It is easy to get a driver’s license in Qatar. First thing, you should reside in Qatar. As early as 18 years old you can already get a driver’s license, this is only for light vehicles or a motorcycle and 21 years old for operating a heavy vehicle like trucks and other big vehicles. You need to learn and acquire necessary skills to be able to drive. This means you are required to take an exam or driving tests at a legit testing center or a driving school in Qatar.
You can easily get a driver’s license in Qatar as long as you present the proper and legal documents required. You may present these documents to the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department office. They are open from 7am to 11 am and 4pm to 7pm throughout the week. (They are closed on Fridays).
Driving License Application
To start, you need to print out an application form click here. You may want to avail translation and typing services in the Traffic Department building vicinity for a small fee.
The fee for getting a driver’s license in Qatar is 500 Qatari Riyal and this if valid for 10 years. For non-Qataris its 250 Qatari Riyal and this is valid for 5 years. There is an additional fee for driving and vision tests.
Those who are applying for a driver’s license needs to register with one of the authorized driving schools listed below. Applicant can choose from Manual transmission to Automatic Transmission. These schools will teach you the basics steps, theory and situations for you to be able to pass the exams held at the driving schools available in Qatar.
Driving Institutes
Here’s a list of driving schools that are authorized to give out driving lessons in Qatar:
- Al Rayah Driving School, PO Box 747, Tel: +974 4877774
- Doha Driving Centre, PO Box 9896, Tel: +974 4792263
- Gulf Driving School, PO Box 15154, Tel: +974 4652822
- United Driving Company, PO Box 15154, Tel: +974 4681003
Qatar Driving Test Process:
Theoretical Exams: This is an oral test on road signs and traffic regulations.
Parking- Where in Instructors will need to see on how you can park your car.
Road Test- Where in instructors would observe and provide you direction on where to go and read road signs.
To take the test, you must complete at least 15 hours of theoretical classes and a minimum of 3 hours of driving lessons.
A driver’s license should be issued immediately after successfully passing the test.
Countries that are exempted from going through Driving School
If you belong to these countries below and you already have a driver’s license, you do not need though the process of getting a driver’s license for Qatar. You just need to transfer your current driver’s license and get a Qatari driver’s license with minimal requirements. The countries listed below are can easily convert their current driver’s license to a Qatari driver’s license.
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.
How to transfer or convert your current driver’s license
If your country is a member of GCC, you just need to convert your current driver’s license by undergoing an eye exam and submitting the following requirements at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department office.
Requirements:
- Passport or ID card
- Original driving license
- Sponsor’s ID
- The sponsor needs to sign a form and may have to provide a letter
- Three updated photos
Driving Reminders
- Don’t drink/drive tired: If you’re tired it would be best to rest first since drowsy driving is dangerous.
- Safety first: Make sure everyone fastens their seatbelts.
- Hands off your phone: Your hands should only use the wheel and shifter when driving.
- Prepare for bad weather: Extreme weather can be dangerous.