Women take the wheel in Saudi Arabia

WOMEN in Saudi Arabia are allowed to drive for the first time from today after a ban came to an end at midnight.

The change in the law was announced last September and Saudi Arabia issued the first licences to women earlier this month.

Female British driving instructors flew out to the Gulf state to offer lessons.

The ultra-conservative kingdom was the only country left in the world where women were not allowed to drive. Families had to hire chauffeurs.

But the law change comes amid a crackdown on female activists.

Amnesty International has called for wider reforms in Saudi Arabia, where women are subject to male guardianship laws.