Can I drive in Saudi Arabia with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Saudi Arabia, you'll need: a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Saudi Arabia, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Saudi Arabia: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
Saudi Arabia has strict requirements for driver’s licences. If you’re a resident in Saudi Arabia, you'll need to get a Saudi driver’s licence.
To drive in Saudi Arabia, you'll need:
- a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
You must get your IDP before departing Australia.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia can only drive hire cars and not privately owned vehicles. You may only be allowed to use your Australian driving licence and IDP for up to 3 months from arrival in the country. Check with the local Traffic Police and your rental company for up-to-date information.
You must carry your driver's licence and vehicle registration when driving. If you're involved in an accident, notify the traffic police (NAJM) and ask for their instructions.
Source: Smartraveller: Saudi Arabia, page updated 16 October 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Saudi Arabia
IDP needed in Saudi Arabia: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Saudi Arabia? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
Compare car hire in Saudi Arabia
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Other licences in Saudi Arabia
| Licence | In Saudi Arabia | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Saudi Arabia
- British passport: Saudi Arabia entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Saudi Arabia
- Australian passport: Saudi Arabia
- Italian citizens: Arabia Saudita
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Saudi Arabia with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Saudi Arabia, you'll need: a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Saudi Arabia, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Saudi Arabia with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “To drive in Saudi Arabia, you'll need: a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); an International Driving Permit (IDP)”
Which international driving permit do I need for Saudi Arabia?
The Smartraveller advice for Saudi Arabia does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.