Job Discussion Forums

[Balzac]

Hi there,

I just paid 125 SAR for my Saudia Driving Test which apparently will be in a couple of weeks time, so if anyone has up-to-date info on Saudia driving tests, I'd very much appreciate it.

As I understand it, there's an oral test, a multiple choice component where you have to identify road signs, and then you are taken outside for a test on how to park a car in designated lines. If you don't have a car for the test, you can apparently hire one for the occassion at the test centre which is certainly a novel idea, one I've personally never heard of!

I have a British licence which I haven't used for about 15 years and can't be bothered to reapply for, and a Thai licence which isn't recognised here hence my reason for applying to take another test here.

Anyone got anything different or something to add about the Saudia driving test, then please post your experiences on the board for all to read.

cheers

Balzac

[007]

As far as I know, you have to use the test centre�s car for your test or training,.
From my experience, the majority of people who booked the test without doing the training failed the driving test!! Because they were not used to the car, which usually is old, and sometimes is difficult to drive for the first time!
Also, during the driving test, it will depend on the mood of the Saudi examiner, and your �appearance�. I mean, people with blue/green eyes and white skin (Westerners) have more chance, for example than Bangladeshis or Egyptians!!!

Just smile to the examiner and I hope your test will be OK.
BTW, there is a minimum number of errors which are allowed. BUT, if you fail to park your car, the examiner will fail you (unless if you are a Medical doctor, and the examiner needs your service, then he will pass you even if you make 7 errors!).

[also in saudi]

You can use any car.
The examiner for the road test was not Saudi. The one I had was Egyptian and couldn't speak or understand English.
The road test was simple. Just drive on a course at the testing facility and parallel park. They don't even have you drive on the streets or highway.
Good luck.

[Balzac]

[also in saudi]

I used an automatic graciously provided by a Saudi coworker.
My employer's site administrator, who was a Philippino, accompanied me and helped with the communication.
The written test was multiple choice and given by computer in English or Arabic. It was straightforward. I didn't study for it.

[Balzac]

Hi again Also in Saudia,

thanks for your info. Can I just ask about the more technical side of things? For example, would they expect you to drive the way I was initially taught e.g. with arms on the steering wheel like 10-to-2, or quarter-to-3? The way a driving instructor would teach you?

I only ever drove this way when I was learning to drive about 25 years ago and nowadays cross over my arms when steering left or right like pretty much everyone else does.

Are there any things that I should prepare beforehand that you can remember?

Thanks again for all your information.

cheers

Balzac

[007]

[veiledsentiments]

[007]

[Imdramayu]

Would an expired US drivers license be useful in getting a KSA drivers license?

If not, I'll be joining Balzac in doing the driving test.

[johnslat]

Dear 007,

"A lot of Saudis drive cars without holding a driving license!!"

which is good - especially for the 12 year-olds and under - since it lets them keep both hands on the steering wheel (except when they're using their cell phones.)
Regards,
John

[Imdramayu]

Is there any chance women will be allowed to drive in KSA this year or in 2009? I keep hearing rumours that something is about to happen.

I've got to sell the idea of moving to KSA to my wife. So help me out.
Why would a woman want to live in KSA (in the Eastern province)?

[Mia Xanthi]

You really should post this as a separate thread.

[007]

[Mia Xanthi]

Well, I thought about it some more. Tell your wife it is not as bad as it may seem. Yes, she will have to cover, but that is a minor issue when all is said and done. She will not have to cover her head. Basically, she has to throw on a lightweight black cloak before going out. Most women find it convenient after a while, except in the heat of the summer.

She will be able to get around easily by taxi. It's best not to travel alone, but you will soon find at least one reliable, safe driver whom you can trust to help her get around if she wants to go places by herself.

She will be able to shop by herself, if she wishes, and she will be able to find most anything she needs at fairly reasonable prices. The main drawback is the timings. As I am sure you already know, everything closes for prayer five times a day, and it seems one is always rushing to finish the shopping in the time before things close up again.

Satellite TV and (slow) Internet connections are available everywhere. There are no public libraries and few good bookstores. There are stores which sell hobby and craft supplies.

Most compounds have pools and gyms. It is usually not possible to walk or run outside the compounds. There are some spas available in the bigger hotels, but I have been discouraged from going to them because I have been told there may be hidden cameras. I don't know how true this is, but it scared me off.

She can go out with you on weekend nights. People go in groups sometimes to the major western-style restaurants, such as TGIF, Chili's, and Casper and Gambini's. Women go out in small groups to these places. There are lots of Saudi men cruising around the area on the weekends, but they are more of an annoyance than a danger.

Finding things to do together, after you have finished work, is not a problem. What will be difficult for her is to face day after day in the compound watching TV, waiting for you to come home.