Before applying, it's essential to determine your eligibility. Qatar driving licences are available to:

1. Residents aged 18 and older — for light vehicles and motorcycles

2. Residents older than 21 — for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses

3. Qataris and residents holding a valid Qatar ID

4. Visitors or expats with a valid visa — they can apply for a temporary license or drive with an International Driving License (IDP)

It is important to know that some professions are not eligible for a light-vehicle driving license. Driving schools receive the Qatar license profession list from the Traffic Department, so check your title against the driving school's pages, such as Karwa, and confirm with Licensing Affairs at Madinat Khalifa before you enroll.

If your country is not on the list of exempted countries, enrolling in an authorized driving school for a full or half-course is mandatory. The following documents are typically required for enrollment:

The full course typically takes 90-110 days and includes both theory and practical training — 15 hours of theory and 35 hours of driving lessons. Here’s the process:

Enroll in a government-approved driving school: The school will open your file at Licensing Affairs and schedule your theory and practical sessions, so you have a clear timetable from day one

Complete the eye test and medical fitness certificate: The licensing authority’s certificate confirms your vision and overall fitness to drive — bring your QID or passport on the day of the exam

Attend the theory course: The course covers traffic rules, road signs, laws, and safety. Many schools provide a handbook plus app-based mock tests to prep efficiently

Take the theory test: It’s computer-based and conducted at your driving school

Practice parking and yard test: You’ll be tested on L-parking and parallel parking. Results are usually given on the spot 

Complete road lessons and take final road test: A Traffic Police officer will evaluate your driving. Most applicants get two attempts per course cycle before additional training is scheduled

Pay issuance fees and collect your license: Once you pass all required tests, complete the payment and collect your driving license from 

Collection is typically the same or next business day from your school or Licensing Affairs, Madinat Khalifa. Expect card fees of QAR 250 for a 5-year license — for residents — or QAR 500 for a 10-year license — for  Qataris. Always confirm the latest amount at the counter or in Metrash, as fees may change.

Checking eligibility for exchange

If your home-country licence can be exchanged in Qatar, you can skip most training and tests. However, since the approved list can change, check with your driving school or Licensing Affairs (Traffic Dept., Madinat Khalifa) before paying any fees. 

Bring your QID or passport, your original foreign licence and a copy, and three to four passport-size photos. If required, complete the medical-fitness certificate. Submit everything to Licensing Affairs, pay the card and processing fees, and — if you're eligible — your Qatari licence is typically issued on the same or next business day.

For short visits or stays, you can drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a valid licence from your home country for a limited time after arrival. GCC licences are valid for a short period, but for longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a temporary or permanent Qatari licence. 

International Driving Permit

You should obtain an IDP in your home country before traveling. In Qatar, IDPs are typically issued only to holders of a Qatari license — you cannot get an IDP for a foreign license after you arrive. Always carry the IDP together with your original home-country license. As a visitor, the IDP generally allows you to drive for up to 6 months from the date of arrival.

Temporary Qatar driver’s license

If you don’t have an IDP, apply for a temporary local driving licence — valid for 3 months and usually renewable. This is mainly intended for rental cars. In order to apply, you need to:

1. Gather documents— Passport and a copy, original home-country license, 2–3 photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm)

2. Visit Licensing Affairs, Traffic Department, at Madinat Khalifa

3. Request a temporary driving licence, complete the short form, and submit your documents (medical fitness may be requested)

4. Pay the fee 

5. Collect your permit — Typically issued the same day