Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Monday began issuing its first driving licences to women in decades, state media reported.
"The first group of women today received their Saudi driving licences," the official Saudi Press Agency said.
"The general directorate of traffic started replacing international driving licences recognised in the kingdom with Saudi licences," it added.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia, the only country in the world where women are not allowed drive, prepares to lift its decades-long ban on female drivers on June 24.
SPA said authorities started swapping international licences for Saudi ones in multiple locations across the kingdom, with women applicants made to undergo a "practical test".
It did not specify the number of licences issued.
The move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman´s far-reaching liberalisation drive as he seeks to modernise the country.
-
Germany’s ruling coalition backs social media ban for children under 14
-
Quinton Aaron reveals why he does not want to speak to wife Margarita ever again
-
Why Mikaela Shiffrin celebrated Olympic Gold with Taylor Swift song?
-
Political tensions steal spotlight at Berlin Film Festival closing ceremony
-
Hong Kong touts stability,unique trade advantages as Trump’s global tariff sparks market volatility
-
Friedrich Merz heads to China for high stakes talks in an effort to reset strained trade relations
-
Nvidia CEO praises Elon Musk, calls him an ‘extraordinary engineer'
-
Conan O'Brien speaks first time after Rob Reiner's killing