The Saudi Driving School: Your Complete Guide to Registration, Programs, and Getting Your License
If you’re planning to get behind the wheel and drive confidently through Saudi Arabia’s streets, the answer starts at the Saudi Driving School — your official, accredited gateway to learning how to drive from scratch and all the way through to obtaining your license.
As a Carly customer, we know your passion for owning your next car begins with one essential step: registering electronically through the Absher platform or the school’s website, completing the medical examination, enrolling in the training program (theoretical and practical), and passing the final test.
At Carly, we believe that safe driving is the very first step in the joy of car ownership. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you complete your training and registration journey with ease — and start searching for your perfect car fully prepared.
The Saudi Driving School: Digital Empowerment and Safe Driving in Line with Vision 2030
The Saudi Driving School was established as a direct response to the sweeping transformation that the Kingdom’s driving education sector underwent — specifically following the landmark Royal Decree issued on September 26, 2017 (6-1-1439H), which permitted women to drive.
Since then, the school launched in partnership with the Emirates Driving Institute in Dubai to become one of the largest and most important accredited driving training institutions in the Kingdom today — distinguished by its advanced infrastructure and programs, alongside other established institutions such as Noura Driving School and the Model Driving School.
This launch was not merely an expansion of license issuance. The Saudi Driving School came to represent the first line of defense in the traffic safety equation — a national priority closely tied to Saudi Vision 2030. The measurable results of this professional training approach are illustrated in the table below:
Traffic Safety Performance Indicators in the Kingdom (2016–2020)
| Traffic Safety Indicator | Before Development (2016) | 2020 | Vision 2030 Target |
| Serious Road Accidents | Baseline | Down 36% | Continued reduction |
| Fatality Rate (per 100K population) | 28.8 | 13.5 (down 53%) | < 10 fatalities |
Note: These figures reflect the success of the training ecosystem in transforming the Kingdom’s streets into a safer environment for everyone.
Training Tracks and Fees: Choose What Suits Your Skill Level and Budget
Whether you’ve never sat behind a steering wheel before, or you have some prior experience and just need to sharpen your skills — the Saudi Driving School offers training tracks with clearly defined hours and fees to suit everyone and ensure you’re fully prepared for the Kingdom’s roads.
To make things easier, here’s a summary of the accredited training programs by duration, approximate cost, and details:
Training Programs Guide — Approximate Fees (inclusive of 15% VAT)
| Program & Track | Target Group | Training Duration | Approximate Cost (incl. 15% VAT) | Program Details |
| Complete Beginner | No prior driving license — starting from scratch | 30 hours | SAR 1,200 – 1,500 | Includes: 4h theory, 8h practical, theory exam (SAR 75), practical exam (SAR 75) |
| Intermediate Track | Moderate driving ability — needs exam preparation | 12 hours | SAR 700 – 900 | Intensive focus on field skills and application of Saudi traffic regulations. |
| Advanced Track | Expired license holders or highly experienced drivers | 6 hours | SAR 400 – 650 | Fast-track assessment program focused on direct evaluation and license renewal. |
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Additional Benefits to Support Your Learning Journey
- Flexible payment plans: Many driving schools offer convenient installment plans in cooperation with financing institutions, allowing you to split fees over periods of up to 12 monthly installments.
- Self-training zone: The school features a dedicated self-training area where you can drive solo within the grounds to build confidence and independence at your own pace. Rest assured — all vehicles in this zone are closely monitored by instructors, with remote-control technology allowing them to intervene and stop the car when needed.
| Carly Tip: Choosing the right track accurately saves you both time and money. Select the program that truly reflects your current level to pass the tests with ease — and be financially and practically ready for your exciting next step: choosing your next car from Carly. |
What Are the Basic Requirements for Enrolling in the Saudi Driving School?
To ensure your application is accepted and your training begins without obstacles, the Saudi Driving School — in coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic — has established a set of essential requirements that must be met before booking your appointment:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a private driving license.
- Valid ID documents: Saudi nationals must provide an original and copy of a valid National ID. Residents must provide an original and copy of a valid residency permit (Iqama).
- Medical examination: Passing the driving-specific medical exam at a Traffic-approved center or hospital, focusing on vision, blood type, and fitness to drive. Results are recorded electronically through the Ifadah platform.
- Criminal record: The applicant must have no judicial rulings for crimes involving assault against persons, property, or honor, and must have a completely clean record free of any judgments related to drug trafficking, promotion, or use.
- Fee payment: Paying the applicable fees for the assigned training track following assessment, plus license issuance fees through the government’s Sadad payment system.
Why Is the Saudi Driving School Among the Best Training Institutions?
When searching for the ideal place to learn how to drive in the Kingdom, there are key criteria that separate conventional training from truly professional training. The Saudi Driving School ranks at the top of these options for several reasons:
Full Official Accreditation
The school is fully accredited by the General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia, meaning every hour you spend in training is officially recognized and directly qualifies you for the test and license issuance — with no complications.
Comprehensive Training Infrastructure
The school doesn’t limit itself to practical sessions alone. It offers a refined training curriculum that integrates comprehensive theoretical education, simulation-based training, and field practice — backed by a rigorous evaluation system that meets the world’s highest traffic safety standards.
Simulation Systems and Smart Technology
The school is equipped with advanced driving simulators, giving you the opportunity to experience real-world driving scenarios and confront virtual hazards — building your confidence and breaking through fear before you hit the actual road.
Flexible Scheduling and Training Periods
To accommodate everyone’s routine, the school offers flexible training options across both morning and evening shifts, so you can choose the times that best fit your daily commitments and work schedule.
Safe Self-Training Zone
The school uniquely provides dedicated self-training spaces that allow you to drive independently, reinforcing your autonomy behind the wheel. A remote monitoring and control system operated by instructors ensures your complete safety throughout.
Your First Car from Carly — After Graduating from the Saudi Driving School
Now that you’ve completed your training and received your accredited license from the Saudi Driving School, it’s time to begin your real journey on the road — with Carly.
We fully understand that a new driver needs a car that combines ease of driving, high reliability, and advanced safety systems to support them through their early driving experience.
That’s why we’ve curated a selection of the best economical and modern cars available on our platform — all rigorously inspected and backed by a warranty that gives you peace of mind from day one:
Carly’s Top Picks for New Driving School Graduates
| Car | Year | Condition | Cash Price (SAR) |
| Dongfeng Shine | 2025 | New | 43,714 |
| Kia Pegas | 2025 | New | 53,546 |
| Suzuki Dzire | 2026 | New | 53,000 |
| MG 3 | 2025 | New | 43,928 |
Every car on Carly undergoes a thorough 150-point inspection — exactly what a new driver needs: a car that won’t surprise them on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best driving school in Riyadh?
It depends on your needs. There are several excellent options — including the officially accredited Saudi Driving School, Noura Driving School (PNU) for women with modern infrastructure, and the Model Driving School with a strong reputation since 2007. The most important thing is to verify official accreditation.
How long does it take to get a driving license in Saudi Arabia?
From start to finish, the process typically takes between 3 weeks and 3 months, depending on your training schedule and how quickly you pass the required tests.
Can I enroll in a driving school as a resident (non-Saudi)?
Yes. A valid Saudi residency permit (Iqama) is sufficient to enroll if you hold a non-Saudi nationality.
What is the difference between a driving license and a vehicle registration?
A driving license belongs to the driver; a vehicle registration belongs to the car. Both are legally required for lawful driving in Saudi Arabia.
Can I pay driving school fees in installments?
Some schools offer installment payment options, but you should confirm the payment terms and number of installments before registering.
In Conclusion
The Saudi Driving School is not merely a routine step for obtaining a plastic card. It is your golden ticket to safe driving — a genuine investment in your safety and the safety of everyone who shares the road with you. With the remarkable digital transformation the Kingdom is experiencing, and the steady decline in accident rates, smart and professional training has proven to be the true differentiator between a mere license holder and a skilled driver who understands every dimension of the road. Once you’re ready to drive, don’t let the search overwhelm you. Carly’s website and app cut through the confusion by offering a curated selection of modern, meticulously inspected cars — each accompanied by a warranty that delivers peace of mind from the very first click
