Until the late 1960s, a Saudi driving license was the size of a credit card. It was a very easy thing to carry, but then suddenly and without explanation, a new license appeared which was as big as two of the old ones put together.
Everywhere except in Saudi Arabia, driving licenses are of a standard size. I remember when I asked why the Traffic Department had doubled the size of the license and received an incredible answer.
I was told that it had been changed because the traffic police found it difficult to distinguish between the license and the ID card issued to employees of Saudi Arabian Airlines! Both were of the same size and shape. Often when an airline employee showed his ID to an officer, the officer mistook it for a driving license.
With time the police became more experienced and better at their job. Why not then return the driving license to its earlier size and make it more convenient to carry? Because of its unusual size, people now find it difficult to accommodate the license in their wallets. They face more trouble when showing the license to traffic authorities in foreign countries where everyone is amazed at its size.
It is important that the particulars of the licenses be written in both Arabic and English. English should also be used on number plates. In the past, they had English letters beside Arabic ones. It is time the old system was reinstated so that all plates carry information in English. This is very important given the presence of millions of non-Arabic speakers and it would also be helpful when traveling abroad.
Arab News From the Local Press 25 June 2003
