American Driving Licence (license) holders
I have been advised today that the law was recently changed for holders of USA driving licence in that they can no longer be exchanged for a Qatari one and must now sit a test, can anyone please confirm this?
I would also ask that if this is the case then does this affect a person on a vist visa from driving on a US International licence during the length of stay?
I am working with guys from USA, Uk and germany and they simply exchange their driving licence without any problem and any test and got qatari driving licence. I dont think so that law changed for them.I Heared that persons from asian countries like Pakistan, india, bangladesh etc have to give driving test and must have to clear it to get qatari driving licence because in their countries its right hand driving so its necessary for them to join any school and clear the test for qatari driving licence.
Wow. Bummer. I got my Qatari licence around the middle of July and SIMPLY exchanged my California drivers license for one here. No questions asked. I got it back too. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that I organized all through the Immigration Dept. at the QFC. Try there and maybe it works. Good luck :O)
Well... I brought my Internatyional Licence from AAA (North America)> Last week I decided to obtain Qatar license and have no problem (took me just 15 min).
Officer in Madinat Khalifa told me that my Intern license still valid for the next 4 mnth. (6 mnth total period - 2mnth I am here = 4 mnth remaining validity)
Eye test is easy. Just gop to optics inside Hyatt Plaza (the most left entrance) and for 30 QR they will do the job (the have traffic police forms).
Another piece of advice. If you work for reputable company here, then ask someone from Transportation Dept to assist you when you are in Traffic Dept. office. Otherwise there is a risk they might take subjective decisions and see you as a "George W. Bush".
Later !
Thank you both, I did some trawling through previous posts and found some others who also confirmed, much appreciated.
Yes, it's not so much the law, but their unwritten policy for Americans at the moment. Politics, politics...
Your US International DL would only be valid for your 1st 7 days in country on a visit visa anyways.
Our experience recently, has been that if you go for both/either a temporary or permanent license, you will have to take a test driving a manual stick shift vehicle, so be prepared. You may also be asked to take classes...so don't have a smart mouth with them or complain when you go in...or you've earned the 'hassle'.
Good luck and practice your parallel parking!
Yes, you have to take a parking test and a driving test. I had to experience that right after they changed the law. As for the US Int'l license, I have no idea.