How to Get Your Saudi Driver’s License at Dallah Driving School – A Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

Getting your driver’s license in Saudi Arabia, especially from a center like Dallah Driving School in Takhasussi, can feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the process. I recently completed the entire journey—from booking the appointment to finally receiving my license—and I’ve documented every step to help others.

This guide walks you through the entire process, what to expect, and how to be fully prepared. While details may vary slightly depending on your location, this should serve as a reliable roadmap.

Step 1: Booking the Appointment

• Book your appointment on Absher
• Appointment slots are limited, but try checking Thursday afternoons
• Alternatively, you can visit the driving school in person. Some agents may help you secure a slot for around 100 SAR (use discretion)

Step 2: Preparing for Your Visit

1. Print your Absher appointment confirmation

2. Bring a photocopy of your Iqama and write your mobile number on it

3. Arrive on your scheduled date and time

Step 3: First Visit – Token and Initial Driving Assessment

1. Collect a token from reception security

2. Wait for your number (mine took about an hour)

3. When called, proceed to Hall 7 for the initial test drive

4. Based on your performance, you’ll be categorized into one of the following:
   • Category A: 6 training days

   • Category B: 15 training days

   • Category C: 30 training hours

Driving Test Tips

• Check your seatbelt, mirrors, parking brake, and gear before driving

• Drive confidently—not too slow, not too fast

• Maintain lane discipline during turns

• We didn’t do any parking, just drove in a circle

Step 4: Payment and Result

• Results are not announced verbally. The instructor updates them digitally

• You’ll be called again to pay your training fee via card (no cash)
  • My fee was 640 SAR

  • Others paid as high as 1490 SAR for longer training

Keep the training slip safe. Your attendance will be marked on it

Step 5: Theory Classes

• Two sessions with video-based training

• A handbook is provided with key information

• Make sure to get your slip signed for each session

Step 6: Theory Test

• You’ll receive an SMS with date and time

• 30 multiple-choice questions — you must get 22 correct to pass

• Available in English, Arabic, Hindi, and possibly Malayalam

What to Study

• Traffic signs

• Fines and penalties

• Lane rules

• Situational right-of-way questions

• Intersections and priority rules

Feedback is immediate. Even after 22 correct answers, you must complete all 30

Step 7: Driving Training and Final Exam Scheduling

• After passing the theory test, you’ll get an SMS for practical training

• Follow up with the center if you don’t receive it within two days

• Training sessions may be minimal. For us, it was just another short driving round

• After training, you’ll get another SMS with the date and time of the final test

Step 8: Medical Test and License Fee

Medical Test

• Cost: 115 SAR

• Can be done at any Iqama-approved medical center

• Includes a quick eye check and blood group identification

License Fee (Pay via Bank App)

• 2 years: 80 SAR

• 5 years: 200 SAR

• 10 years: 400 SAR

Step 9: Final Driving Test

• My appointment was at 4:30 PM, I arrived at 4:00

• Waited an hour due to crowding

• Inside the car, I adjusted the seat, mirrors, belt, gear, and drove

• I stopped at a stop sign and drove a short segment

• The instructor simply said, “You can collect your license from Hall 1”

• No parking test was conducted

Step 10: Collecting the License

• Go to Hall 1 with your slip

• Ensure your medical test and license fee are completed

• Wait around 30 minutes

• You’ll be handed your new Saudi driver’s license

Final Tips and Notes

1. Training timelines are not fixed. Even if assigned 6 or 15 days, expect longer gaps between sessions

2. Sessions are often crowded. Some staff may not be helpful, but others usually are. Don’t hesitate to ask

3. Bring phone battery backup. My first visit lasted four hours despite a 5 PM appointment

4. Instructors give minimal directions. Stay calm and drive normally

5. You’ll often be confused about where to go. Signs and instructions are mostly in Arabic. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

6. Theory class halls are usually Hall 4 or 5

Final Thoughts

Getting your license at Dallah Driving School Takhasussi involves patience, organization, and some self-navigation. But once you know the flow, the process becomes manageable.

Stay organized, prepare for the theory, and drive confidently during your tests. If you’ve got questions or are going through this process yourself, feel free to leave a comment. I’ll be happy to help.