when did saudi arabia allow women to drive

Saudi Arabia officially allowed women to drive starting in June 2018.

Background and timeline

• Announcement: The Saudi government announced the end of the long-standing restriction on women driving in September 2017.

• Effective date: The policy took effect in June 2018, when women began receiving Saudi driving licences and driving legally in the kingdom.

• Early licence holders: In early June 2018 some women exchanged foreign licences for Saudi ones and were among the first new Saudi licence-holders.

Social and international reactions

• Reactions: International organisations and rights groups welcomed the move as a step toward greater rights for women in Saudi Arabia.

• Local context: The change followed years of campaigning by activists inside and outside the country and was part of broader social reforms announced by Saudi leadership.

Short example

• Practical effect: From June 2018 onward women could apply for and hold Saudi driving licences and legally drive without the previous restriction.

Closing note

• This answer is based on contemporary reporting and official announcements documenting the September 2017 announcement and the June 2018 implementation.