A valid driving license is compulsory for anyone driving a vehicle in Qatar. It
is possible to drive in Qatar with a non-Qatari driving license for a limited time.
For details about driving with a foreign or international driving license, and for
information about exchanging a foreign driving license, see the Exchanging a License
Topic below.
Getting a Qatari Driving License
It is necessary to apply to the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior for
a new driving license.
Ministry of Interior Traffic Department
Tel: 4489 0666
Fax: 4487 2494
Requirements
Non-Qatari citizens must meet the following requirements:
» Be 18 years of age for a light driving license or motorcycle license
» Be 21 years of age for a heavy vehicle driving license or for agricultural
or construction vehicle licenses
» Complete the driving license application form
» Provide a no-objection letter from the applicant's sponsor (in Arabic)
» Have a valid passport and copy of this
» Submit a copy of sponsor's ID card
» Provide three recent, coloured, passport sized photographs
» Have a residence permit
Qatari citizens must meet the following requirements:
» Be 18 years of age for a light vehicle driving license or motorcycle license
» Be 21 years of age for a heavy vehicle driving license or for agricultural
or construction vehicle licenses
» Have a valid ID card and present a copy of this on application
» Complete the driving license application form
» Provide three recent, coloured, passport-sized photographs
» Show proof of training insurance for a period of three months if wishing
to learn in a private car
The Driving Test
To take the driving test it is first necessary to apply to a driving school for
lessons. For expatriates who have already had experience driving, it is possible
to take a half course.
To be able to take the test a new driver must have had:
» At least 15 hours of theory classes
» A minimum of 35 hours of driving lessons
Drivers who already have a driving license from another country but are not able
to exchange their license must have at least 15 hours of theory lessons before they
can sit the driving test.
Authorized Driving Schools in Doha:
» Al Rayah Driving School, Tel: 4487 7774
» Doha Driving Center, Tel: 4479 2263
» Gulf Driving School, Tel: 4465 2822
» United Driving Company, Tel: 4468 1003
All the above driving schools teach lessons in English and Arabic.
Taking the driving test
The driving test includes the following:
» A theory test. This is an oral test where a number of questions are asked
about traffic regulations and signs
» Reverse parking test
» Straight parking test
» A road test
It is also necessary to pass an eye test, which is usually carried out before the
theory and practical part of the test.
The driving test may be taken in English or Arabic. All parts of the test are usually
taken on the same day. However, if the applicant fails one part of the test, they
will not proceed to the next stage of the test. The applicant is usually informed
at each stage whether they have passed or failed.
Tests are usually conducted on manual transmission cars with four people in the
car. Female applicants take the test with a female traffic police officer. The test
is considered to be difficult and approximately 50 percent of applicants fail on
their first attempt.
The driving license is issued immediately after passing the test and is usually
valid for five years for residents, and ten years for citizens. It is possible to
renew a driving license online through the
Hakoomi website.
Taking the driving test
In the event of failing the test, it is necessary to reapply and take the test again,
usually within a month. It is normally not necessary to repeat any parts of the
test that were successfully passed.
The type of driving license required in Qatar depends upon the length of time a
person has lived in the country, the origin of the national license they currently
hold, and whether or not they have resident’s status in Qatar.
If arriving in Qatar on a visitor’s visa it is possible to use a national license
from any country to drive a car for seven days, provided it is a rental vehicle.
A driver who holds an International Driving Permit (IDP) may drive a rental vehicle
for up to six months – or until the visa status changes from visitor to resident.
The license from the home country must be available for inspection as well as the
IDP.
It is possible to obtain a temporary Qatar driving license, which acts as an interim
document between driving on an International Driving Permit and being eligible for
a full Qatar license. Application for this temporary license must be made before
beginning the process of applying for residency.
Once residency has been granted, it is necessary to obtain a Qatari driving license.
International Driving Permit
To obtain an international driver’s permit, check with the national motoring organization
of the home country before leaving for Qatar.