How to get a driving license in Qatar

One thing that keeps you independent and confident when shifting to a new country anywhere in the world is getting yourself a driving licence. It increases mobility, cuts down on budgets, and tends to set your life in the direction of making a city your home. Keeping that in mind, we bring to you all the things you need to know while getting a driving licence in Qatar.

To be able to attain a driving licence, the following terms have to be met:

• Age and physical fitness
• Passing the driving test
• Obtaining the legal residence permits (For non-Qatari’s and GCC Residents)
• Reaching the legal age of 18 for applying for a light vehicle or motorcycle licence
• Reaching the legal age of 21 for obtaining a heavy driver’s licence for construction and agricultural equipment.
• Downloading the form and submitting it to the driving school or General Directorate of Traffic
• Attaching three recent colored photos
• Qatar ID card and its copy in addition to insurance for three months if you wish to learn on a private car (for Qatari’s only)

For non-Qataris:

• Letter from the employer with approval for an application for a new licence
• Original passport and copy
• Copy of the employer’s QID (if it is a personal sponsorship)

To issue a driving licence for non-Qataris:

• Letter from the employer with approval on the application for a new licence for the expatriate, identifying the type of licence required
• Passport of the expatriate and a copy of it
• Copy of employer’s QID, in case of personal sponsorship

To issue a driving licence for people who are coming to Qatar for work and have a residence permit and driving licence in another country:

• Driving licence issued by the authority they belong to or by an authority that accepts driving licences issued by them

To issue a driving licence for diplomatic delegates and international organizations:

• Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Copy of diplomatic card
• Original licence of the applicant

To issue a driving licence for persons with disabilities:

• Medical report issued by the MOI Medical Services Department
• Pass eye test.
• Pay appropriate fees.

Additional Information
In the case of persons with disability, a medical report will be made as per the Traffic Department’s request to the Medical Services Department, and the terms will be defined in the report which will clarify the type of vehicle the person is eligible to drive. The vehicle will also be labeled.

Types of Driving Licences

Valid Driving Licence

However, the government is aware that everyone needs some basic time to settle down so if you have a Non-Qatari driving licence, you will be allowed to drive on that for a limited time till you apply for the new one. You can head to the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior for a new driving licence. 

 
Home Country Licence

Some licences are pre-approved for 7 days of arrival and you can check if your home country’s licence is valid from the Traffic Department in Madinat Khalifa.

 
Temporary Driving Licence

If you’re in Qatar for work or a visit and don’t wish to apply for a permanent licence, you will have the option of going for a temporary driving licence that will last you for 3 months with the option of extending the licence when it expires.

 
Things you need for your temporary licence include:

· Original licence from an approved country

· Orignal and photocopies of your passport

· Three passport-sized colour photos with white background.

 
International Driving Licence 

Another option to look into would be the International Driving Licence that is valid for up to six months. However, you have to keep in mind that with this licence, you are only restricted to driving vehicles on rent insurance companies always asked for a full licence before handing over ownership of vehicles.

 
GCC Licence Holders 

If you’re a resident of any GCC country and have a valid licence issued, you are eligible to drive for up to three months on that licence. 

*Please note that it is necessary to have a valid driving licence in the country. Driving without a licence is considered illegal in Qatar and if you’re found behind the driving wheel, you will face serious consequences like jailtime and deportation.

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Source: MOI
Cover Image Source: Shutterstock - Mariam88