05 Sep Licences and Permits in Qatar – The Driver’s Licence
In order to get around in Qatar it is highly likely you will need a driver’s licence from the Qatari Ministry of Interior. There used to be a system in place that allows people to transfer their driving license into a Qatari one but now that has changed. Everyone needs to now take a test to get the license.
Your PRO should assist you by obtaining the appropriate forms from the Ministry website, or you can download it from here.
You will need a few other documents to accompany your application:
- A copy of your RP and three recent personal photos (if you were glasses then you need to have them on in the photographs as well).
- Copies of your passport and the sponsor’s ID (for residents).
- Copies of your driver’s licence from your home country
- The fees for obtaining a driver’s licence are QR250 and the licence is valid for 5 years.
You will also need to have carried out an eye test at an approved test centre. Most high street opticians or clinics can carry this out though (for a fee).
For those of you who aren’t on the pre-approved list you will need to go through a driver’s education course at an approved learning school and then take a test once you’ve been through the appropriate number of lessons.
Several driving schools exist in Qatar, the biggest being Dalla Driving Academy, that allow you to learn the standards required such as:
- Qatar Driving Learning Institute
- Al-Rayah Driving School
- United Driving School
- Al Khebra Driving School (one of the largest)
- Doha Driving Academy
- Dalla Driving Academy
- Gulf Driving School
Once you sign up to one of these you’ll be assigned a set of lessons to go through along with a copy of the Highway Code for Qatar. You’ll be required to learn the Highway Code rules and take a multiple choice test to show you have absorbed all that lovely knowledge of road signs and stopping distances. You must pass this test before you will be allowed to take the physical driving test. Once you pass both sections then you will be authorised to obtain a licence in Qatar.
Be warned though that it has been said that it can be difficult to get through the actual driving test due to the (unwritten & unspoken) rule that the examiner can only pass so many people a day and this may not be your day, despite performing a perfect driving test. If that is the case you will have no choice but to try again another day (for another fee of course).
Also, please be aware that only certain “professions” as stated on your (or your husband’s) RP can obtain a licence. People registered as domestic workers or labourers for example can’t get a driver’s licence currently unless they get a dispensation (which is rare!)
Good luck with your quest!! We hope you get your licence and drive safely around Qatar!
We try to keep this information up to date but if you notice that something needs updating then please contact us on update@wwhidoha.com