Riyadh — Saudi women celebrated taking the wheel for the first time this week. But a woman driver is such a novelty that when the decree took effect on Sunday, it prompted jubilation and disbelief.

“Look, a woman driver!” appeared to be a common refrain among male onlookers.

The driving reform has been widely hailed by young Saudis and no overt incidents of harassment were reported in the first two days since the ban was lifted.

For now, the women taking to the roads appear mainly to be those who have swapped foreign licenses for Saudi ones.

Some 120,000 women have applied for licenses, according to an interior ministry spokesman.

Authorities, however, have said that Saudi women will not need a guardian’s permission to apply for a driver’s license.

The government has also addressed concerns of abuse by outlawing sexual harassment, and authorities have sternly warned against stalking women drivers.

Authorities this week said the first batch of women insurance inspectors are training to respond to accidents involving female drivers.

Many men have quietly expressed relief that their female relatives no longer have to rely on them or foreign chauffeurs, a major financial strain, to be driven around.

“Women, do not let anyone distract you from this moment, whether men ridiculing your ability to drive or anyone else,” said Ahmad Al-Shathri, who is based in Riyadh.

“This moment is yours and no opinion matters except your own.” — AFP