Free At Last: Indian-Origin Woman Gets Saudi Driving Licence

When Kerala's Telma Jose shifted to Saudi Arabia in 2015, there was one thing she missed the most--freedom to drive. Jose was terribly disappointed as she had become dependent on others for travelling. But today, with the Saudi government lifting the ban on females driving, Jose is overjoyed.

Licence story

Jose applied for a driving licence as soon as the Saudi government issued the notification regarding licence for women drivers.

The process started on June 24 and Jose gave the test on June 26. She cleared it and obtained the licence the same afternoon.

She said, “In England, I depended on my car to go to places. But in Saudi, I felt tied down. Had to depend on taxi every time. But now I am feeling independent,” reported TOI

Read Also : Saudi Arabia Allows Female Drivers For Family Transportation Services

She did not have to write the theory examination as she already had a British licence. She was only required to submit a medical certificate with the application online.

Who is she?

Jose has been in Saudi Arabia since 2015. She came to the country on Deputation and her family came along with her. She is employed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, as the nursing administrator.

Earlier, when in England, she was in Norwich working in Norwich university hospital. Her British driving licence is set to expire on May 2, 2023.c

Talking about the driving scenario in Saudi, Jose said, "People are apprehensive. They feel there will be more accidents.”

The 46-year-old is among the first Indian women to obtain a Saudi driving licence.

Read Also: Finally Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Embraces Social Change!

Kriti Dwivedi is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv