5 Amendments to Land Transport Activities and Professional Driver Testing
Details of 5 amendments to land transport activities in Saudi Arabia
The Board of Directors of the Public Transport Authority in Saudi Arabia approved a new set of decisions, including five amendments to land transport activities, in a strategic move aimed at regulating the sector and increasing its efficiency. Among the most prominent of these amendments is the requirement for bus drivers to pass a "professional competency" test, a fundamental condition for standardizing operational requirements and raising road safety standards to better serve all users of public and specialized transport services, and to ensure services that meet passenger expectations.
The historical development of the organization of the transport sector in the Kingdom
These amendments were not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the culmination of years of dedicated efforts by the Public Transport Authority to restructure the logistics sector. Historically, the transport sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone radical transformations, moving from unregulated, individual operations to a comprehensive institutional framework aligned with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom has consistently sought to modernize legislation to keep pace with population growth and urban expansion, making regulatory updates essential to ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure and the comprehensive development of the transport system. These regulatory steps are a cornerstone for achieving quality of life goals, as safe and efficient transport serves as a vital artery for economic and social development across the Kingdom.
Activities covered and professional driver card
The recent decisions included significant updates affecting several vital areas, most notably public bus transportation within cities, including bus rentals and brokerage. These updates also extended to international transport, local agents, educational transport, and specialized transport services. The amendments stipulated a change to paragraph “1/d” of the regulatory articles, requiring drivers to obtain a “professional driver card.” This card will be issued through a precise mechanism linked to the launch of a professional qualification program approved by the Authority, ensuring that every bus driver possesses the necessary skills to handle the vehicle and passengers with a high level of professionalism.
Strategic dimensions and the impact of the amendments locally and internationally
This regulatory step carries significant implications on multiple levels. Locally, it will directly contribute to reducing traffic accident rates and providing a safe and reliable transportation environment for citizens, residents, and visitors, as well as creating professional job opportunities for qualified personnel. Regionally and internationally, the application of rigorous professional competency standards enhances the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub and improves its ranking in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Furthermore, drivers' adherence to international standards facilitates cross-border transport and supports trade and tourism with neighboring countries. In addition, these amendments reflect the Kingdom's commitment to implementing global best practices in the transportation sector, attracting more foreign investment and boosting investor confidence in the Saudi market.
Implementation mechanisms and application dates
The Public Transport Authority has established a clear timeline to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. It clarified that the requirement to pass the driving test will be implemented gradually for drivers with valid cards, effective from their expiry dates, immediately upon the official launch of the professional qualification program. For new drivers or those with expired cards, the competency requirements will be applied immediately upon the program's launch. In concluding its decisions, the Authority emphasized that these amendments will take effect from the date of their issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette to guarantee complete transparency and clarity for all investors and those working in the sector.
