International Drivimg License

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http://khebradriving.blogspot.com/

How's life?

Dears,

Can I use my International Driving License (IDL) to drive with my Business Visa (as long the VISA still valid)? Do I need special treatment to the IDL so I can use it safely without worrying that the IDL is invalid?

Best regard,

--

Hi Mystica,

I am Desmond from Malaysia. I will be moving to Doha in a few days time for my new job. I saw your posting on the conversion of driving license. I have a valid Malaysian driving license. Can I convert it to a permanent local driving license in Qatar?

If yes, do i need to get my Malaysian driving license translated first?

Please advise.

Thanks.

Best regards,

Desmond Foo

hi Wizard...were you holding Qatar RP when you were stopped with your IDL? I'm Indonesian, just got my RP last week..till now i'm still driving with IDL..is there any consequence if in case i'm stopped by police?

im driving right now in Qatar and im using a international drivers license from philippines and there is no problem i was stop once in industrial area when i went to rosary church and the policeman asked my license and i show to him my IDL from Philippines and no problem he just look and then let me go, i did also a violation for illegal parking cost me QR300 that was happen somewhere in al muntaza but when i check in internet its somewhere in DAFNA area i dont know how it happen,i notice that sticker when i return to my car when i stop in a restaurant in al muntaza when i park across the restaurant in a busy street in that area infront of bongalow house and there are around 7 parking slot along the road but i did not notice that there is a written in the center part of the wall that "violation for illegal parking, for a reserved parking for a house owner" i did park in the last slot in the left side area and you cant see the writting in the wall if there are cars park in all slots i was so afraid to pay my violation,im thinking if they will tell me that my license is not valid in Qatar and i will pay QR10,000 or 1 mo. imprisonment for driving w/o a license but i have no choice than to pay caused the rent a car is always calling me to pay the violation, they told me that they cant pay caused of 3 points violation to be added to the traffic violator but when i went to khalifa traffic dept. and there is no problem just show to them you're IDL and then you pay then they will give you a filled form to signed for your 3 points added to your file. to all my friends from asian country your IDL is valid as long Qatar is written in your IDL caused some countries don't have Qatar written in their IDL, this is base in my experience, this is the latest update at this day of July 9, 2008.

i went to a rent a car they told me that my international driving license is valid only for 2 weeks, is this true? they told me to get a temporary license from licensing department... anybody have idea if this is true? some are telling me that my international driving license is valid for 6 months, which one is true?

This is what we've heard from our previous clients, if you want to check this with the local Traffic Police, you are quite welcome.

"When you believe in things that you don't understand, then you suffer...Superstition ain't the way, no no no..."

Stevie Wonder.

my international drivers license is from philippines,you mention last may 22, 2007 that some international drivers license from country like malaysia, philippines, indonesia is not acceptable here in Qatar

pls. find your comments below:

"I can assure you that American International Licences pass muster with the traffic police...anyway the American one does. International licences from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, even Singapore, are not respected here, nor are 'other' Arab countries' licences like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, etc"

this means my international drivers license from philippines is not acceptable here? the new rule is for western people only?

Some rent a car has their own rules. here's a useful link for you to know.

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=168936&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Jail, stiff fine for driving without a valid licence

Published: Sunday, 26 August, 2007, 12:10 AM Doha Time

By Nour Abuzant

ANY motorist convicted of driving a vehicle without a valid licence could be sentenced to a jail term ranging from a month to three years and a fine from QR10,000 to QR50,000, or one of them, the new traffic law says.

The yet to be enforced law says that if a motorist "repeats" the same offence and is convicted by a court, the offender would be sentenced to imprisonment and a fine, both of which could not be suspended or waived.

The jail term, in this case, can range between a week and three years and the fine from QR20,000 to QR50,000.

The law defines "repetition" as committing a similar crime within a year from the day of serving the punishment for the first violation.

In all cases of repeated convictions, the minimum penalty would be the double of the previous punishment.

Driving without a licence is one of the violations which cannot be settled by paying fines. This offence is automatically referred to a court of law.

Citizens of GCC countries who hold valid driving licences issued in their countries can drive on Qatar's roads. If their licences expires during their stay in Qatar, they can be substituted by licences issued locally.

Visitors and tourists of all nationalities, holding valid driving licences issued in their countries can drive in Qatar provided they get the approval from Qatar's traffic authorities within 15 days of their entry into the country.

ACCORDING TO THE NEW LAW, HOLDERS OF VALID INTERNATIONAL LICENSES CAN DRIVE VEHICLES IN QATAR FOR ANY PERIOD WITHOUT BEING SUBJECT TO FURTHER PROCEDURES. The old law gave them only six months and they needed special permission to drive beyond this period. According to the amended new traffic law, which was issued on August 6 but is yet to come into force, insurance companies cannot refuse applications for third-party insurance. If they do, they would be liable to a fine of QR10,000.

The penalty will be doubled if the same company refuses to accept another application for third-party insurance within the next six months after the first conviction.

"When you believe in things that you don't understand, then you suffer...Superstition ain't the way, no no no..."

Stevie Wonder.

Hi There,

I am a Qatar living member and just came across the coveration about INTL Driving license from the US.How much time it takes to get one. I heard that it comes through DHL courier...an you give me more details...I wanted to check how genuine this license is whether it is really a valid one and no duplicate or kinda scam...Just concerned. BTW I have a valid driving license from India.I have also enrolled in a driving school and have my RP..You can reply me at rakstads[AT]yahoo.co.in. Can I drive with this INTL license till I get my Qatari one. Your reply will be appreciated.

Hi There,

I am a Qatar living memeber and just came across the coveration about INTL Driving license from the US.How much time it takes to get one. I heard that it comes through DHL courier...an you give me more details...I wanted to check how genuine this license is whether it is really a valid one and no duplicate or kinda scam...Just concerned. BTW I have a valid driving license from India.I have also enrolled in a driving school and have my RP..You can reply me at [email protected]. Can I drive with this INTL license till I get my Qatari one. Your reply will be appreciated.

They will give you a chance to do the test first as they do to me. but if you fail! then you will have to go for the proper course too.

Good luck!

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

Do I need the test and the course?I have got Chinese Driving License.

That's perfectly alright!

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

in my case American Internation Driving permit issued in Florida.

What you say about the temp licence is only true of certain countries...ie "White First World" licences, and even that depends on who you deal with. Once the residence visa process has started, even for WFW licences, the temp licence is no longer available.

I can assure you that American International Licences pass muster with the traffic police...anyway the American one does. International licences from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, even Singapore, are not respected here, nor are 'other' Arab countries' licences like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, etc

From our personal experience the American International licence allows you to drive while you are processing the Qatari licence, which can take 6 months or more. Ask a reputable car rental company, or your own car insurance company if you don't believe me.

That just applies to visitors on visit visas.

One week on local license, then temporary driving license.

An International Driving License is valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in Qatar.

That's why visitors can stay for a maximum of 6 months before leaving or getting a RP.

Once you have a residence permit you are bound by law to get a Qatari driving license. Anything else is illegal. Let's make that clear.

If you have a valid driving license from your country of origin, you can drive a rental car for a period of seven days. However, if you have an "INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE, THERE IS NO TIME LIMIT". Before the seven-day period is up, you will need to get a temporary driving license that is valid for the period of your visa. All nationalities may exchange their country of origin's license for a temporary Qatar license, however you may not do so if you have already started the residence visa process. If this has been started, you will have to wait for the visa before applying for a permanent license.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

I'm going to call you but anyway can i book an appoinment to see you weekend or thursday night. Including the cash and all documents!

Pay attention to what e46m3 is saying!

If you have a Qatari Residence Permit you must have a Qatari driving license. If you have a Qatari RP and drive using a international driving license you are driving illegally.

You can get a Temporary driving license that allows you to drive for 6 months:

Temporary Driving License

The following items are required for a Temporary Driver's license (TDL):

a) Original driver’s license from home country.

b) Eye examination.

c) Process fees QR156.

d) Four personal photos.

e) Copy of Passport

Permanent Driver’s License

Converting the Temporary Driver's License to a Permanent Driver's License requires the following:

a) Temporary Driver’s License.

b) Two photos.

c) Copy of Passport and Residence Permit.

d) Process fees of QR156.

I knew it's you! but of course! I understand you need to be sure about it and you come to the right place to ask regarding this matter. I also have an advert here. So I guess you have to book for an appointment then:) hi! hi! hi!

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

I called you this morning and you gave me back a ring after that. You forgot the gal who spoke to you an hour ago?

I have PM my no to through QL

See you in a next couple of days time!

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

[email protected] or [email protected]

I will PM you the no.

Hai,

Can you give me yr contact number so I can call and talk to you regarding this matter? If you don't mind!

How's your wife? I should meet up with her before I leave, so I can teach her the secret of pocket parking. I taught most of my clients already and some of them called me back and thank me for the technique I gave them on how to pass their pocket parking, meaning? they pass their test :) hi! hi! hi!

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

Still I want the commision:)

I obtained IDP from Mystica for my wife. What she mentioned above is completly true.

Mystica - hey you are doing a brisk businees here HA. where is my commision? :)

Yes. apply and get it within 7 days and start driving.

Which one do you want do you prepare?

Some people has no driving license driving around Doha and when they meet accident they run and leave their vehicles because they can be in a serious trouble in this country!

or

Some people are driving legally using their International Driving License but in process of the local Driving license as you cannot avoid it, you should apply for the local one too!

In my case, before having the local driving license, I was depending on my Int'l Driving license, since I arrived here for at least 7 to 8 months, I had an accident and had my Resident Permit and showed it to the traffic police and voala! my car is fixed back to it's beauty! That means they acknowledge Int'l Driving License here but you still have to get the local one.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

So can i apply for it without a problem than? One year problem free is it?

Do you have any idea how i can confirm this things. You know all the goverment dept here speak arabic and they don't understand what so ever. Do you have got any reliable source to confirm the above statement:

a) 1 year valid

b) malaysia license

c) Have a RP

Don't get me wrong. I just being very objective with what i want. Not demading!

International license is only allowed for 1 year period of time. Depends which International Driving License you have. some Asians country don't have Qatar on the list.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

ok mystica, i'm confused. The person i called told me that i can drive with the international driving license for 1 year. What does that mean?

If you have a valid driving license from your country of origin, you can drive a rental car for a period of seven days. However, if you have an INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE, THERE IS NO TIME LIMIT. Before the seven-day period is up, you will need to get a temporary driving license that is valid for the period of your visa. All nationalities may exchange their country of origin's license for a temporary Qatar license, however you may not do so if you have already started the residence visa process. If this has been started, you will have to wait for the visa before applying for a permanent license.

To obtain the temporary license, you will need to apply in person at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department, where you will be required to complete an application form. This will have to be completed in Arabic (there are a number of typing shops within the confines of the traffic department who will assist, for a small fee). If you have entered the country on a business visa, your sponsor will need to sign the form.

The documents required for a temporary license are:

* Application form

* Original license from country of origin.

* Original passport or your Qatar ID card

* Passport copy

* Three passport photographs (remember, if you normally wear glasses, you should be wearing them in the photo)

Upon presentation of the above documents you will undergo an eye test, which is performed there and then on the premises. You will need to find (not an easy task), and then pay, the cashier. The fee is QR 150 and you will need a credit card as no cash payments are accepted. You should be able to collect the license the following day.

A temporary license allows you to drive rental cars, however you may not be insured to drive a privately owned car - this is purely at the discretion of the individual insurance company and they should be contacted to ensure coverage.

Upon receipt of your residence visa, you will be able to apply for a permanent license, which is valid for five years. If you are caught driving without a license, the penalty is QR 100.

Holders of GCC driving licenses can obtain a permanent Qatar driving license automatically, regardless of their country of origin. The majority of European and Western licenses can also be automatically exchanged; however, due to the constantly changing regulations, it is prudent to check with the traffic department at the time of applying.

If you do have an exchangeable license, you will need to apply in person at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department (489 0666) and complete an application form that then needs to be typed in Arabic and signed by your sponsor.

The documents required for a permanent license are:

* Application form

* Original license from country of origin

* No objection letter from your sponsor (in Arabic)

* Copy of trade license (if you are sponsored by a company)

* Copy of your sponsor's ID

* Original passport or your Qatar ID card

* Passport copy

* Three passport photographs

Upon presentation of the above documents, you will undergo an eye test, which is performed immediately on the premises. Pay the cashier a fee of QR 155 (no cash payments are accepted so take your credit card!). You should be able to collect the license the following day.

If you are unfortunate enough to come from a country that is not allowed to automatically exchange licenses, you will have to undergo a driving test. This involves both an oral test and a road test. The tests are conducted in manual transmission cars and there may be up to four people in the car, each one taking turns to drive. During the holy month of Ramadan ladies are not permitted to take a road test.

The operating hours for the traffic department are strictly 07:00 to 11:00 and 13:00 to 19:00, however, the ladies section is only open in the morning. At closing time, you will be asked to return either in the evening or the next day, regardless of how far you are in the queue! If you are prepared to wake up early and be there at 07:00, you will find it quite quiet.

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Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...

http://www.alwatanyah.com.qa/qatar/cer.php

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig 2 graves...