Driving School in Saudi Arabia Cost, Duration, and What to Expect
Getting a driving license in Saudi Arabia usually starts with joining a licensed driving school. The process is structured, appointment based, and managed through official traffic systems. If you’re planning your timeline and budget, this guide explains what driving school in Saudi Arabia typically costs, how long it takes, and what the full experience looks like from start to finish.
How driving schools in Saudi Arabia actually work
Driving schools in KSA operate under the supervision of the General Directorate of Traffic. You don’t usually just walk in and start lessons.
Most people begin by booking a driving license service through the Absher platform, which is the official Ministry of Interior portal for traffic services. Absher allows citizens and residents to book or update driving training appointments at authorized schools, complete the required training and tests, then proceed with license issuance.
If you want a simple starting point for guides like this, you can also explore practical Saudi life help through KSA Buddy
Driving school in Saudi Arabia cost breakdown
Costs depend heavily on how many training hours you are assigned after your evaluation.
Most schools assess your driving level first, then place you into a course bundle. A commonly referenced example is Dallah Driving School, which lists official program fees such as
6 hours training: SAR 690
15 hours training: SAR 1,466.25
30 hours training: SAR 2,760
The number of hours you need depends on whether you are a beginner, partially experienced, or already licensed in another country.
Fees can vary by school and city, so always confirm the exact amount inside the school’s booking system or portal before making payment.
How long does driving school take in Saudi Arabia?
There is no single timeline that fits everyone, but most people finish somewhere between a couple of weeks and a few months.
Your duration depends on
- Appointment availability in your city
- How many training hours you are assigned
- How quickly you complete lessons
- When driving tests are scheduled
In busy cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, waiting times can be longer because training slots fill up fast.
Step by step What to expect from enrollment to license
Here’s how the process usually looks for most residents and citizens.
Book through Absher
Absher is the official starting point. The driving license issuance service allows you to schedule training at an authorized driving school.
Prepare required documents
Requirements can differ slightly depending on license type, but commonly requested items include
- National ID or Iqama
- Passport copy for expatriates
- Passport sized photos
- Medical fitness or blood group report
- Any existing foreign driving license (if applicable)
Initial assessment
Most schools will test your driving skills first. This determines whether you qualify for fewer hours or need the full training package.
Complete training hours
Lessons include practical driving and sometimes theory sessions. The assigned hours must be completed before moving to the final tests.
Final exams
Driving schools typically require
- Computer based theory test
- Practical driving test
- Parking or reverse parking evaluation
Once you pass, the school updates the system and you proceed with license issuance through traffic services.
Tests, delays, and common reasons things take longer
The biggest delays usually happen because of
- Limited training slots
- Failing an assessment or parking requirement
- Extra hours added for beginners
- High demand in large cities
Planning ahead and booking early makes a big difference.
Tips to make the process smoother
- Book as soon as your eligibility is ready, especially in major cities
- Bring all documents in both original and copy form
- If you already have a foreign license, ask the school if it reduces training hours
- Choose an authorized school close to your area to avoid transport headaches
- Always confirm fees and hours before paying
Final thoughts
Driving school in Saudi Arabia is structured, regulated, and generally straightforward once you understand the steps. Costs depend mostly on training hours, and timelines depend on appointments and city demand. Start with Absher, prepare your documents, complete training, pass the exams, and the license process becomes much easier.
