Driving Licence Medical Exam in Saudi Arabia 2026: Requirements, Locations, Full Path

The driving-licence medical exam is a mandatory step for obtaining a Saudi licence or renewing it in some cases. It's protection for you and others on the road. This guide covers everything: what's measured, where, cost, and what to do if you fail.

What is measured?

The exam is comprehensive, covering several health aspects:

1) Vision

• Visual acuity: your ability to see objects clearly. Minimum 6/12 in each eye (with glasses if needed).
• Visual field: the range you see without turning your head. Critical for seeing traffic from the sides.
• Colour recognition: distinguishing red, green, and yellow (traffic signals). Severe colour blindness blocks the licence.
• Night vision: some centres test it.

2) Hearing

• Basic hearing test by device or conversation.
• Hearing aids permitted.
• Total deafness restricts the licence to specific categories.

3) General measurements

• Blood pressure: must be stable.
• Pulse: regular.
• Height and weight: informational.
• General health indicators.

4) Neurological and mental state

• Epilepsy: those with active, uncontrolled seizures cannot drive.
• Severe psychiatric conditions: may block (per medical report).
• Substance dependence: blocks.

5) Severe chronic diseases

• Unstable heart disease.
• Severe uncontrolled diabetes (risk of hypoglycaemia while driving).
• Some severe respiratory diseases.

These don't mean automatic rejection — each case is assessed individually to protect public safety.

Where to take the exam

1) Via Sehhaty

The easiest and cheapest way:

• Open the Sehhaty app.
• Select "Services" → "Driving Licence Exam."
• Pick the nearest centre.
• Book an appointment.
• Attend at the set time.

2) At the driving school

Most major schools (Dallini, Saudi, Princess Nourah) have an in-school medical centre or partnership with a nearby one. Fees are usually part of your package.

3) At an accredited private hospital

• Mouwasat, Hammadi, Magrabi, and others.
• Slightly more expensive, sometimes faster appointments.
• The medical report is accepted directly by Traffic.

4) At government hospitals

• KFSH, National Guard, Prince Sultan, and others.
• Free or nominal for citizens.
• Usually requires a referral from a primary-care centre.

Required documents

Before the exam:

| Document | Notes | |---|---| | ID or iqama | Valid | | Personal photo | White background, licence dimensions (some centres photograph you) | | Prescription glasses if you use them | Mandatory for vision test | | Hearing aid if you use one | For hearing test | | Prior medical reports if any | Especially for chronic conditions | | Exam fee | Cash or card |

Step-by-step exam flow

Step 1: Reception check-in

• Present ID and prescription (if you have a prior appointment).
• Receive the exam sheet.

Step 2: Vision section

• Acuity test (reading letters from a 6-metre chart).
• Colour test (coloured dot charts).
• Visual field (some centres).

Step 3: Hearing section

• Quick test by device or conversation.

Step 4: Blood pressure measurement

• Standard device, 2-3 readings.

Step 5: Doctor interview

• General questions about your health.
• Review of prior reports.
• Doctor signs the form.

Step 6: Result

• Pass: you receive a printed medical report.
• Conditional pass: licence restriction (e.g., "glasses mandatory when driving").
• Fail: with stated reasons, and the possibility of retake after treatment.

The report is sent electronically to Traffic — you rarely need to submit it on paper.

When does the exam repeat?

| Case | Exam frequency | |---|---| | First licence issuance | Always | | Renewal for Saudi under 65 | Not typically required | | Renewal for Saudi over 65 | Every renewal | | Renewal for a resident | Every renewal (typically every 5 years) | | After a major accident | May be required | | After new diagnosis | Recommended to inform Traffic |

Common licence restrictions

Some exams produce a restricted licence rather than outright rejection:

• "Glasses mandatory": must wear glasses when driving.
• "Daytime driving only": for poor night vision.
• "In-city driving only": for poor long-range vision.
• "Automatic transmission only": for some movement limitations.
• "Annual medical exam": for conditions needing follow-up.

Restrictions are printed on the licence and count as a violation if not observed.

Appealing an exam result

If a medical centre rejects you and you believe it's unfair:

1. Request the official rejection report.
2. Go to a major government hospital (KFSH, National Guard, Prince Sultan).
3. Request a counter-exam as arbitration.
4. If decisions conflict, the case goes to a higher medical committee.
5. The committee's final decision binds Traffic.

Tips before the exam

• Sleep 6-8 hours the night before.
• No excessive caffeine: temporarily raises blood pressure.
• Wear your glasses if you need them.
• Have a light meal: not empty, not full.
• Relax: the exam is routine.
• If you're diabetic: measure before to ensure a normal level.
• Daily medications: don't stop — tell the doctor.

Common mistakes

• Hiding medical history: may be uncovered later and the licence revoked.
• Exam at a non-accredited centre: the report is not accepted.
• Forgetting glasses: may fail the vision test.
• Missing the appointment: may wait two weeks for another.

Related articles

• Saudi driving licence — issuance and renewal
• Driving schools — prices and choosing
• Sehhaty — the complete guide

Sources:

• General Traffic Directorate — moi.gov.sa
• Sehhaty — sehhaty.sa
• Absher — absher.sa