Where can women take driving lessons?
The universities have really stepped up and are the first to take the lead. Registration is now open!
JEDDAH
The King Abdul Aziz University, along with the General Department of Traffic, set up the Jeddah Advanced Driving School located inside the campus. Email: support@jeddahds.sa Web: jeddahds.sa
RIYADH
The Princess Nourah University (PNU), in partnership with the Emirates Driving Institute in Dubai, set up the Saudi Driving School on PNU’s campus. PNU already has 150 instructors on board, with another 150 undergoing training. The number of applicants has reached around 54,126 since registration opened. Tel: 920011136 Price: 30 hours for SR 2,520 (VAT included) Web: sds.pnu.edu.sa
SHARQIYAH
The Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam has opened registration, with already 5,634 applicants and 43 driving instructors. Tel: +966-13-3338815 Web: sharq.iau.edu.sa
TABUK
The General Department of Traffic has awarded Tabuk University a license to set up a driving school on campus. Tel: +966-14-4566020 Web: tabukds.sa
Is there an age limit?
There are 2 types of licenses – private license for self-use, and a public license for work purposes. The private license requires the applicant to be 18 years old, while the public one requires the applicant to be 21.
What’s the process of getting a license like?
Applicants have to sit for a series of practice classes and tests, accomplishing certain hours depending on their skill set and comprehension of the rules. The process is divided into 3 sections: theoretical, simulation, and practical, with each school following a different process.
What about those with international licenses?
Currently, there are 21 assessment centers to determine whether further training is required for international licence holders. If training is not required, they receive their Saudi license. Centers are available in Riyadh, Dammam, Al-Ahsa, Jubail, Buraidah, Unaizah,
Hail, Tabuk, Jeddah, Taif, Makkah, Madinah, Abha, Arar, Jazan, Najran, Qurayyat and Sakaka.
Driving schools around Saudi Arabia will offer: • A medical exam • Theoretical lectures (including simulations of different scenarios to prepare the driver) • A theoretical test • Practical training (including supervised driving on actual roads with vehicles and pedestrians) • A practical test (an obstacle course on the field) Hope you get your licences, your awesome car, and don’t forget your licence plates. Cruise around your city ladies and DRIVE SAFE!
This is a developing story. Follow us on destinationksa.com for updates!
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