How to pass the driving test in Qatar: A comprehensive guide

Driving a car is a common aspiration for many, and in Qatar, you can legally obtain a driver’s license at 18 years old. However, one of the initial requirements is good eyesight, which you should confirm before enrolling in a driving school. The eyesight test can be conducted at a licensed optician or at the driving school itself.

The choice of a driving school is a crucial decision. Choose a government-certified school that also aligns with your convenience in terms of instructor professionalism, schedules, location, and facilities. Ensure you have the following documents when enrolling in your training:

• Qatar ID
• 4.5x3.5 cm photographs
• Eye test results

The list of required documents may vary slightly from one school to another.

The theoretical course in Qatar is now conducted online, providing students with learning materials such as video tutorials and textbooks. You can also access special apps to acquire knowledge about traffic rules and road signs in Qatar and practice with mock tests. The beginner’s theory course lasts for 15 hours.

The driving school will inform you of your scheduled theory test date. On that day, you should arrive at the school and complete the test via the Dallah app. To pass the test, you need to correctly answer at least 28 out of 30 questions.

The next stage involves taking driving lessons with an instructor. During this phase, you will decide whether you prefer to drive a car with a manual or automatic transmission. Your training commences with learning various parking techniques, including parallel parking, perpendicular parking, reverse parking, and L parking. Some schools even employ driving simulators to enhance your learning experience.

The practical training includes 35 hours of instruction. When your instructor deems you ready for the driving test, the driving school will apply for approval through the MOI e-services portal, and you’ll be informed of your test date.

The driving test takes place in the presence of a police officer from the traffic department. It involves demonstrating your parking skills, driving within the test facility’s territory, and finally, a drive in the city to assess your driving skills in a real-world environment.

You might feel nervous before the test, but keeping your emotions under control and staying calm is essential. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed:

• Dress neatly and comfortably to make a good impression.
• Pay close attention to the officer’s instructions and avoid arguing.
• Stay focused, adjust mirrors, and follow traffic signals while driving smoothly.
• Ensure the passengers in your car are comfortable and safe.
• Maintain the correct distance from other vehicles, sidewalks, and lanes.
• Always check your blind spots when reversing or merging onto the main road.
• Park your car appropriately, adhering to parking regulations.

These practical tips will help you to be well-prepared to pass your driving test in Qatar successfully.

For those who already hold driver’s licenses from their home countries, the Express Course offers a streamlined approach to acquiring a Qatar driving license. This means you can complete 20 driving lessons instead of the usual 40, resulting in cost savings of approximately QR 500. Moreover, you’ll be eligible to take your driving test sooner.

To enroll in the driving school as an expat applicant, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• Qatari ID or passport with a Qatari visa.
• An eye test certificate.
• A valid driver’s license issued by your home country.
• Passport-size photographs.

If you acquired your driving permit in one of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, you can obtain a Qatar driver’s license through a direct driving test, bypassing the need for the theory test.

Please note that individuals whose driver’s licenses have expired are not eligible for the direct driving test and must complete either a Full or Express course at a driving school. The documents required for the direct driving test are the same as those for enrolling in an Express Course at a driving school. Contact one of the recommended driving schools to register for this type of testing.

Residents from certain states can receive a Qatar driving permit without undergoing any tests. If you hail from the European Union, Great Britain, Malaysia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Korea, or Turkey, you can exchange your driver’s permit for a Qatar license. Please note that the list of eligible countries is subject to change, so it’s advisable to check for updates at Madinat Khalifa.

To exchange your driver’s permit, you must possess a resident’s card and provide the following documents to the Traffic Department at Madinat Khalifa:

• An application form filled out in Arabic (available at the Traffic department).
• Your driving permit issued by one of the eligible states.
• Your passport (original and copies).
• Your QID (Qatar ID).
• A copy of your sponsor’s QID.
• A trade license copy from the sponsoring company.
• Color photographs measuring 4,5x3.5 cm.
• A fee receipt of QR 250.