GCC Driving Permit: 7 days or 3 months?
Hi everyone,
I moved to Qatar a few weeks ago and while my RP is being processed I decided to rent a car to have a taste of the city, to drive around, get lost and explore. I have a UAE driving license valid up to 2013, but according to the car rental agencies, the rule is that ANY valid driving license, except an international driving permit, is valid for no more than 7 days after arrival into Qatar. Also, they do not deny the service of renting you a car, but warn you that you are taking the car at your sole responsibility, without insurance of any kind. Of course, I did not dare to take the car.
Sometimes I received the information over the phone and a couple I went to the car rental premises to talk with their staff, and got the same story: Select, Suleiman, National, and Hertz, among others.
Before traveling to Qatar I bought the 1st edition of Explore Qatar where in page 27 it says: "...expats from other GCC countries who hold a valid resident's license may drive in Qatar for up to three months.", and then in page 78, one can find the following: "You may only drive on a foreign license for a week, after which time you must have a temporary Qatar license. People holding GCC licenses can drive leased cars for three months".
If I understood correctly, with my UAE driving license I should be able to drive and lease cars without worrying for insurance, etc. But it seems that either I understood it wrongly or there is a separate set of rules for driving a leased car and for driving a leased and insured car.
Bottom line, I applied for my temporary license and will use taxi in the meantime, but for the sake of future expatriates, I decided to bring this topic to the forum.
Thank you and regards.
Can any body guide me about the validity of Qatari Driving License in UAE, Please note that I am in driving school now, wish to obetain the Qatari license soon and then move to UAE, Can i get a valid transfer in UAE??
I spoke to Europcar and they will accept a UAE driving licence. They certainly did not say that insurance would be excluded just thatthe standrad excess would apply.
It depends on how on the ball the employer is. These things are handled by reps which most employers should have.
First step is medical check-up (results within 48 hours), then fingerprinting after which the residence permit can be immediately applied for.
It can be done in a week or in a month.
What's the time scale on it?
i.e. from arrival in Qatar >>> resident's permit >>> applying to the relevant authorities >>> taking driving lessons >>> date for test?
From my arrival in Qatar, roughly how long am I going to be car-less?
No, you need a residence permit.
Since we're discussing driving licenses here. Can anyone share if one can apply for a local driving license without an RP/PR or before it gets approved?
Thanks
Dear M. Cornejo,
I am glad you mentioned that International licenses are acceptable by the rental companies here in Doha, and the Insurance people too.
I happen to be the agent for International licenses issued in America and can help you if you contact me.
The whole issue of what the book says, what the police say, what the driving schools say and what actually happens in the street here in Doha is one big grey area.
In my experience, International licenses are accepted here for six months or more, even if you have a residence permit. I have even heard of cases where foreign licenses accompanied by an International have been converted automatically into Qatari licenses. However, this is not a necessary outcome, it all depends on the weather, the temperature, on the mood of the policeman involved, and yes, your nationality. My Husband is British and had a Saudi license converted immediately by the Qataris, no questions asked.
Good luck with the driving, get in touch if I can help.
KiaraJane.
Hit this link
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/9286
Just keep dancing, it will do you good!