- Background: The Road to Change
- The Moment That Changed History
- “The Day the Street Changed”
- Religious, Social, and Political Debate
- Symbolism and New Social Roles
- Challenges and Early Achievements
- Regional Comparison: Trailblazers of Arab Women’s Motoring
- Lessons and Significance
The first Saudi woman officially granted a driver’s license in June 2018 was far more than a headline—it was a social milestone that crowned decades of advocacy and reform. This historic milestone, which saw women at the wheel for the first time in over half a century, is a symbol of sweeping transformations in Saudi society and speaks to the drive for empowerment, modernity, and national pride. In this in-depth article, we retrace the decision’s roots, profile the pioneers, and unpack the profound cultural, economic, and personal implications of that “new license.”
Background: The Road to Change
For decades, women driving was one of Saudi Arabia’s most contentious social issues, with campaigns in the 1990s and high-profile figures like Manal al-Sharif pressing for reform.
The tide shifted with King Salman’s royal decree in September 2017; implementation began on June 24, 2018.
Until then, Saudi women were unique globally in being barred from driving by law, impacting workforce participation, family budgets, and women’s autonomy.
The Moment That Changed History
On June 4, 2018, the Saudi government issued its very first driver’s licenses to ten women, as part of a phased rollout ahead of the historic date when the ban would fully end.
Many were seasoned expats or Saudis with foreign licenses, converting them through a streamlined electronic process.
The move made international headlines, and the women became instant icons for a new Saudi era.
“The Day the Street Changed”
Rema Jawdat, among the first recipients, described it as “a dream come true… Driving represents having a choice—the choice of independent movement. Now we have that option”.
News spread like wildfire: jubilant posts on social media, congratulatory messages from celebrities and officials, and women celebrating with “first drives” at midnight, greeted by police offering flowers and encouragement.
In those first hours, even simply getting behind the wheel became an act of participation and hope—watched by families, local media, and a global audience.
Religious, Social, and Political Debate
Historically, religious authorities favored the ban, citing tradition and vague social or safety concerns.
After the 2017 decree, some conservatives expressed reluctance while reformers praised the new policy; most officials ultimately supported the change, aligning with modernization goals.
Awareness campaigns in the media and mosques urged drivers and the public to embrace the new normal and stressed safety and respect for all road users.
Symbolism and New Social Roles
The driver’s license became a literal and figurative passport for women—to economic independence, expanded employment, and a new confidence in public life.
Within the first year, over 40,000 women held licenses; by early 2019, women comprised 30% of new drivers in some regions.
Women soon entered new professions: ride-hailing, driving instruction, and auto service. The change rippled throughout the automotive, insurance, and hospitality sectors.
Challenges and Early Achievements
Early hurdles included limited women’s driving schools, long waiting lists, social skepticism, and the need for adapted infrastructure.
Authorities responded quickly by licensing female instructors, opening new schools, and training police on gender-sensitive protocols.
The auto industry saw a surge in female-centric marketing and sales, with the country’s first female-focused car showrooms opening within months.
Regional Comparison: Trailblazers of Arab Women’s Motoring
Lessons and Significance
For Saudi women, the right to drive was more than a legal privilege—it was the start of genuine self-determination and access to new roles.
The accomplishment is woven into Saudi Arabia’s transformation vision, fueling new opportunities for women in all sectors and setting an example for the Middle East.
The ten trailblazers of June 2018, and the millions who followed, became both architects and symbols of the nation’s new direction
