Its been three months since women in Saudi have been officially allowed to drive and in light of that, the kingdom is increasing provisions for more women to be given the opportunity to learn how to drive by building more women’s only driving schools.
Since announcing the lift on the driving ban for women, who had been banned from driving since 1955, Saudi driving schools have faced overcrowding and a large influx of women wanting to learn how to drive.
At the time of the announcement, Saudi Arabia’s US ambassador celebrated the milestone by proclaiming it “a historic and big day” and “the right decision at the right time”, as reported by the BBC.
Speaking to the Guardian, the ambassador also said, “I think our leadership understands our society is ready,” adding that women will not need a male guardian to escort them when they drive.
Not only are the women of Saudi Arabia now able to drive, some also recently competed in the kingdom’s all female go-karting race in Jeddah. Ten women competed for prizes worth over $2,500.
The lift on the driving ban has opened up a number of doors for women who wish to fly planes, ride motorbikes, and more.
