Saudi Arabia’s traffic department chief, Major General Mohammed al-Bassami, has urged citizens that any reporting on news related to women driving, should be done by checking the source and referring to official spokespersons at the traffic authority.

This statement came after an online news outlet reported last Thursday on the subject, quoting traffic department officials.

Al-Bassami clarified that that women who have an international license could convert them into a Saudi license once preparations in this regard are complete.

He added that women who do not have a driving license have started training at designated driving institutes in the kingdom.

The official urged people to refer to his department for any information related to the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order to apply the traffic system and regulations on both males and females.

In earlier reports, well-informed sources said women who visit Saudi Arabia and have international and foreign driving licenses will be allowed to drive for a year from the date of their entry into the country.

The sources told the Saudi daily Okaz that the traffic department will begin replacing recognized international driving licenses of women with Saudi driving licenses, noting that there are designated offices in all areas to do so.

According to sources at the traffic department, there are three steps, which are registration, submission of the required documents and booking an appointment. Afterwards, the applicant must go to the traffic department to certify the documents and undergo a field test. The applicant then receives the license after her driving is evaluated.

The traffic departments have begun receiving applications from women who have driving licenses and it’s expected that the first licenses will be issued in Jeddah.

According to sources at the traffic department, there are three steps, which are registration, submission of the required documents and booking an appointment. Afterwards, the applicant must go to the traffic department to certify the documents and undergo a field test. The applicant then receives the license after her driving is evaluated.

The traffic departments have begun receiving applications from women who have driving licenses and it’s expected that the first licenses will be issued in Jeddah.

 

Source :  english.alarabiya.net