Driving Etiquette in Saudi Arabia: What Locals Won’t Tell You

Driving in Saudi Arabia can feel like learning a new language; the signs, the unwritten rules, even the way people use the horn. You might know the basic grammar (traffic laws) from your handbook, but the slang, the subtle etiquette locals follow, is something you pick up only by spending time on the road. And here’s the catch: the sooner you understand those unspoken habits, the smoother your experience behind the wheel will be.

Many people arrive in Saudi Arabia thinking, “I’ve driven in other countries, how different can it be?” Then, reality hits. The speed limits are clear, but the way people interpret them? That’s another story. Lane markings are there, but you’ll quickly notice not everyone treats them as strict boundaries. If you’ve never been in a situation where flashing headlights mean move over now, you’re in for a quick learning curve.

If you’re here to pass your Saudi driving test or are deep into Saudi driving test practice, you already know the official side of the rules. However, the real day-to-day driving experience blends law with local culture — and that’s the part rarely explained in official guides.

In this blog, we’ll pull back the curtain on that “invisible rulebook,” so you not only pass your test but also drive confidently once you have your license in hand.

Also, since the Gulf countries share some similarities, we’ll point out a few key driving rules in UAE for comparison. So, if you ever cross the border or relocate, you’ll already have a head start.

Official Rules vs. Local Reality

Every driver in Saudi Arabia starts the same way. That is: with the Saudi driving test. The test covers speed limits, road signs, right-of-way rules, and proper lane discipline. These are the same fundamentals you’ll see in your Saudi driving test practice modules:

Speed limits: Usually 120 km/h on highways, 80–100 km/h on main roads, and 40–60 km/h in city areas.
Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
No mobile phone use while driving — unless you have a hands-free device.
Stop signs and red lights: Always to be obeyed (and yes, cameras are everywhere).

However, here’s where the local layer comes in. The official rules are the foundation, but in practice, you’ll encounter situations that aren’t in the handbook. For example:

At roundabouts, the official rule is to give way to vehicles already inside. In reality, you’ll see drivers entering assertively, so hesitation can lead to more confusion than caution.
Parking lines? In busy markets or mosques during prayer time, people sometimes park creatively. Double parking for short periods is more tolerated than in many other countries.

In the UAE, the enforcement of rules like lane discipline is stricter, and you’ll get fined quickly for tailgating or not keeping to the slow lane if you’re not overtaking. In Saudi Arabia, while enforcement is increasing, you’ll still see a wider range of driving styles.

The Unspoken Etiquette on Saudi Roads

Passing your Saudi driving test is like getting the keys to a club, but staying in that club without ruffling feathers means understanding the etiquette locals follow, even if it’s never written down.

Here are the habits that don’t show up in your Saudi driving test practice materials but can make or break your driving experience:

1. The Flashing Headlights Code

You’ll see this most often on highways. When a car behind you flashes its headlights rapidly, it’s not just a polite request but an urgent “move over”. In some cases, they’re traveling well above the speed limit, but ignoring the signal can lead to risky overtakes.

Example: You’re cruising at 120 km/h in the fast lane on the Riyadh-Dammam highway, feeling you’re already at the limit. Suddenly, a set of headlights fills your rearview mirror, blinking in quick succession. The etiquette? Signal, shift to the next lane, and let them pass, even if they’re the ones technically breaking the speed limit.

2. Lane “Suggestions”

Officially, lanes are clear, and lane discipline is part of the Saudi driving test. In practice, some drivers see lane markings more as gentle guidelines than strict boundaries. You’ll notice cars drifting slightly across lines or making sudden switches if they see a gap.

In UAE driving rules, strict lane adherence is enforced heavily. You’d get fined for careless lane changing. In Saudi Arabia, it’s improving, but you still need to drive defensively and expect others to bend this etiquette.

3. Overtaking Culture

Passing from the left is standard, but you’ll sometimes witness overtakes from the right, especially when traffic is heavy or the left lane is clogged with slower drivers. This is technically discouraged, but it happens often enough that you need to be alert.

4. Roundabout Assertiveness

The rule is simple: yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. However, here’s the twist: some drivers won’t slow down to enter, and they’ll expect you to adjust instead. That means you have to read their body language (or rather, their car’s body language) before deciding whether to move forward.

5. Prayer Time Parking Exceptions

In busy areas during prayer calls, you’ll see people parking in unconventional spots. Sometimes, double-parking or leaving the car briefly in places that would normally block traffic. While this is generally tolerated during those short windows, it’s still best to avoid blocking exits or main lanes.

Driving Etiquette for Newcomers

If you’re new to Saudi Arabia, these tips can help you blend in smoothly:

Stay calm in heavy traffic — honking here can mean anything from “watch out” to “I’m here,” so don’t take it personally.
Use your indicators early — not everyone does, but it helps signal your intent in the chaos.
Be ready for sudden stops — especially near pedestrian crossings or when someone spots a familiar face.
Learn speed camera locations — not because you should speed, but to avoid accidental fines when limits change abruptly.
Practice defensive driving — anticipate what others might do, not just what they should

Blending Test Knowledge with Real-World Driving

Passing your Saudi driving test isn’t just about memorizing the handbook; it’s about building habits that keep you safe and respected on the road. The test will make sure you know:

Speed limits for different road types.
The exact meaning of each road sign.
How to handle intersections, roundabouts, and pedestrian zones.
Defensive driving techniques.

However, here’s the reality: the streets of Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam will sometimes throw you curveballs that your Saudi driving test practice never mentioned. A car might merge without signaling. Or a delivery bike could appear suddenly from between two parked cars.

That’s why your preparation should be a two-step process:

Master the official rules: these protect you legally and form the base of your confidence.
Learn the cultural habits: these protect you socially and help you drive with less stress.

Comparing the Road Culture of the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Since both countries share Gulf road systems, some etiquette overlaps. However, the driving rules in UAE are enforced with more automated fines and stricter adherence to lane discipline. In Saudi Arabia, road safety campaigns and monitoring have improved dramatically in recent years, but you’ll still notice a wider variety of driving behaviors.

Example: In Dubai, tailgating can quickly earn you a hefty fine, while in Riyadh, you might experience tailgating more often without immediate enforcement — though new systems are catching up. In both countries, speeding is monitored heavily through radar cameras, so staying alert to sudden changes in speed limits is crucial.

Practical Tips for Test Takers and New Drivers

Whether you’re here solely to pass the Saudi driving test or planning to drive across the region, these tips can make a difference:

Take multiple mock tests — not just to memorize answers, but to strengthen your reaction speed.
Practice in different traffic conditions — early morning calm, midday rush, and evening congestion.
Get familiar with local signboards — some may differ slightly from international versions.
Observe local drivers when you’re a passenger — you’ll pick up on habits you can’t learn from books.
Understand the emotional side of driving — frustration, impatience, and sudden kindness all show up on the road here.

Conclusion
In the end, driving in Saudi Arabia is a blend of rules and rhythm. The rules, which you’ll study during your Saudi driving test practice, keep everyone on the same page. The rhythm, shaped by local etiquette, is what keeps the roads moving, even when traffic feels chaotic.

Knowing the difference between the two is what separates a driver who just manages to get around from one who drives with ease and confidence. If you can combine both, you’ll not only pass your Saudi driving test but also handle real-world roads like a seasoned local!

If you’re ready to turn your preparation into a guaranteed pass, SaudiDrivers.com gives you everything you need in one place:

An updated Saudi driver’s handbook
Realistic mock exams
Challenging practice questions
Proven study techniques