Good news for Saudi women with valid overseas licence

As the Kingdom gears up for historic reform to allow Saudi women to drive, a new announcement was made to give driving licenses to women with a valid overseas license.

Women in Saudi Arabia who have a foreign or international driving license recognised by the Kingdom will be exempted from the driving test for beginners.

The Saudi traffic department posted on their official Twitter account On Saturday: 'We invite all citizens and residents of the Kingdom who wish to replace their valid driving licenses which they have obtained from other countries with a Saudi driving license through registering their information via the website of Saudi Driving License Portal for completing the replacement procedures of the license on Monday, May 21."

The tweet included a video with advice on applying for a Saudi license by visiting the website registering the information required, and booking an appointment at a traffic centre.

Women drivers will have to undergo a driving test and be evaluated on their knowledge of the Kingdom's traffic rules. After clearing the tests, successful candidates will be issued Saudi driving license on the same day.

Lifting the driving ban has opened new employment opportunities for women in the Kingdom. Recently, people were thrilled to see new traffic signs addressing women drivers put up on the roads. Besides, several special driving schools for women have opened up and car advertisements and safety advice are being directed at both men and women, according to Arab News.