It was June 2018 when the engines finally roared. Before that, the sight of a woman behind the wheel in Riyadh or Jeddah wasn't just rare—it was illegal. For decades, the ban on female drivers was a defining characteristic of Saudi society, a point of global contention that sparked countless headlines and activist movements. Then, the royal decree came. It changed everything. Honestly, if you visit now, you’ll see women navigating the chaotic traffic of the King Fahd Road just as naturally as anyone else.
But the question can women drive in Saudi Arabia still pops up constantly in travel forums and expat groups. Why? Because the transition from a total ban to total integration isn't just about handing out licenses. It’s about insurance, cultural shifts, and the practical "how-to" for foreigners versus locals.
The Reality of the Road in 2026
Yes. Women can drive. They do drive. They Uber, they school-run, and they road-trip.
The ban officially ended on June 24, 2018, as part of the broader Saudi Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This wasn't just a "nice to have" social tweak. It was a massive economic necessity. Think about it. If you want to double the workforce, you can't have half the population dependent on male relatives or expensive private drivers just to get to an office.
The change was immediate and visible. Within the first year, tens of thousands of licenses were issued. Fast forward to today, and the novelty has mostly worn off. You’ll see women driving SUVs, electric vehicles, and even heavy-duty trucks in industrial sectors.
Getting Your License: It’s Not Just a Rubber Stamp
If you’re a Saudi citizen or a resident (Iqama holder), the process is standardized through a portal called Absher. You don't just walk in and ask for a card.
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First, there’s the medical check. Then, the driving school. For those who already had international licenses—many Saudi women learned to drive while studying in the US or UK—there was a conversion process. For everyone else, schools like the Princess Nourah University Driving School became the gold standard. They weren't just teaching how to parallel park; they were building confidence in a generation that had been told for years that the driver's seat wasn't for them.
- Requirements for residents:
- Minimum age of 18 for private vehicles.
- A valid residency permit (Iqama).
- Passing the eye and blood test.
- Completion of required hours (usually 30 hours if you're a total beginner).
The costs can be a bit steep compared to some Western countries. Between the school fees, the license fee, and the medical exams, you're looking at a few thousand Saudi Riyals. But the independence? That's priceless.
Can Tourists Drive?
This is where it gets interesting for travelers. If you are visiting Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa, you might be wondering if the same rules apply to you.
Generally, if you have a valid international driving permit (IDP) and a license from your home country (like a US, UK, or EU license), you can rent a car and drive for up to three months. Most major rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate at the airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. They will rent to women without a second thought.
You’ve got to be careful with the traffic, though. Saudi driving is... intense. It's fast. Lanes are often treated as suggestions. If you’re not comfortable with aggressive highway merging, maybe stick to Careem or Uber for the first few days.
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The Cultural Shift: What Actually Changed?
It’s easy to look at a law and say, "Okay, problem solved." But culture moves slower than legislation.
When the ban first lifted, there were concerns about harassment. The government anticipated this and passed a strict anti-harassment law simultaneously. Fines are heavy. Jail time is a real possibility. Because of this, the transition was surprisingly smooth. You don’t see men catcalling female drivers or trying to run them off the road. Most people are just trying to get to work.
There’s also a burgeoning "car culture" among women. You’ll find female-only car clubs and women interested in motorsports. Reema Juffali became Saudi Arabia’s first female professional racing driver, competing in the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY. She’s a massive icon now. Her success proved that the question isn't just "can women drive in Saudi Arabia" but "how far can they go?"
Safety and Practical Tips for Women Drivers
If you're planning to get behind the wheel, keep a few things in mind. Saudi Arabia is a massive country. If you’re driving between cities—say, Riyadh to AlUla—you are looking at long stretches of desert.
- Fuel is key. Gas stations (petrol stations) are frequent, but in the deep desert, "frequent" might mean every 100 kilometers. Don't let the tank drop below half.
- The "Saher" System. Saudi uses an automated camera system for speeding and seatbelt violations. It is incredibly efficient. You will get a text message with a fine before you even make it home.
- Insurance is mandatory. Never drive without it. In the event of an accident, you call Najm if at least one party has insurance. They come out, assess the damage, and issue a report on the spot.
- Navigating Prayer Times. While many things stay open now during prayer times, some smaller gas stations or repair shops might close for 20-30 minutes. Plan your stops accordingly.
Misconceptions That Still Persist
I still hear people ask if women need permission from a "guardian" (Mahram) to drive.
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No.
That’s a relic of the past. The guardianship laws were overhauled. A woman does not need her father’s or husband’s permission to apply for a license, buy a car, or drive across the country. She is a legal adult in the eyes of the traffic department.
Another myth: "Women can only drive in certain cities."
Total nonsense. You can drive from the northern borders near Jordan all the way down to the mountainous regions of Jazan in the south. The roads are yours.
The Economic Impact
The ripple effect has been huge. It’s not just about the car manufacturers (who saw a massive spike in sales, obviously). It’s about the secondary markets. Car insurance companies had to adjust their algorithms. Female-run car detailing shops popped up.
Most importantly, it changed the labor market. Women are now working as delivery drivers and ride-share captains. This was unthinkable a decade ago. It has given lower-income women a way to earn an independent living without relying on a male-dominated transport system.
Actionable Steps for New Drivers in Saudi
If you are a woman looking to start driving in the Kingdom, here is the most efficient path forward:
- Verify your paperwork: If you have a foreign license, check if it's on the "approved" list for direct conversion. This saves you weeks of classes.
- Download the Absher App: This is the heart of all government services in Saudi. You’ll need it to book your driving test and pay your fees.
- Choose the right school: While the big universities have schools, private ones like the Saudi Driving School are also excellent. Read recent reviews to see which ones have the shortest waiting lists.
- Practice defensive driving: The highways in Saudi are high-speed. Spend some time practicing on the interior roads of neighborhoods like Al-Olaya or Al-Rawdah before hitting the 120km/h zones.
- Know the emergency numbers: 911 is the general emergency number, but 993 is specifically for traffic accidents. Keep these saved.
The landscape for women in Saudi Arabia is unrecognizable compared to twenty years ago. The ability to drive was the first major domino to fall, and it has led to a much more mobile, active, and visible female population in every sector of society. Whether you're a local resident or a curious traveler, the road is open. Stay alert, watch the speed cameras, and enjoy the freedom of the open desert highways.