Getting a driving license in Qatar can cost anywhere from around QAR 2,300 to around QAR 13,000, depending on the school, course type, and how quickly you want to finish the process. Some people choose to proceed with the standard programs that take a few months, while others pay extra for VIP or fast-track packages that shorten the timeline to a few weeks. 

In Qatar, getting a driving license is handled by licensed driving schools, which manage the whole process, from training to exam booking. Future drivers are required to follow either a full 40-lesson course for beginners or a reduced 20-lesson program for those who already carry a recognized license. If you hold an international driving license, you're allowed to drive in Qatar for up to 6 months. But if you're planning to stay longer, you'll need a local driving license. Here are the most renowned driving schools in Qatar.

Doha Driving Academy

Doha Driving Academy is one of Qatar's oldest and most established training centers. Among the services offered by Doha Driving Academy are a wide range of courses and packages designed to suit different needs. Their courses follow the typical 20/40 lessons structure — 40 lessons for beginners and 20 for those with an eligible foreign license — and offer VIP and Platinum packages with priority test access, premium vehicles, and door-to-door pickup. 

Full courses start from around QAR 3,350, while half courses cost around QAR 2,800. Students who wish to speed up the process can choose the VIP packages ranging from QAR 4,000 for half courses to QAR 5,500 for full courses. Platinum packages range between QAR 8,000 and QAR 11,000, depending on the package type. An additional QAR 350 theory fee applies.

Karwa Driving School

Karwa Driving School is located in Doha's Industrial Area. Courses are available in Arabic, English, and Urdu and are offered in standard full and short formats, as well as regular, VIP, and Premium packages. What sets Karwa apart is its unlimited package, which gives learners the flexibility to add lessons as needed. 

The school offers full courses from around QAR 3,900 and half courses from QAR 3,000. Fast-track options cost around QAR 3,800-4,800, while VIP packages range from approximately QAR 4,800 to QAR 8,100. Students can also choose Platinum and unlimited packages, which can cost more than QAR 11,000.

Al Hasba Driving School

Al Hasba Driving School is a smaller driving school based in Al Khor. Information about courses, fees, and availability is usually provided directly at the school and is not available online. 

This school does not publicly list its fees. Students are encouraged to contact Al Hasba Driving School directly for relevant information.

Al Khebra Driving Academy

Located in Al Wakrah, Al Khebra Driving Academy offers a more package-driven approach to training, with options ranging from standard courses to Fast Track and higher-tier packages like VIP Gold and Platinum. It also offers a "Together Until You Pass" option that guarantees unlimited lessons until you get your driving license. 

Al Khebra Driving Academy offers a wide range of pricing depending on the package type. Half courses start from around QAR 2,320, and full courses start at around QAR 2,620. The Academy also offers VIP options ranging from QAR 4,050 to QAR 9,300, while Platinum packages cost up to QAR 10,500. An additional QAR 700 admin fee applies.

United Driving School

United Driving School is located near the wholesale market and offers programs in Arabic, English, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, and Sinhalese. Instead of heavily tiered packages, the school offers standard half- and full-course packages, as well as a "heavy course package" that provides the same full-course content in half the time.

Full courses here start at around QAR 3,350, and half courses start at QAR 2,800. A separate QAR 350 theory fee applies.

Dalla Driving Academy

Dalla Driving Academy is located in the Doha Industrial Area and offers a more straightforward range of courses, including standard full and short courses. They focus more on core training rather than multiple packages. 

Half courses start from around QAR 2,800, while full courses cost approximately QAR 3,350.

The first step is simply choosing a school that works for you. Location matters, as you'll be going there several times a week, and waiting times can vary from one school to another. 

Once you've made your choice, submit your documents and complete the eye test, which is often done at the school itself for an extra 50 QAR fee. You'll then select your course — either a full course or a reduced program. From there, the school opens your file and gives you your schedule for theory classes and practical lessons. At this stage, everything is set up, and you're ready to begin training.

What documents do you need to register for a driving course in Qatar?

To apply for a driving school in Qatar, you need the following documents:

• Qatar ID (QID) for residents, or a passport and visa copy if the QID has not yet been issued

• 2-3 passport-size photos  

• Eye test certificate from an approved center

• Foreign driving license if applying for a half-course

Fees sourced from official school websites as of 2026. Theory and admin fees are charged separately. Contact schools directly to confirm current pricing before enrolling.

After the test, the examiner will tell you the result at the end of the road test, and it is then recorded in the system shortly after. You can also check your result through the MOI system, where your test status is updated once it's logged.

But before you jump behind the wheel, you need to check the car itself. It needs to be properly registered and insured. If you don't already own a car, you'll face the dilemma of new vs. used, budget vs. comfort. But whatever you go for, you'll need to have a FAHES inspection. This may not be the most exciting part of the process, but it's unavoidable.