Ban Lifted But Licence Proves Costlier: Saudi Arabia Puts Its Women In The Driver’s Seat

Women in Saudi Arabia sat at the wheel for the first time and started driving through the busy thoroughfares, moments after the country lifted the ban on female driving.

The government lifted the ban and granted licences to them earlier this month – a move ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last September with an aim to reform the country.

"It looks way different from the back seat", said a woman who sat at the wheel for the first time in the country on Saturday.

Another said, “My eyes are everywhere. I am not used to this. I need not ask anyone to take me around. It is very important for us to drive. A lot of us don't need to drive. I used to drive and do my own things and now I could do it again."

An elderly relative said, "It feels natural for them to do something (driving) that every other woman is doing in this world."

However, getting a licence proves more expensive for the women. The cost of driving lessons is six times more than men, and this will slow down the access to driving licences. An exclusive driving school for women is also in the pipeline.