Abha is the capital of Asir Region and one of Saudi Arabia's most visited tourist destinations, sitting at an elevation of approximately 2,200 metres above sea level. The city's mountain terrain, fog, and winding roads make driving in Abha significantly different from flat desert cities. Getting your licence here means being prepared for mountain driving conditions from day one.
The Driving Licence Process in Abha
- 1.Enrol at a licensed driving school — Dallah is the most widely available
- 2.Complete the required theory classes based on the official Moroor handbook
- 3.Pass the computer theory test — 30 questions, 70% pass mark (21/30)
- 4.Complete the required practical driving lessons
- 5.Pass the practical driving test in the school compound and on public roads
- 6.Pay the licence issuance fee and collect your Saudi driving licence
Required Documents
- •Valid Iqama (residency permit) or National ID
- •Valid passport with current visa (expats)
- •Medical fitness certificate from an Efada-approved centre (~SR 150)
- •Passport-sized photographs with white background
- •Booking confirmation from Absher
- •Licence issuance fee payment via Sadad (~SR 500)
Practice the Moroor theory test — essential before your Abha driving exam
Start Free Mock Exam →Driving Schools in Abha
- •Dallah Driving School — present in Abha
- •Local approved schools in the Asir region — check Absher for current options
Local Driving Tips for Abha
- •Mountain roads require low gear driving on descents — do not rely only on brakes on long downhill sections
- •Abha experiences heavy fog, especially in summer mornings — always use headlights in fog and reduce speed significantly
- •The roads to Al-Hada and Al-Shafa are extremely scenic but have sharp hairpin bends — drive slowly
- •Summer brings Abha's famous green landscape and tourist crowds — expect heavy traffic on mountain roads June-August
- •Rain is more common in Abha than most Saudi cities — roads become slippery quickly
- •Warning signs for steep gradients and sharp bends are common on Abha roads — never ignore them
Know your traffic signs before driving in Abha's mountain roads
Practice Traffic Signs →