KSA Driving Theory cheat sheet
KSA Driving Theory · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Traffic signs, signals and road markings
Red octagon means STOP: make a full stop before the stop line or crosswalk and proceed only when clear.
Inverted red-and-white triangle means YIELD or GIVE WAY: slow down and give priority to traffic on the priority road.
Circular signs with red borders prohibit an action; blue circular signs state a mandatory action.
A yellow diamond with a black symbol warns of a hazard ahead; adjust speed and scan for the stated hazard.
Solid white lane line: do not cross or change lanes; broken white line: lane change is permitted when safe.
Double solid lines separate opposing traffic and must not be crossed for overtaking.
At a marked pedestrian crossing, pedestrians have priority over vehicles.
Flashing yellow traffic signal means proceed with caution after checking that the intersection is clear.
A red traffic light requires a full stop at the stop line; turning is allowed only where a sign or signal permits.
Traffic rules, right-of-way and intersections
Saudi Arabia drives on the right side of the road; traffic keeps right and overtakes on the left.
At an unmarked intersection of equal roads, yield to traffic approaching from your right.
At a roundabout, entering vehicles yield to vehicles already circulating in the roundabout.
A left-turning vehicle yields to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
Pedestrians in a marked crossing have right-of-way; vehicles must stop before the crossing.
Emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights have priority; move aside and do not follow closely.
Minimum safe following gap in dry conditions is at least 3 seconds; increase it in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.
Do not overtake at intersections, curves, hill crests, pedestrian crossings, or where a solid line prohibits it.
Safe driving, hazard perception and defensive driving
Scan 12-15 seconds ahead and keep the vehicle positioned so an escape path exists.
Use the 3-second rule for following distance; double it in rain, fog, or low visibility.
Before lane changes, check mirrors, signal, and check the blind spot over the shoulder.
Drowsiness is a hazard: stop in a safe place and rest; continuing to drive increases crash risk.
In rain, reduce speed, increase following distance, and brake earlier and more gently to avoid skids.
In a sandstorm, use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and stop off the road if visibility becomes unsafe.
At night on rural roads, watch for camels, animals, and unlit vehicles; high beams are for empty road ahead.
In fog, use low-beam headlights, not high beams, because high beams reflect back and reduce visibility.
Vehicle control and basic mechanical knowledge
ABS prevents wheel lock during hard braking; press the brake firmly and steer without pumping.
Check tire pressure when tires are cold; correct pressure is shown on the vehicle placard or owner manual.
Hydroplaning: ease off the accelerator, keep steering steady, and avoid sudden braking until grip returns.
In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
If the engine overheats, stop safely, switch off the engine, and do not open the radiator cap while hot.
A red oil-pressure warning light means low oil pressure; stop the engine safely and check the oil level.
On a long downhill grade, use a lower gear to control speed instead of riding the brakes continuously.
Tire tread below 1.6 mm is unsafe for wet grip; replace tires before reaching the wear indicator.
Traffic law, violations, penalties and licensing requirements
The minimum age for a private car driving license in Saudi Arabia is 18 years.
Driving in Saudi Arabia requires a valid license for the vehicle class and a valid vehicle registration.
Saudi traffic law applies zero tolerance to alcohol and drugs while driving.
Handheld mobile phone use while driving is prohibited; use only hands-free equipment where permitted.
Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers.
Saudi Arabia uses a black-point system; reaching the legal threshold can lead to license suspension.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for registered vehicles.
Traffic violations may lead to fines, black points, vehicle impounding, or license suspension depending on the offense.
Emergencies, incidents and basic first aid
Saudi emergency numbers: 997 ambulance, 999 police, 998 fire, 993 traffic police.
At a crash scene, first secure the scene with hazard lights and warning triangle, then call emergency services.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.
Control severe bleeding by applying firm direct pressure with a clean cloth and adding layers if blood soaks through.
For an adult not breathing, start CPR with chest compressions at 100-120 per minute and depth 5-6 cm.
If a person is unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and monitor breathing.
For a burn, cool the area with running water for about 20 minutes and do not apply ice, butter, or oils.
After a minor crash, move vehicles off the travel lane if safe and exchange required details.