If you want to drive in Qatar, you must first obtain a driving license from the Qatari licensing authorities.
In Qatar, the traffic department is the only authority that can issue a driver’s license.
This applies to residents aged 18 and over who wish to learn to drive, those who need a driver’s license for their employment (approved occupation), and people who want to drive and own a car.
However, in order to obtain a driver’s license, you must be eligible and pass a driving test at an approved driving test center.
Driving without a valid driver’s license in the country will land you in serious trouble. To give you some insights, Qatar has very strict road traffic rules and regulations. That we will discuss later on.
In this post, We’ll be covering how to get a driving license, what are the requirements, where to apply, and how much a license costs in Qatar.
In addition to that, We will provide you with great tips and suggestions on how to pass the basics in driving school. With all that being said, let’s go and dive into the process.
Before you proceed to apply for a driving license in Qatar, it’s good to check out the list of professions who can’t apply for a Driving license, these rules apply to reduce the road traffic in the country.
Table of Contents
What is the requirement for getting a driving license in Qatar?
Driving license applicants should fall into the below category before acquiring the initial process on the license application. Applicants must be a:
- Qatar residents
- At least 18 years of age(light vehicles and motorcycles)
- 21 years old (heavy vehicles)
- Physically fit
- Drive test on approved driving school
Let’s break down the above initial requirements so you can obtain a driving license in Qatar;
#1 Residents in Qatar
Residents in Qatar possess a valid national ID or what we call a Qatar Identification(QID) card or resident permit(RP). However, If your Qatar ID is not yet issued, it is required to produce a valid document copy of your visa and original passport to process your license application.
Maybe you will ask how you’ll be able to get a QID or the Resident Permit(RP)?
The good news is, if you want to live and work in Qatar your employer will do the task of processing all your documents until you have your Qatar ID or the resident permit(RP).
And because we are tackling here only on how to get a driving license in Qatar, I will not go down deep in explaining how to apply and what is the process of getting the resident permit (i will make a post about it later).
To apply for a driver’s license in Qatar make sure that you know which vehicle is going to drive. Aged matter on applying for a license, which will come to our number two requirements.
#2 At least 18 years of age
Globally recognized, adulthood comes when we enter the age of 18, and it’s no doubt! In Qatar, you can apply for a light-vehicle and motorcycle license only once you reach 18 years of age.
But, you are not permitted to apply for a heavy vehicle authorization that falls in the next requirement.
“To add to my story, I was 24 years old when I got my light-vehicle driving license in Qatar at Al Khebra driving school many years back. And It took me two and a half months before taking the final road examination test and I pass it at the same time on the first try.”
#3 Aged 21 and Above
Now we passed the age required in a light-vehicle and motorcycle license and I mentioned above that age in that category is not allowed to apply for a heavy vehicle license. You might be wondering how about if I need to drive heavy or more weight vehicles?
These number 3 requirements apply that you should be 21 years old and above to become eligible to apply for a heavy-vehicle license.
Don’t be perplexed, just a reminder! If you plan to take a small license, you are eligible too. Always ask in your preferred authorized driving school regarding rules and regulations acquiring the license.
#4 Physically Fit
We all know that driving requires that the driver must be in good physical condition to do the task. Our bodies’ sensory response is the major factor in the way we drive. Out of the five senses, our Eyes are the most important of them all when driving.
There is little to no chance you can drive any type of vehicle once your vision is impaired. That is why an eye test is the only health assessment required before you can apply for a driving license in Qatar.
The eye test can be done in the traffic department, an approved eye test clinic by the traffic department, or some driving school itself that has a vision test service.
How much is the eye test fee for a driving license in Qatar?
The price ranges between 25 Qatari riyals to 50 Qatari riyals.
Driving school procedure on how to apply for a driving license in Qatar
A resident who wishes to enroll in an approved driving school needs to submit all the required documents to his/her preferred drive test center.
- Qatar ID card or Original passport and 1 copy
- 4 pieces of recent colored photos (passport size)
- No Objection Certificate or NOC from sponsor (through Moi website or Metrash 2 app)
- Certificate of eye test (if eye test is done in the driving school, they will update it directly to Moi website)
- Print and Filled out the driving license application form
- Pay the necessary fee to start your driving lesson
Note: If you have a valid driving license from another country, you can ask the approved drive test center or the traffic department if you are eligible for a much simpler driving course before enrolling in a driving school.
You can choose from Automatic and Manual transmission on light vehicles on the course.
Take note, if you choose an automatic vehicle once you pass and get your driving license only automatic vehicle you’re allowed to drive. Otherwise, if you choose manual and get your manual vehicle license you can drive both types of light vehicles.
Male and female instructors are available on most driving school
You have the option to choose your instructor just check with your driving school if it might charge you a higher fee on a female instructor.
Basic training of the driving course on getting a driving license in Qatar
There are two main components of the driving course in every authorized driving school in Qatar. These are:
- Theory or road sign training
- Practical or actual drive training
Theory training
In this course, you are about to learn the common road and traffic laws like a road sign, visual inspection of cars, and code of ethics of a good driver.
Rules and regulations know-how on the road basically helps road users on how to properly behave while driving.
A driver with little or no knowledge at all on-road laws affects the flow of traffic and might put other road users at risk.
That is why it is mandatory for all driving schools in Qatar to teach their trainees and make sure that the driving license applicants will pass the theory test before taking the final road practical test. Many languages are available on the test.
Some driving schools offer their theory training accessible on PC, tablets, and mobile. Students must have at least 15 hours of theoretical training before being given the final theory test.
Once you complete the required time in theory training, you are scheduled to take the test theory. To pass the theory examination, you need to have a correct answer to 37 out of 40 questions.
Practical training
To complete the course you need to pass also the practical training which composes of :
- The “P” or Packet parking
- The “L” parking
- Road training
The practical training is hands-on training with the instructor. If you are a complete beginner who has only recently begun to learn to drive, the instructor will teach and guide you through the process so that you can learn to drive quickly and effortlessly during your course.
But, if you already know how to drive, the best thing to ask your instructor is the technique on how to pass the “P” or packet parking and what were the common mistakes students make when taking a final road exam.
This is important, I know a lot of guys that are pro drivers but when they take the final road test, they fail. That is why it is good to ask your instructor how to properly correct the mistakes of other trainees that fail on the day of the final road test.
After at least 35 hours of driver training, you will schedule your final test. The “P” and “L” parking tests are scheduled on the same day, and you must pass both to move on to your final road test, which is accompanied by a police officer in the car.
You will usually be given two chances on the road test, but if you fail the second time, you may be requested to complete another course to improve your driving skills.
Completion of a driving course
Usually, it will take 3 months to 3 and a half months to complete the course. Test schedule depends on your driving school and sometimes it will take a little longer. Just follow up with your driving school because changes occur on a schedule depending on the test availability.
When can I get my driving license?
Completion of your course and passing the theory test and After you pass the final road test, you immediately get your driving license.
How much does it cost to get a driving license in Qatar?
To avoid confusion, The below amount applies to the license card fee only and does not include the driving course fee which you have to pay in the authorized driving school of your choice.
Driving license fees for Qataris
Driving license fees for Non-Qataris
Tips and reminders on how to get a driving license in Qatar
- Remember and memorize – learn the road signs and traffic laws to avoid fines and traffic violations.
- Listen and follow your driving instructor – It is critical to pay attention to and follow your instructor’s instructions. From the moment you sit in the driver’s seat until you hit the road, pay attention to your instructor because they will not only teach you how to drive but also how to be a safe and responsible driver.
- Be calm – Many trainees fail the road test; do not be scared by the police officer; they are there to examine your driving skills; instead, concentrate on what you learned in driving school.
- Checklist – Before you drive, check your driver’s seat, side, and rear mirrors, fasten your seatbelt, and check your handbrake both before and after you drive.
all of the tips and reminders above will be taught in your driving lesson. All you have to do is concentrate and listen to your driving instructor.
Requirements for new residents in Qatar who hold a foreign driver’s license:
- If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you will be referred to a driving school to take a test to determine your driving skills.
- A Qatar driving license will be issued if you pass this test.
- If you fail the test on your second attempt, you will be referred to a driving school for a comprehensive training course. (see Book a driving test appointment).
You can use an international driving permit for up to six months if you’re an expatriate who already has a driver’s license from your home country. Once this period expires, however, you must have a Qatari driver’s license.
Some foreign licenses are accepted in Qatar and can be converted into a Qatari license without the need for any driving lessons or tests.
Reminder: As I’ve mentioned above, Before enrolling in a driving course, check with an authorized driving school to see if your present driver’s license is valid for an exchange or direct test.
Requirements for diplomats and officials of international missions:
- Book of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Diplomatic card copy
- Original driver’s license
- 4 recent color photographs (passport size)
For diplomats and international mission officials, the driving application is free of charge.
Requirements for Applicants with disabilities or impairments:
- The traffic department will recommend those with a disability or impairment to the medical services authority for a disability type report.
- After the medical report has been accepted, a license will be issued based on the appraisal.
- On the holder’s driver’s license, a clear indication of the disability is necessary. In some circumstances, a vehicle sticker is required.
Driving license requirements for Tourists, especially those from the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC:
- For up to six months from the date of entry, holders of a valid international driver’s license are able to drive in Qatar. After that, you must have a Qatari driver’s license.
- Visitors and tourists with a valid driving license from one of the GCC countries can drive in Qatar for up to three months from the moment they enter the country. Drivers must maintain their passports or entry visa credentials with them at all times as proof of admission into Qatar is required on demand.
Related articles:
- How to check traffic violations in Qatar
- How to transfer car ownership thru Metrash 2
- How to check Qatar ID online
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