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.