Great news for women in Saudi Arabia who are under their husbands or fathers sponsorship, and previously unable to register online to apply for Saudi driving license. There has been an issue with so called “dependent iqama” holders, in other words women who are under their fathers, husbands sponsorship to apply for the driving license conversion which requires an independent Absher account.
It is now possible for dependent iqama holders to register their own Absher account. You need a Saudi mobile to get verified. Register as new user here: absher portal
UPDATE for dependent iqama holders
Follow below steps to convert your foreign driving license to a Saudi one.
1- As an independent currently you can register your own Absher account
2- Activate your absher account through proper channels (Malls,Mobily.etc..)
2- login to Absher and take an appointment to replace your foreign driving license (last item from Traffic appointment menu)
3-prepare all requested documents and pay the fees.
4.take the test
UPDATE 2019: More driving schools and license conversion centers are opening around the country. Dependents can try to enroll in the courses provided by Driving Schools and through that try to get the Saudi Driver’s license.
The rest of the steps how to get Saudi driving license for dependent iqama holders please follow these steps:
Saudi driving license application for women
If you are a female expat in Saudi under your employers sponsorship or married to a Saudi then follow these steps: How to convert foreign license to Saudi license and you will be able to convert an existing, valid driving license from any foreign country to the Saudi one by first creating your own Absher account.
Converting the license does not mean you need to give up or “surrender” your original, however it is needed to present at the Moroor once you are doing the short driving test.
To find out what documents you need to get done BEFORE applying for license, you must follow the instructions on this post: Step by Step Guide How Expats Apply For Saudi Driving License
If you need to follow the guide in Arabic it is available here: How Saudi and expat women can convert foreign license to Saudi license
Tip: If your city’s appointments are all booked, check your nearest cities and you can apply in any of them.
Good luck everyone and please leave comments about your experiences to help others apply and any updates you know of!
Enjoy driving!
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Hello there! I’m Laura, the founder of Blue Abaya- the first travel blog in Saudi Arabia, established in 2010. Travel has always been my passion- so far I’ve visited 75 countries and I’m always on the lookout for new adventures inside and outside of Saudi Arabia! Follow my adventures in Saudi and beyond on instagram: instagram.com/blueabaya
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I also got my license from Rimal Riyadh on 12th july and none of the instructors spoke english and i was the first one to go in the morning…yikes. Thankfully the other ladies translated instructions for me and he made another lady take the test before me so i understood what is needed, especially your post and pic of the track helped.
So ladies plz beware and speak up if you dont understand. They are all helpful though.
Hi, What’s the fees for a new driver’s license for expat women?
Could you please let me know what is permission letter and who gives it if you are on your spouse’s Iquama. Thanks!
thank for sharing your experience can is possible i have pakistani driving licenced so can i convert direct saudia arab licenced and where is the driving licenced office for women i need information some
Pls update if you were able to go through the process. I am planning to apply for driving license… I have Pakistani lic.
Pls share your experience so far.
Dear Faiza,
i exchanged Pakistani driver license with Saudi Driver license. the benefit of Pakistani driver license is you dont need to take any theoretical test they will just take practice test for 2 minutes where they asked you to stop at stop sign and pedestrian sign how to reverse and park use of hazard light.
i have done my test in July 2018 in Yanbu and received the driver license of Saudi.
Dear Agha,
Can you tell in brief about the procedure of applying Saudi Driving License as I am in my Husband’s Iqama and having Indian Driving License.
Cangatulations for getting the license. Can I know more details, I ahave Indian driving license and I am dependent on my husband’s Iqama. Can I still convert my Indian License? Please give me the procedure to apply and link if any.
no, you must have to take training and pass the Saudi driving test to get a license now.
Currently the Website https://www.sdlp.sa/login is not working. once it takes you to the Authentication page from. when you select Saudi Driving Licensee it will keep looping around both pages.
I dont know why its not working.i will go like sdlp site to Nafaz Site then again from Nafaz to sdlp and it goes on and on and on.
can any one explain why its like that?
Ok sounds good. I as a male took test passed but they still found a problem with my UK license….. eventually when sorted they said I had to do an advance test…. so making up it was cheaper to drive on the AA international license.
hello
thanks for your detailed article , i checked my iqama , and i find it still valid , thanks again for your help
Hi, I did sdlp step through my father’s absher account. but where do i upload the documents and where do i book appmnt (online or physical)? Much thanks to you for the update, highly appreciated!
Thnks for updating!! you got any idea why i am not able to get past the homepage?.. nothing happens when i try clicking the login button…
I was facing the same problem, then i cleared the browsing history. then I logged back in and got through the website.
I am an expat on my fathers visa. I dont have a license from a foriegn country. Can i apply for a license with the same procedure you mentioned above?
I have similar circumstances as yours. Just want to know if someone responded to your question? What is the current status of driving license obtaining procedure for expat ladies who are on a dependent iqamas and do not have a driving license from any other country?
Thank you Blue Abaya for all the required info.
Does the Practical test means the written test?
Also, Is there anyone in Dammam / Khobar who has applied for license? Kindly help on the translation/medical/license center for Dammam / Khobar or nearby areas.
Thanks Laura for your help! I got mine in Dammam! Well in fact I went to Hofuf to do the test because no appointments available before september in Dammam. Translation done in Khobar driving school (small office on the left before the entry gate) and medical in Layla Onaizi Polyclinic (you need to go there with the medical form that you can get at the driving school and 2 ID pictures). Everything was pretty easy and got my driving licence in less than 1 hour (well + the 2 hours drive to reach Hofuf ;o). Good luck ladies for yours!
Your website is very useful please keep it up
Thanks
Ayesha
Hi Laura, thanks for the update especially for dependent wives! Just to clarify as I was a little confused by the post – so my husband can apply for the conversion of my license through the SDLP – by logging in with his account details; but the rest of the procedures is the same as Saudi women getting licences? Thanks again! Will hope to be driving soon!
How do I apply for a licence if I don’t have a licence from my own country?
Thanks for the update, you are the best!
Laura,
After obtaining the driver’s license, can I purchase a car and be the primary owner? Thanks!
yes you can as long as it´s not a 7 seater suv car.
The https://www.sdlp.sa/login website does not respond and times out. Did anyone find a way to over this ?
Thank you Ms Laura for your blog. I got my Saudi License already from Dammam Morror this week and they were all friendly.
Hi, I am Lebanese and I have a Lebanese driving license, what can I do to obtain the Saudi driving license? I tried several times to register in Absher site but still not responding. Thanks in advance.
Dear all can anyone help I applied for my wife’s licence
And it shows the status “ waiting for document validator “
I didn’t pay fee yet those who got their licence can they explain this
I took my wife on Aug 13 (Jeddah East Office) and were told that there are orders from Riyadh to hold off issuing visa for expat dependent women.
Anyone else heard the same?
Same in Jubail. System close for expat dependent. As of Sept 4, 2018.
Hi! They do have an automatic car for the test at the appointed day, don’t they?
Can I ask if dependents without license before still apply for this?
My wife has already received a Saudi driving Licence. Can you guide the procedure for making her to authorized for my own vehicle?
Dear Sir,
What was the cost of receiving the driving license for your wife?
Do u know how to authorize spouse to drive the car own by me
Welllll….. thnx a lot for all the extended help and feed back I got from yr thread and blog………to compile the process of obtaining mine,,,,,,
Today I guess I am the first Pakistani-Canadian to get her lisence…..
Yupppppyyyyyy,,,,,,,,,yallllllllllllaaaaaaaaa galz,,,,,,,,
The next thing I am hoping is that driving habits and road sense of people improve by the time,,,,,,,
Dear Amber,
happy to hearthat you recived your license. i recived my Driver liecnce from Yanbu School on 29th July 2018. there were few pakistnai – Candian national with me including me
I was told the same in Dammam recently. They said that the directive to halt issuing foreign dependents’ licenses was open ended and they did not know when it would be lifted. They advised me to show up on my appointment date in Oct by which time it may or may not be allowed. In the mean time they have a backlog of applications building up from other foreign women whose appointment dates have come and gone.
I have approached Al Hasa Traffic Authority and they refused because of dependent visa. But at the same time thy issued to other nationalizes with same iqama status !!!!
What about woman under husband sponsorship but not having foreign driving license? How can she get license as she cannot make absher account and has no driving license from any other country?
must go to driving school
Hi!
What’s the cost of applying for a license for a woman? I understand official driving lessons are more expensivr for women than men but is this also true for license fees?
Drove all the way to Makkah from Jeddah to be told the system is closed for dependants?I hope it’s not for good!! Any ones has any news on this?
Unfortunately, issuance of DL for dependent expats is still closed till yesterday. I went and they said that there are orders from Riyadh to stop that for dependent women and yet they did not cancel previously issued DL within the 10 days window for those with similar status!
Hoping that they found a problem and they would reopen after fixing it!
Any positive update would be highly appreciated.
I went Moroor today as per appointment schedule today. They said the system was closed for dependent expats. However, I paid DL for 5years and prepared all required documents.
Please share any updated information.
Same thing happen to me today. I had an appointment in Jeddah for converting DL and officer told me that system is blocked for dependent expats. His direction was to call or come back again in 2 to 3 weeks to check if the ban is lifted.
Recommendation was not to cancel current appointment in the system. Hope this will be resolved soon!
We went today and they inform us same, system is off and they tell us to return in two weeks. :-(
We faced the same problem in Taif. The answer was “try later after 2 weeks”. But we came from Jeddah it takes all the day and they even don’t have any phone number to check by a phone call.
Please, ladies, if you get any information about renewal of licenses issue share it here.
I went today and they said I cannot get my license because it says on my iqama that I am not allowed to work. An officer told me to get an employment letter and get it authenticated at the chamber of commerce (الغرفة التجارية – al ghurfa al tijaariya), make a new appointment, then come back with the documents. Don’t know how official this is so can anyone confirm this????
Can any one help telling, What about woman under husband sponsorship but not having foreign driving license?
How can I get license as I m not having absher account and I don’t have previous license from other country
Your husband need to add you in his absher account as my hubby did and paid the fee and get the appointment.
How must my husband add me in his absher, I am already his dependent. But how must he book appointment for me. Could you kidnly guide.
thansk for your kind support in advane
Hi.
Unfortunately there’s supposedly a stop to the dependent drivers license testing since Wednesday. Does anybody have any information?!
Thanks
Hi
I went to Makkah for the road test today but they said that its closed for dependents and will open it in 2-3 weeks
The option for dependents making appointments and license fee payment is still open though so hopefully it should be resumed soon
My wife and I drove today from Khobar to Jubail to her DL exchange appointment. Upon arrival we were informed us the same news. That Drivers license issuance for Iqama Dependents are on hold. No further explanations or an estimate time for resuming its issuances. Would appreciate if someone has some news. Thanks.
Today September 13th, I went with my wife (Expat with Bahraini DL) to Al Jubail Traffic Police Dept., and were informed that Drivers License issuance are on hold for Iqama Dependents Ladies. No further details were provided.
Visited Remal traffic office Riyadh as per my appointment for the test and the Response is same System is closed for DEPENDENT.
0114927242 is the inquiry number for information about Woman Licences change information.
My husband tried today to log into Sdlp.sa and book me an appointment. When he tried login in, the website says this service is for “women only.” When I tried, it says I need an Absher account first. Which I can’t since I am a dependent. So I can’t book a appointment or upload my documents. Now we are really out of luck. :(
By maybe they are changing the system and hopefully dependents will be able to obtain a driver’s license soon.
PS, does anyone know how long the medical reports are valid for?
hi,
i had taken appointment from SDLP portal and i got date for test on 20 Nov.. today i receive message that the appointment is postponed. even the portal is not working any more for login.. any idea????
How can I add my wife as an authorized user to drive my car (expat), when the Absher portal for expats doesn’t have the option to add additional driver? Any news? and whats the status on insurance policies. Does my wife have to buy her own insurance policy even if our car is already fully insured?
I think you just have to ask your insurance company for that because their policies are different form to another.
Isha allah no difference between saudi women and expat women and soon ban willbe lifte
Whats the update for expats women having dependant iqama. When will they start accepting the applications. Kindly update as soon as possible.
Any update on dependants driving?
Hi!
What’s the update on dependent women who wants to apply for the driving license? Any clear information regarding it? Please let us know. Thanks!
I went to my appointment to exchange my international British license this September . However I wan informed for the official here in the Dammam trafficking office that wife dependents were not allowed to get Saudi licence. This is a very frustrating and sad situation for dependents wife as they don’t privude any clear information about what the prices was stopped for us.
Today I tried several times for registering my wife when I click on the registration button, it takes to the same site of Absher for new registration and at the end, it says the aqama holder does not have an independent aqama. so sorry to say dependent aqama holders cannot get a driving license.
Checked today at Dammam. Still no licenses permitted for foreign dependents. No news on when the hold might be lifted.
Very sorry to hear.
My husband tried to login in this site http://www.sdlp.sa/login but unfortunately it says that the website is for woman use only.. please update us if its already ok. thank you
It does not seem like its right around the corner unfortunately. I heard the want to get rid of the serious backlog of women who need to take the test. One way is to prevent more “unnecessary” appointments. We went to Dammam Moruur to talk to the captain who said the directives come from Riyadh and that he did not know when the situation would change. My guess is quite a while…
Do I have to get a letter from my employer she is my sponsor. Also can I make an online appointment as all my doc’s are in order. Please can you give me the number for Muroor in Rimal please.I followed your informative info. Thanks millions for the post.
Any new update regarding allowing the dependent wives get a drivers license?
Please leave a latest update on the transfer of a foreign license to saudi license for dependant female.
It seems that they really didn’t lift the ban at all. ? I hope to hear some good news the soonest. ? Please let the dependent wives to take a driver license. Most of us needs it to send our kids to school or atleast do the groceries without depending too much on our husband.
Is it possible to get a Saudi driving licence without prior driving license from my home country? I tried to go to Princess Noura and said to just register for driving school, can I attain a license after attending the course?
Hi ! I went to the ladies driving school yesterday at Jeddah still they are not issuing the driving license to dependent iqama holder wives.
Did they give you a reason why? Or did they give you hope that its just a matter of time?
did they continue converting the foreign driving license to saudi license for dependent ladies? if anyone has any information regarding this please update it here. I check this website every single day in hopes of any good news :( :(
i had my appointment for converting on 28 november but they have rescheduled it. and there is no update. neither do i get any response if i try emailing and asking about it :'(
really sorry to hear this.
Have only heard similar news so far.
I am waiting as well. Anywhere to voice our concerns?
When will they start giving Saudi lisence???
today i went to Riyadh Airport traffic and they informed me the same the DL for dependent is still on hold, not sure anyone can tweet to higher authorities and see if they will respond
Are we allowed to drive with our Internasional drivers lisence in Saudi.
Any good news? Please update us.
Any updates yet ?
Any updates for the dependent expat wife?
Any update yet? When they will resume DL service for dependent expats?
Are they still holding the driver license for dependent iqama ?
Any update regarding licence for female in dependant visa? Heard like we can get it if we directly go to PNU at Riyadh. Any other places like that at YANBU? Also for those who are working, whether females in all profession is allowed to take driving licence ,ya just doctors and engineers..
i went to PNU and they denied for dependent Iqama
No problem depend status
Are you sure they are issuing license for dependent iqama? How did you apply?
Hello. I’d like to know if I fall in the said criteria even if I’m under my father’s sponsorship since the word husband has been mentioned throughout the article and not father. Hope to get my confusion cleared, thank you.
yes, you do. anyone on a dependent’s iqama cannot receive the licence. That includes both father and husband.
they denied To exchange the licences or to give you driving classes?
Any update regarding licence for female in dependant visa? Sdlp is not working
Any news about dependent ladies converting there DL to saudia DL??
Just visited Dammam office with my wife to get Saudi license. She has a valid US license. The sdlp.sa system months ago let me log in and add my wife and daughter, but they were waiting for their renewed US licenses so I held off and didn’t schedule appointments. The system now will not let me in, saying it is only for women. Today my wife had her paperwork in order but did not have an appointment. The desk guys sent us to see the captain who was not there. His deputy asked us if she was in Absher. I explained that she was in Absher under me. He took us back to the desk guys and proceeded to talk to them one by one. The last one he talked to said that the system would prevent them from issuing the license because she was a mother, not a position holder like a teacher or engineer.
I heard that they have now started issuing license for dependent expats who are applying for a new license (not for conversion).
And it seems they are developing a system with easier access to get the license converted and should open anytime soon. hoping for good news soon.
anyone with any other news plz keep updating here since a lot of us keep checking this website
Please keep us updated.
Any good news ppl?!
Any good news for the dependent license? thanks
Sorry I dont have any other news than some women have managed to get the license through the driving schools by going through the process as new drivers. More driving schools are being set up all over the country, so that should help speed things up.
Dear all,
I was applied to convert/ replace my foreign driving license since 4 September 2018 under husband Absher account and my test was on 08/11/2018 and paid to sadad after 2 days I received a message that they want to reschedule another appointment soon. No response yet just back from shark driving school after I told them that I want to take lessons without converting mine they said that I can’t this is open only for citizen. And Absher open also only for citizens and employees who are independent. Plz if you know any new information how independent can convert their foreign will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Hello, are they issuing license for 2omen with dependent visas? Please update…
Waht process have you followed. You issued new licece or you converted. How long it took
Any news..pls update
What you can now do is sign up for the Saudi driving school classes, either as a new driver or to update skills. This seems to be the only way to currently get the license for dependent expat women.
Any update?
Any update regarding dependant iqama license
I was applied to convert/replace my foreign driving license since 4/9/2018 and uploaded all documents required through my husband Absher account and my appointment was on 8/11/2018 paid to sadad after 2 days I received a message that they will reschedule another appointment soon no response yet. Now just back from shark driving school to register and to get lessons and apply a new one without converting mine they said this service is open only for citizens and employees who are independent an$ have their own absher account now I passed one year with no response plz if some have new information for dependent let us know.thank you.
Very informative one..
Could you please explain the procedure of the driving test..is there a computerised test about the traffic signals..and driving test exactly how it is..how many times do they make us drive ..is there any particular task to be done while driving test ..
Attending driving classes,is it compulsory?
Are there English speakers..and the car would be automatic gear or manual..
Still having problems getting expat dependent wives and daughters license conversion. This is very frustrating.
Thank you for the article.
King regards,
Boswell Cannon
Hello guys,
I m new to this place here on dependent visa.. I have my UAE driving license. So what is the process here to get a saudi driving license based on my UAE license.. pls guide me on how and what to do.
Really appreciate any info.
How can i renew my Saudi driving license ? I am a dependent. Can you please help me?
Hello Laura,
I came upon your blog url trying to find an answer if an expats dependent (spouse) with a valid foreign driving license could apply for a Saudi driving license.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m pretty sure it was helpful to expat women who are eligible.
Do you know anyone who has successfully applied for a driving license (with valid foreign driving license)using their husbands absher account(who is a resident expat as well)?
**Please note this applies to women registered as their husbands dependents in the Absher system, with valid foreign driving license. ( the husbands you are referring to are sponsored expats working here with resident permit, right? and not saudi nationals?)
I hope I’m not confusing you with my question.
Thanks in advance Laura.
Hello friends,
I would like to share my experience of obtaining the Saudi Arabia Driving License. I am a dependent here in KSA and don’t have an individual absher account. I have a driving license and was driving in UAE for almost 5 years. Firstly, I registered on Saudi Driving School website before the outbreak of Coronavirus in March and was due for an initial assessment at PNU. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic my initial evaluation was postponed and in June 2020 managed to get an appointment for initial assessment. I had successfully passed the initial assessment and had to take 6 hours mandatory driving lessons before appearing for the final road test in order to secure the license. Secondly, due to backlog of applications at SDS I had to wait for my turn till October 2020 to start my 6 driving lessons. I managed to complete the lessons in three days and each session lasting 2 hours each. After the successful completion of driving lessons, I booked in for a final road test. The test lasted for roughly 10-15 minutes with two candidates and the instructor in the car. The final road test was quite straightforward and easy for people who are used to driving car in their respective countries. Please refer to SDS website and also you can get in touch with the SDS call center for further enquiries. Please do feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
The conversion of your driving license has opened for dependants through absher
the system for non employed dependents to get a saudi driving licence is now open. do it using the depedent own abashir account