Renting a car with a UK license

broxisteve
By broxisteve

Hi,

I will be arriving shortly in Doha from the UK. To rent a car, and ultimately obtain a Qatari license, do you need your paper copy of the UK license or is the card good enough. Only reason for asking is that I can't find my paper copy, however I always carry my card with me. Even if I contact the DVLA now, it won't arrive in time. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

By GodFather.• 28 May 2009 14:34
Rating: 4/5
GodFather.

Now if you are only coming for a visit then UK licence or International licence issued at the Post Office is enough.

If you coming over to work and reside in Qatar then you can apply for a Temporrary driving licence for up to 3 months until your RP is sorted after which you can convert your Temporary Qatari Licence to a full Qatari licence for 5 years.

I hope this helps.

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

By umabdur• 28 May 2009 14:25
umabdur

Is it worthwhile getting an international drivers license before coming or just 'come as you are' sort of thing? 'Cause with the inter. license cant you drive for as long as your country of origin license is valid? I have no idea how licensing works, I only know bureaucracy is time consuming in any country and one week is not a lot of time to sort out a driver's license.

By jjh• 21 May 2009 19:39
jjh

nop! they do issue a temporary driving license to Westerners using their licenses back home when they arrive here. they can only apply for the proper one after their residence visa is been issued. :)

Have a nice day!

By britexpat• 21 May 2009 19:36
Rating: 4/5
britexpat

I think its the other way round :)

Once your RP is rady, you can go to the Police Station , take the medical and ge your Qatari license by showing your British license.

By jjh• 21 May 2009 19:33
jjh

what about our Qatari Driving license? will they convert it to UK license when I get there?

Have a nice day!

By britexpat• 21 May 2009 19:28
Rating: 5/5
britexpat

Yes you can rent with a UK License. However, they suggest that you go to the Police station and they will issue a temporary driving license till your RP is sorted out..

By jjh• 21 May 2009 19:24
Rating: 5/5
jjh

UK card driving license should be enough, but you're better off to bring an International Driving license along with you, if you intend to rent a car when you get here. As far as I know they only accept your UK license here for a short period of time (1 week). Renting a car using your UK license may not be possible. When you arrive they will issue you a temporary license while your residence visa is under process, after receiving your residence visa they will just convert your UK license to their Qatari license. No problem at all!

Have a nice day!

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