Job Discussion Forums

spaceman · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Is it possible to get a driver's license without taking the test?

Thanks
Spaceman

johnslat · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject:

Dear spaceman,

"Is it possible to get a driver's license without taking the test?"

WASTA (influence, clout, knowing the right people) can get you just about anything (but remember - there's no such thing as a "free lunch.")

However, first we need to know whether you HAVE a valid driver's license already, and, if so, what country issued it.

Regards,
John

spaceman · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

I have valid New Zealand and South Korean drivng licences

Cheers,
Spaceman

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

I have a valid U.S. driver's license. I got a Saudi license about eight months ago without taking a driving test, written test, or even a blood test. The only test I took was an eye test.

Yes, it's possible.

By the way, the Saudi license is good for 10 years.

Marquess · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 165

Westerners do not need to take a test or anything unlike Indians etc.

Check your license because I got a ticket for having an expired license last year as mine was only valid for 5 years. Maybe things have changed but I doubt it.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:43 pm Post subject:

Dear Spaceman,
About the driving test, I'm not sure if you'd need to take it having New Zealand and South Korean licenses.

But here's the info about how to get (without Wasta) a Saudi driver's license.

You can drive in Saudi on an International Driving License and some national licenses for up to three months, after this you need a Saudi license. Some licences, including those from the UK and US, are convertible to a Saudi licence without a driving test. The application procedure for a Saudi driving licence is as follows:

Obtain a translation of your Driving License. This is not the same as the attestation before, but merely the �Driving License Office� (DLO) translation for them to �certify� it is fine.

Obtain a green hanging file folder (yes, this is essential!). Without this your application will fail! Into this, insert your translation, a further company letter, a copy of you license, a copy of your Iqama and the ubiquitous application form.

Take this to the DLO and take a blood test � this is marked on your license, and an eye test - both these tests will get you a stamp on the form to say they are completed. If the application is successful, pay your fee and collect your license.

NOTE 1: YOU CANNOT GET YOUR PERMANENT DRIVING LICENSE WITHOUT YOUR IQAMA.

NOTE 2: YOU CANNOT (OFFICIALLY) OWN A 4X4 VEHICLE WITHOUT A FAMILY IQAMA (But, there are ways around everything!)

Visitors with a valid driver's license from many countries, or those with international driver's licenses, are allowed to drive in the Kingdom. Residents and expatriates, however, are required to obtain Saudi driver's licenses.

http://www.saudiarabia.alloexpat.com/saudi_arabia_expat_tips/driving_license_saudi_arabia.php

Regards,
John

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you have a "real" licence from a "real country" you can get a KSA licence on the strength of that without taking a test. When your licence is from a daodgy country like Outer Slobistan or Lower Dongolistan, you will have problems. That is when you have to take the test.

I will continue to live my car-free life.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 2:20 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,
Ah, but the rub is - trying to figure out just which countries the Saudis consider to be "real." Is/Are New Zealand and/or South Korea "real"?
Is there a list somewhere?
Regards,
John