Luxurious cars on the streets of Qatar may mesmerize many but reckless driving is not also an alien sight. Glamorous roads are inspiring people to drive but without a valid driving license it illegal and impossible to drive in Qatar. And when it comes to getting a driving license it is a very tedious task for expats. License not only comes with a heavy price but also with time that is used to hone skills in theory and practical driving classes. According to local driving school only 40% of candidates successfully clear their test in the first attempt while many make only after second or third attempt.

“Expats find it difficult to grasp rules about safe driving” said Babu Instructor in one the local driving school. 

He further said that the driving curriculum includes information about road signs and mandatory signals are proving great help to expats but many are still finding difficult to cope.

While talking to one of the female student enrolled in local driving school she exclaimed that it took her nearly a year to get her a driving license while her friends are still finding it hard to clear after many failed attempts.

According to law if you fail on all four attempts in the full course you have to go back to the driving school again.

Another male student who got his license after clearing it in third attempt said that the moment looked if he graduated once again.

Even some expatriates admitted that they spent a whole month practising back home during their annual leave before enrolling at a driving school in Doha again.

Getting a Qatari Driving License

Once you have a Residence Visa for Qatar, you need to get a Qatari Driving License in order to be able to drive in the country.  If you currently hold a valid driving license from one of the GCC countries, or from one of the following countries, you can get a Qatari driving license without having to take the driving test. 

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, 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 and Vatican City.

If you do not a have a license, or you have a license from a country not listed above, you will need to pass the Qatari driving test.

Exchanging your license for a permanent Qatari driving license:

In order to apply for a full-term Qatari driving license, the following documents must be presented at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department:

• Original license from one of the countries listed above
• A letter of no objection/permission from your sponsor, written in Arabic
• A copy of your sponsoring company’s trade license
• A copy of your sponsor’s ID
• Passport (original and copies)
• Three passport photos
• Qatar ID card

You will need to fill out an application form, which must be typed in Arabic, and signed by your sponsor. Translation typing services are available at Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department for a small fee.

You will also be required to pass an eye test, which can be conducted at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department as well. The fee that you pay for the driving license, must be paid by credit card. It includes the cost of the eye test.

No driving licence for labourers

It generally takes one working day for your Qatari license to be issued if you already hold a license from one of the countries listed above. The license is valid for five years and will entitle you to drive the type of vehicle specified in your original license. 

Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department is located on Khalifa Street.

It is open from 7:00am to 11:00am and 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

For information and enquiries, the traffic department can be contacted on +974 4489 0666.  Fax : 44872494. 

If you need to apply for a new license:

In the event that you have to apply for a new driving license, an application has to be made to the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior. The contact details are:

Ministry of Interior Traffic Department

Tel: +974 4489 0666

Fax: +974 4487 2494

Email: [email protected]

You will need to fulfill certain requirements and provide the following documents as part of your application:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a light driving license or motorcycle license
• Completed driving license application form (typed in Arabic)
• A no-objection letter from the applicant's sponsor (in Arabic)
• A valid passport along with a copy
• A copy of your sponsor's ID card
• Three recent, coloured, passport-sized photographs
• Residence permit

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