How to get a Qatar driving  license

Before diving into the process of obtaining a Qatar driving license, it’s essential to determine your eligibility. Qatar driving licenses are available for various categories of applicants:

1. Residents aged 18 and older (for cars and motorcycles).
   If you’re residing in Qatar and meet the age requirement, you’re eligible for a Qatar driving license.

2. Residents older than 21 (for heavy vehicles)
   If you intend to drive heavy vehicles, you should be at least 21 years old.

3. Qataris and residents holding a valid Qatar ID
   Both Qatari nationals and residents with valid Qatar ID cards are eligible for a driving license.

4. Expats applying for a temporary permit
   If you don’t possess a Qatar ID but require a temporary driving permit, you can apply for one.

5. Occupations not excluded
   Expats whose occupation is not on the list of professions are not eligible for a driver’s license. However, if your occupation is not on the exclusion list, you can apply.

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

• Your ID — provide a copy and original (for Qataris and expat residents).
• Your passport with visa or immigration document — submit a copy and original (for expatriates).
• Eye test certificate — obtain this certificate from a driving school, the traffic department at Madinat Khalifa, or a licensed optician.
• Four passport-sized photos — have these photos ready for submission.
• Course fee receipt — keep a record of the payment for your course.

Once you’ve gathered the required documents and enrolled in a certified driving school, you can proceed with your training. A full course typically spans 90 to 110 days, consisting of 15 hours of theory and 35 hours of practical driving practice. Here’s a breakdown of your training process:

1. Theoretical course
You’ll delve into Qatar traffic laws, driving ethics, road signs, and more. Learning materials may include guidebooks, audio files, or specialized apps.

2. Theory test
After completing the theory course, you’ll face a 40-question online test. You’re allowed a maximum of three errors. A successful test completion allows you to move on to the practical phase.

3. Parking training
A personal driving instructor will guide you through parallel and perpendicular parking, with the option to choose a male or female instructor.

4. Parking test
To advance, you must pass both «L» (perpendicular) and «P» (parallel) parking tests, as with the theory test, results are immediately provided.

5. Driving practice
This phase involves city driving practice with your instructor, refining your skills.

6. Final driving test
An officer from the Traffic Police will assess your knowledge and practical skills during a road test. Success means you’ll receive your Qatar driving license the same or the following day. Two attempts are granted, with retraining required if both attempts fail.

For short visits or stays in Qatar, you can use your valid international driving license or a license from your home country for up to seven days. However, please note that this only applies to residents of specific countries. GCC citizens enjoy the privilege of their driving licenses remaining valid for up to three months. For extended stays, obtaining a temporary or permanent Qatari driving permit is necessary.

Checking eligibility for your current driving license in Qatar

Before you decide to use your current driving license in Qatar, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility. You can do this by visiting an authorized driving school or the Traffic Department. Depending on the outcome, you might have the option to exchange your existing license for a Qatar one or be required to complete a driving course and pass the necessary tests.

Which countries' driving licenses are eligible for exchange in Qatar?

The privilege of exchanging your current driving license for a Qatar one is extended to residents of all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. Additionally, individuals holding licenses from the following countries are eligible: Monaco, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, France, the USA, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Norway, Belgium, New Zealand, Malaysia, Andorra, Brunei, Japan, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Greece, Singapore, Spain, Ireland, Vatican City, San Marino, Switzerland, Iceland, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.

If your country isn’t on this list, you may need to undergo a road test or enroll in a condensed training course. The latter entails successfully passing all the tests designed for new applicants.

Required documents for Qatar driving license

If you plan to stay in Qatar for more than six months, it’s advisable to obtain a Qatar driving license. To do that, you will need to enroll in a full or half-driving course (if your country is not under the list of exempted countries). The following documents are required to be able to enroll in any course: 

• Valid foreign drivers license (if applicable)
• Valid QID (Qatar ID) (if applicable)
• Passport (if QID is not available)
• Four photographs sized 3,5x4.5 cm

In addition to these documents, you’ll be required to undergo an eye test and pay a fee for the permit exchange. The price for a Qatari driving license, valid for up to five years, is QR250.

After passing and making the payment, your license will be issued and you can receive it in the school you applied at, or from the Traffic Department if your school requested it.

For those intending to stay in Qatar for a shorter period (up to six months), obtaining a temporary driving permit may be more suitable. This involves providing the following documents:

• Passport (copies and original)
• Driving permit issued by your home country
• Four passport-sized photos

The process for obtaining a temporary license mirrors that of a permanent one. However, temporary licenses are valid for only three months and limit you to driving rental vehicles. These licenses do not cover privately-owned vehicles, which require separate car insurance.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to acquiring your Qatar driving permit:

1. Gather the required documents mentioned above.

2. Obtain an eye test certificate.

3. Pay the necessary fees.

4. Submit the documents to the Traffic Department.

Your Qatar driving permit can typically be issued the following business day.

If you stay in Qatar for a short time, you may use the document issued by your home country for up to 7 days. Keep in mind that this applies only to residents of certain countries. Driving licenses of the  GCC citizens remain valid for up to 3 months. For a longer stay, you’ll have to obtain a temporary or permanent Qatari driving permit.

How to check if you can use your current driving license in Qatar? 

To do this, you’ll have to visit a Traffic Department at Madinat Khalifa. Depending on the result, you may either exchange your document to the Qatari or take a training course in driving to pass driving tests in Qatar.

Which Countries’ Driving License Can Be Exchanged in Qatar?

The privilege of exchanging your current permit to Qatari is available for the residents of all GCC countries, as well as for those whose document was issued in Monaco, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, France, the USA, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Norway, Belgium, New Zealand, Malaysia, Andorra, Brunei, Japan, Lichtenstein, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Greece, Singapore, Spain, Ireland, Vatican City, San Marino, Switzerland, Iceland, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.

If you haven’t found your country on this list, you’ll either have to take a road test or enroll in a shortened training course. The latter presupposes passing all the tests for newbies described above. 

Drivers who want to spend more than half a year in the country should better receive a permanent permit. You can do this by addressing the Traffic Department at Madinat Khalifa with the papers listed below. 

• Valid driving license.

• Your valid QID.

• Your passport.

• Three photographs 3,5x4.5 cm.

Aside from these papers, you are obliged to take an eye test and pay a fee for permit exchange. How much should you pay for a Qatar driving license? Residents can get a document valid for 5 years maximum. Its price is QR250.

Those who plan to stay in Qatar for up to half a year would, probably, prefer to get a temporary permit. It requires you to provide:

• Passport (copies and original).

• Driving permit issued by your home country.

• 3 passport-sized photos.

The procedure is identical to that of receiving a permanent document. This type of license is valid for three months only and limits you to driving rental vehicles only. The latter is related to vehicle insurance in Qatar for privately-owned autos. It doesn’t cover drivers with temporary driving documents.

For those wondering about international driving licenses, let’s address two common questions: Can you use your international driving license in Qatar, and can you obtain an international driving license in Qatar?

Expatriates, tourists, and residents in Qatar can use their international driving licenses for up to six months after arriving in the country. As for the second question, the answer is yes. Any Qatari citizen or resident with a Qatar driver’s permit can apply for an internationally recognized document. 

Documents required for an international driving license in Qatar:

• Your QID (Qatar ID)
• Qatar driver’s permit
• Two photographs sized 3,5x4.5
• Money (typically QR150)

Steps to Obtain an international driving license in Qatar:

1. Choose where to obtain your international driving license:

   — Qatar Automobile and Touring Club

   — A driving school

   — A travel agency

   — A rental service

2. Apply for the international driver’s permit by following these steps:

   — Visit the office of your chosen service provider.

   — Submit the required photographs and your Qatar driving license to the agent.

   — Pay the applicable service fees.

   — Receive your new international driving license.

References:

• https://thedailyq.org/11658/magazine/driving-101-getting-your-drivers-license-in-qatar/
• https://dohafamily.com/how-to-qatar-getting-your-drivers-license/