Have you reached the legal age or recently relocated to the country and are ready to hit the smooth roads of Qatar? Drive safely and stress-free with a valid driving licence in Qatar. It is a legal step to learn driving from experts, undergo examinations and engage in practical lessons.
Navigate the roads with confidence! Let’s dive deeper into the eligibility and process of obtaining a driving licence.
Eligibility Criteria
A driving licence is a mandatory document required to drive within the country. Whether you are a Qatar citizen or a resident, a driving licence is required to avoid legal repercussions.
The General Directorate of Qatar is the authority responsible for issuing licences. It has set some basic eligibility requirements that citizens and non-Qatar residents must meet. These requirements are discussed below:
1. Minimum Age
Applicants must be aged 18 or above for a light vehicle licence and 21 for a heavy vehicle licence.
2. Residency
A Qatar driving licence is only issued to citizens and non-Qatar residents. In each case, a valid Qatar ID (QID) is required. If you recently moved to Qatar and QID has not been issued yet, provide a visa copy and original passport. Ensure to check Qatar ID status and renew it in time to avoid issues during such processes.
3. Profession
To deal with traffic congestion, The General Directorate of Traffic restricts the issuance of driving licences to specific professions. This restriction is only for non-Qatar residents and mainly for individuals who use vehicles the least. For instance, cleaners, labourers, and house helpers.
Similarly, the following professions are issued a driving licence without any restrictions:
- Medical professionals
- Business owners
- Engineers
- Delivery riders
- Teachers
- Technicians
- Sales representatives
4. Other Requirements
Applicants must fulfil some other requirements, whether citizens, expats or diplomats. Let’s discuss these requirements:
Qatar Citizens
- Those who want to learn to drive using a private car must submit a 3-month advance learning deposit.
Expat Residents
- Copy of Sponsor QID (in case the sponsor is an individual).
- Signed letter from the sponsor approving the issuance of a new driving licence.
Diplomats and Officials of International Missions
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs book
- Diplomatic card copy
Driving Licence Conversion and Exemptions
Non-Qatar residents moving to Qatar with a valid driving licence may be eligible for driving licence conversion. In other cases, individuals are eligible for driving course exemption. Let’s review these cases first:
1. Driving Licence Conversion
Citizens of the below-listed countries can easily apply for a driving licence conversion with the Traffic department:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Vatican City
2. Half Driving Course
Applicants who hold a driving licence from another country are eligible for a half-driving course (in most cases). This means they can attend half of the classes and appear for the driving test.
3. Driving Course Exemption
Lastly, nationals of GCC countries are exempt from driving courses. They can directly appear for the eye test and driving test by providing a valid GCC driving licence.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Qatar
Obtaining a driving licence might seem daunting to you, but in reality, the process is straightforward. Let’s go through the step-by-step process of applying for a Driving licence in Qatar:
1. Search for a Driving School
Choosing the right driving school can make all the difference. There are plenty of government-approved driving schools in Qatar, each with skilled instructors and state-of-the-art facilities. The best thing is all these schools follow a unified curriculum approved by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
Consider factors like location, fees, class schedules and offered facilities before finalising a school. Some top choices include:
- Karwa Academy
- Doha Driving Academy
- Al Khebra Driving Academy
- Dalla Driving Academy
- United Driving School
2. Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
The following applicants require a No Objection Certificate in Qatar before proceeding with a driving licence application:
- Females: NOC from guardians
- Non-Qatar residents: NOC from sponsors
Process of Getting a NOC
MOI Qatar has simplified the process with its e-services portal. Apply for a NOC anywhere, anytime, with just a few taps on your phone. Follow these steps for a quick application:
- Visit MOI Qatar’s official website.
- Log in using your smart card.
- Choose the transaction type: ‘Personal’ or ‘Company’.
- Go to ‘Traffic Services’.
- Choose ‘Driving Licence NOC’ and click ‘Request Details’.
- Provide the QID or visa number of the sponsor.
- Choose the right driving licence category.
- Click on ‘Issue a New’.
- Cross-check the application and click ‘Confirm’.
- Wait for the ministry’s approval and issuance of NOC.
3. Undergo an Eye Test
The next step before enrolling in a driving course is undergoing a vision test. This is to check if the applicant has any vision problems that require treatment or the use of glasses. Some authorised driving schools are equipped with eye-testing units. These schools provide testing services at an additional cost and directly upload results on the MOI website.
In other cases, applicants can visit approved eye testing centres like Al Jaber Optical, Qatar Optical and Al Emadi Hospital.
Eye Testing Fees
The fee ranges between QAR 25 and QAR 50 depending on the driving school or eye testing centre. Please note that this fee can be higher depending on the testing centre.
4. Select the Right Driving Course
Once you have finalised a driving school, next comes enrolling in the right course. Typically, a driving course includes 40 practical classes. However, individuals can also enrol in half courses with 20 practical classes depending on eligibility. Some driving schools offer VIP courses as well.
Applicants must choose the right vehicle type, for instance, whether they need a licence for a heavy or light vehicle. Similarly, choose between automatic and manual vehicles (the manual driving course permits applicants to drive both manual and automatic vehicles).
5. Enrol in the Course
After selecting the desired course, the next step is to submit the documents and fees. In addition to the documents discussed above, the following documents are required:
- Original valid Qatar ID and copy
- NOC
- 3 latest passport-sized colour photographs (click a photograph with glasses if applicable)
- Certificate of eye test
- Original driving licence from another country (for half courses and diplomats)
Driving Course Fees
Driving course fees vary anywhere between QAR 2,500 and QAR 3,000. It can be higher or lower depending on the driving school and chosen course.
6. Theory Lessons and Test
After fee payment, the driving school opens an online file where learners can find theory lessons. This introduces learners to basic traffic rules, signs and more. Upon completion of the theory, the driving school conducts a written test. It comprises 40 questions and 37 correct answers are required to clear the test.
7. Practical Lessons
Practical lessons with expert trainers cover everything, from navigating roads and traffic to parking techniques. Parking lessons help drivers learn the art of L (perpendicular parking) and P (parallel parking).
8. Road and Parking Tests
The last step is to appear for a practical road and parking test. Sign up for the test by paying the required test fee of QAR 50.
In the road test, three people judge your driving skills including a traffic officer. Upon clearing the road test, the final step is to pass the L and P parking test.
Individuals can appear for the road test only two times. For parking and signal tests, applicants can appear unlimited times on submission of the QAR 50 fee every time.
9. Receive a Driving Licence
After passing all three driving tests (theory, road and parking), simply follow this process to receive your driving licence:
- Visit MOI Qatar’s official website or the Metrash2 application.
- Login to the MOI portal.
- Under the ‘Traffic’ services, click ‘Licence Service’.
- Click ‘Issue Driving Licence’.
- Pay the licence fees.
- Receive your driving licence.
Driving Licence Fees
Submitting a driving licence fee via card is mandatory for issuance. The table shows the applicable fee for different licence types:
| Type | Qatar Citizen | Non-Qatar Resident | ||
| Validity | Fee | Validity | Fee | |
| Light Vehicle | 10 years | QAR 500 | 5 years | QAR 250 |
| Heavy Vehicle | 10 years | QAR 600 | 5 years | QAR 300 |
| Motorcycle | 10 years | QAR 300 | 5 years | QAR 50 |
| Learning Licence (all vehicles) | 3 months | QAR 150 | 3 months | QAR 150 |
| Constructional, Agricultural or Industrial Vehicles | 10 years | QAR 600 | 5 years | QAR 300 |
| Permit for taxis, limousines and public transport | Annual | QAR 250 | Annual | QAR 250 |
How to Renew a Driving Licence in Qatar
A driving licence in Qatar is valid for 10 years for Qatar citizens and 5 years for Non-Qatar residents. Licence holders must renew the licence in time to avoid legal penalties. Follow this step-by-step process to renew a driving licence:
- Visit the MOI Qatar’s official website or Metrash2 mobile application (Android | iOS).
- Log in using your smart card or register on the portal.
- Go to the ‘Traffic Service’ section.
- Click ‘Driving Licence’ then ‘Driving Licence Renewal’.
- Choose ‘Renew Driving Licence’ or ‘Another Sponsored Person’.
- Provide the required information and delivery address.
- Pay the renewal fee and download the receipt.
- Wait for renewal and receive the licence.
Renewal Fee
- The renewal fee is the same as the new issuance.
- QPost Delivery: QAR 20
FAQs
1. What Is the Procedure to Get a Driving Licence in Qatar?
Getting a driving licence in Qatar is straightforward. Simply choose a driving school, enrol in your desired course, attend lessons, pass tests and get your licence.
2. How Can I Pass My Qatar Driving Test?
Some crucial tips to pass a driving test on the first attempt include:
- Remember basic driving rules.
- Know about car parking and brakes.
- Answer questions promptly.
Obtaining a driving licence in Qatar is hassle-free with our step-by-step guide. Now you know all the details and the processes involved. Get yours today and hit the roads stress-free!
To save yourself from hefty penalties, learn about the traffic fines in Qatar. Stay tuned to the Property Finder blog for more insights into legal documentation and living in Qatar.
