Women's Driving Licenses in Saudi Arabia: A Historic Shift
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Introduction
Historical Shift
Following a long-standing conservative policy, Saudi authorities officially began issuing driving licenses to women three weeks prior to lifting the driving ban on June 24, 2018. Ten women who currently hold valid driving licenses from the United States, the UK, Lebanon, and Canada were granted Saudi driving licenses, with Esra Al-Batti being the first recipient.
Driving License Tests
According to an official statement from the government, women underwent a brief test and an eye examination before receiving their driving licenses from the General Directorate of Traffic in the capital, Riyadh. Women across the country are preparing to obtain their licenses starting June 24 by taking numerous driving lessons at female-only university campuses, while others are training to become drivers for companies like Uber.
Social Challenges
As the Kingdom faces various acute economic challenges and an increasing youth population gaining access to the world through the internet, Saudi women have long expressed their frustrations over relying on male drivers, taxis, or family members for transportation to work and other locations.
