Everything an expat driver needs to get a Saudi heavy vehicle licence: who can apply, the steps through Absher and the driving school, costs and renewal.
Heavy truck, trailer and tanker drivers are some of the most hired workers in Saudi Arabia. Logistics companies in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province need them every week. But you can't drive a heavy vehicle on a private (light) licence. You need the heavy vehicle class on your Saudi licence. This guide explains how expats get it, step by step.
Who needs a heavy licence?
In Saudi Arabia the private licence covers cars, small SUVs and light pickups. Trucks and other large vehicles need a heavy vehicle licence. Buses and taxis come under the public transport class, which has its own extra requirements. If a job ad says "heavy driver", "trailer driver", "tanker driver" or "transit mixer driver", it needs the heavy class.
Driving a heavy vehicle without the right class is a serious traffic violation. It can also void your insurance and get your employer fined, so don't accept a job that asks you to drive "for now" on a light licence.
Before you start
- A valid iqama. You need legal residence to get any Saudi licence.
- An Absher account linked to your iqama. Almost every traffic service, appointment and payment runs through Absher.
- Your employer's support. Most heavy drivers get the licence through their company, which books the school and often pays the fees. Ask about this before you accept a job.
Step 1: Medical check
Every applicant passes a medical check at an approved centre. It covers your eyesight and basic health. Expect to pay roughly SAR 100–200. Bring your iqama and passport photos.
Step 2: Register with a driving school
New licences are issued through approved driving schools. You register, pay the course fee and take an evaluation drive. Based on how you drive, the school places you in a short, medium or long training course. Experienced drivers who already drove trucks at home often get the shortest course.
If you already hold a heavy licence from another country, bring it with a certified Arabic translation. It won't always let you skip the course, but it helps the evaluation.
Step 3: Theory and road tests
The school prepares you for a theory test on road signs and rules, and then a practical test in a heavy vehicle. Practise reversing, turning wide, using mirrors and checking blind spots. These are where most heavy drivers fail.
Step 4: Pay and collect
After you pass, you pay the licence fee through Absher (via Sadad) and collect the licence from the traffic department (Muroor), the school, or by courier. Commonly reported fees for the heavy class are around SAR 100 for 2 years and SAR 250 for 5 years. Fees can change, so check Absher before paying.
Converting a foreign or GCC heavy licence
Licences from other GCC countries can usually be exchanged. Licences from about 47 approved countries can also be converted, often after a medical check and an appointment through Absher. Licences from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Philippines usually go through the driving school route above. Read our guide on converting a foreign licence in Saudi Arabia for details.
Renewing your heavy licence
You renew online through Absher (Traffic → Renew Driving Licence). A medical check is normally needed again. Don't let the licence expire: fines for driving on an expired licence are high, and your company can't legally put you on the road.
Tips from drivers
- Ask in the interview: "Will the company pay for the heavy licence?" Many do. Get the answer in writing.
- Keep photos of your licence, iqama and medical report on your phone.
- Learn the main truck routes, weigh stations and truck-ban hours in your city. Employers value this.
Find heavy driver jobs
Once you have the licence, browse heavy driver jobs in Saudi Arabia and trailer driver jobs. To see what you can expect to earn, read our Saudi driver salary guide.
Common questions
Can I drive a truck on a private licence while I wait?
No. Vehicles in the heavy class need the heavy licence. Driving them on a private licence is a violation, and your insurance may not cover an accident.
How long does it take to get a heavy licence?
With a smooth medical check and a short course, many drivers finish in a few weeks. Longer courses, school waiting lists and failed tests can stretch this to two months or more.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can book the test again through your school. You may need extra training hours first, and extra tests usually cost extra, so ask the school before you start.
Can my company deduct the licence cost from my salary?
Only if your contract allows it. Agree on who pays before training starts, and get it in writing.
Fees and procedures change. Always confirm the latest rules on Absher or with your driving school before you pay.
