Saudi women travel abroad for driving lessons

The decision to lift Saudi Arabia’s ban on women driving is creating a lucrative business for tour operators as women travel abroad with the sole intention of taking lessons.

Arabic newspaper Al-Watan cited travel agencies in Jeddah as confirming that five-day packages are being offered for air tickets, accommodation and two hours of lessons from driving instructors on a daily basis.

Companies are charging around SAR3,900 ($1,040) for the packages, with Egypt a popular destination.

The move shows the eagerness of some women in the kingdom to drive from the moment the current ban is lifted on June 24 next year, following a historic royal decree from monarch King Salman.

Recent rule changes from the Directorate General of Traffic mean driving lessons of 30 to 120 hours must be taken before would-be drivers can take a driving test to obtain a licence.

The traffic department is soon expected to issue regulation to allow women to drive in the kingdom.

Read: Saudi prepares regulation to allow women to drive

A survey released last month indicated more than 80 per cent of women in the kingdom intend to get behind the wheel when the ban is lifted.

Read: Study reveals 82% of Saudi women plan to drive