Getting a driving license in Qatar

A valid driving licence is compulsory for anyone driving a vehicle in Qatar. It is possible to drive in Qatar with a non-Qatari driving licence for a limited time. 

It is necessary to apply to the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior for a new driving licence.

Requirements:
Non-Qatari citizens must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age for a light driving licence or motorcycle licence
• Be 21 years of age for a heavy vehicle driving licence or for agricultural or construction vehicle licences
• Complete the driving licence application form
• Provide a no-objection letter from the applicant's sponsor (in Arabic)
• Have a valid passport and copy of this
• Submit a copy of sponsor's ID card
• Provide three recent, coloured, passport sized photographs
• Have a residence permit
• Some professions will not be allowed to apply for driver's license. [List of ineligible professions]

Qatari citizens must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age for a light vehicle driving licence or motorcycle licence
• Be 21 years of age for a heavy vehicle driving licence or for agricultural or construction vehicle licences
• Have a valid ID card and present a copy of this on application
• Complete the driving licence application form
• Provide three recent, coloured, passport-sized photographs
• Show proof of training insurance for a period of three months if wishing to learn in a private car

The Driving Test :

To take the driving test it is first necessary to apply to a driving school for lessons. For expatriates who have already had experience driving, it is possible to take a half course.

To be able to take the test a new driver must have had:

At least 15 hours of theory classes

A minimum of 35 hours of driving lessons

Drivers who already have a driving licence from another country but are not able to exchange their licence must have at least 15 hours of theory lessons before they can sit the driving test.

The Commercial Bank of Qatar is offering complimentary vouchers worth QAR 300 for local driving lessons for all NTQ (New To Qatar) account holders. Check HERE for more details.

The driving test includes the following:

• A theory Computer Test with 20 Questions
• Reverse parking test
• Straight parking test
• A road test

It is also necessary to pass an eye test, which is usually carried out before the theory and practical part of the test.

The driving test may be taken in English or Arabic. To pass the theory test, you have to answer correctly 19 of the 20 questions.

If the applicant fails one part of the test, they will not proceed to the next stage of the test. The applicant is usually informed at each stage whether they have passed or failed.

Tests are conducted on manual/automatic transmission cars, depending on the course you chose, with a traffic police officer. Female applicants take the test with a female traffic police officer. The test is considered to be difficult and approximately 50 percent of applicants fail on their first attempt.

The driving licence is issued immediately after passing the test and is usually valid for five years for residents, and ten years for citizens. It is possible to renew a driving licence online through the Hukoomi website.

Failing the driving test

In the event of failing the test, it is necessary to reapply and take the test again, usually within a month or two. It is normally not necessary to repeat any parts of the test that were successfully passed.

You can find List of driving schools here http://www.qatarliving.com/driving-schools