(3)- Getting A Driving License In KSA
If your country’s driving license is not approved, then the process of obtaining a valid license in Saudi Arabia is similar to the above license. You will still need to register online, bring your documents and pass the exam. Alternatively, if you do not know how to drive and want to get a driver’s license, you will have to go through the same process, but first, you have to sign up in driving school to learn driving theory and practice.
(4)- Driving In KSA
Between speeding cars, car accidents, and anxious drivers, driving in the kingdom can be intimidating. That said, with a few precautions, you can ease your way on the highways and drive like a pro. First, make sure you always use your seat belt and car seat for children under 10. Don’t text, call, or otherwise bother yourself. Read more about driving laws and fines in Saudi Arabia.
(5)- Buying A Car In KSA
As a result of cheaper gas prices in Saudi Arabia, many foreigners buy cars in the kingdom. If you want to buy a new one, research some different dealerships and do some test drives. Also, don’t be afraid to talk or buy around a big holiday, because you can get some great deals. Once you have determined the car and price, verify that the dealer handles the registration and insurance process. Alternatively, if you plan to buy a used car, make sure you have it professionally inspected, that you take it on an extended test drive and that you buy it from a reliable source. After that Be prepared to handle registration and insurance paperwork yourself.
See Also: Further Extension Of Residence, Exit, And Return Visas For The 13 Countries Till September 30, 2021
(6)- Where Expats Can Buy Used Cars In KSA?
If you want to buy a second-hand car, we have a list of great websites that are reliable and will help you estimate prices.
When buying a used car in Saudi Arabia, you will want to go through some of these online used car sales sites to get an idea of ​​the prices of specific Macs and models and how the used car sales market works. Let them know.
(1)- Expatriates.com
Expatriates.com is one of the expat websites where people buy and view their used cars. Many people use this site, and a few bloggers highly recommend it.
LINK: http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/saudi/
(2)- Drive Arabia.
Drive Arabia is an informative website listing cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickups sold in the Middle East, price range, engine details, fuel economy classification, and performance statistics. With mini-reviews with a list of good and bad points of each car. For cars older than three years, reliable and resale value ratings are also included, including lists of known issues.
LINK: http://www.drivearabia.com/ultimatecarbuyerguide/
(3)- HATLA2EE
Hatla2ee is a used car website that sells cars in both Arabic and English
LINK: http://ksa.hatla2ee.com/en/car
(4)- Car Semesar
The CAR SEMESAR got launched to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers. This website is designed with the user in mind to empower users with the necessary information to make informed decisions about the following vehicle. Car Semesar provides users with detailed information about all the cars in our database and takes an in-depth look at different types of car models. Car Semesar aims to provide dealers with an electronic database of all the vehicles in their showrooms that will facilitate inventory tracking and ultimately provide direct reports on a large amount of information that will help dealers increase overall business and revenue.
LINK: http://www.carsemsar.com/en/saudi-arabia/cars
(5)- Saudi Top Cars:
Saudi Top Cars is a website with a complete English and Arabic site to cater to the needs of both Arabic and English-speaking countries.
LINK: http://www.sauditopcars.com/
(6)- Saudi Sales:
Saudi Cell Market as your home car market allows you to browse through thousands of photos of cars. They also rent.LINK: http://www.saudisale.com/SS_e_mpg.aspx.
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