Some tips to help you get a Qatar driver's license
Securing a driver's licence in Qatar has become quite a challenge, especially for the new learners. The primary reason for this is probably that Qatar is trying to slow down the number of new cars coming into the streets.
According to this report from Gulf Times, out of an average 35 persons who take the test on any given day, only three to four get the licence. That's an incredibly low passing rate.
Despite the stringent tests and requirements, there are some know-hows that could potentially help you in getting your driving license. Sadly, driving instructors don't always share these tips with a student before a test.
Some general guidelines while preparing for a driving test:
1. When you first get into the car to drive, adjust your mirrors so you can see everything perfectly. You have to pretend to be adjusting it even if the mirrors were fine. It's important that the officer sees you adjusting the mirror. If you just get in the car and drive, you will fail.
2. Make sure everyone has their seat belt on, especially the officer sitting in the passenger seat beside. Even if you're wearing the belt but the officer is not, you will fail.
3. In most cases before you get in to drive the hazards will be on with the emergency break. Take the emergency break off, turn off the hazards, put on your left signal and ease into traffic slowly. If you don't follow this routine, you could fail.
4. Watch for stop signs. Sometimes they are not clearly on the street. You blow past a stop sign, and you will fail.
5. When driving, make sure you make it obvious to the driving officer that you are looking. Don't just gesture with your eyes. Move your neck to make it obvious to the officer you're using the mirrors. If you're lazy to do that, you will fail.
6. Study how to move in and out of a roudabout. It's in the book. You will definitely get challenge a couple of times during the driving test. If you don't master the roundabout before a test, it's better that you fail and come back for the test when you have mastered it.
These tips will not guarantee success, but it will definitely contribute to it. You would be better off knowing these tips on your test day.
Let us know if these tips were helpful. If we missed any pointers, do share them in comments below.
Thanks for these wonderful tips. I was able to pass my first driving test for manual car this yr from Karwa driving school :D
Lemuel_09 @ use burnol dog..!
Patanis in qatar are owning most of the buisnesses and having luxury cars that u can not own if u work ur whole life..! So stfu and chill
shahid: You just failed for asking such a basic question :O(
While driving should only the center mirror be checked or all the mirrors
Thanks
We learn a new thing everyday ........................
I'm surprised and a little amazed . Perhaps the instructors should be tested also :0)
You shouldn't Brit..ive known that same situation bef a lady student when a police yell to stop then she stopped immediately not knowing that the bus from school nxt to them and the driver is not focused in the road accidentally bumped at the test car..thank God their safe...obviously she's failed...I think the police just test them if how they will response...
When the guy shouts STOP. Shouldn't that be an emergency stop ?
Wild Turkey it seems youre stupid enough to understand clearly my comments...i hope also i will never encounter you at any area here at qatar...ever,,,
Avoid putting on your perfume. .......... Use a fresh set of vest, hanky, shirt & trousers and socks .......... .........
What an odd way to achieve a driver license. Why don't you learn how to drive properly? A smile on your face and a prayer on your lips are a dangerous ingredient once you are on the road. I hope I never encounter you in the streets of Doha.
first and foremost pray that you will drive smoothly, eased the pressure on you and pray that the police that will assign to you will be kindhearted hahaha,,greet in a polite manner the police officer (preferably in arabic As-salamu alaykum) i dont know but maybe it lessen their bad mood just in case that some of the previous students drive terribly, if you need to talk to the officer let say you didn't clearly heard or understand their instruction be sure that your eyes still focus on the road and not in the face of him, if he told you at the middle of the road to"STOP" do not stop instantly instead check your mirror rear and side to clear your path then park your car in place where allowed to park (do not park at all driveway in front of house, bus stop, access, pedxing,,,,) then the routine of parking and say "shukran" with the smile...(though dont smile if the officer get rid of your driving skill maybe a lil bit smile and say sorry)...and pray again that your test will be fine and claim that your already passed...(although dont expect too much)...
PLEASE any one going to driving school DO NOT GO TO AL KHEBRA DRIVING SCHOOL I stuck there and they make me not to attend for exam more than one year I not go to exam
Hello everybody
I have road test on Tuesday 24 November 2015. Please advices me. What I MUST DO. Thanks to advance
Use of mirror is a must .......... one must be presentable while going for any test ....................
Good tips.....
Even getting Driving license..plz follow all these tips to become competent driver..
Always respect other drivers and pedestrian. ..
Hi..i have a test in 12 days ..and i am freaking out coz m really bad at roundabouts and get nervous..any tips please?
its ok Faru... thanks for the advice. i left out 5 days before my actual road exam. i have been driving for 20 years last 8 from Saudi. It's just that they did not honor my international license here in qatar. By the way i am enrolled in AL Khebra.
@vaughnie425 You have to plan your practical classes according to your test dates... I would recommend you to not finish all of your 40 classes before a test schedule...Between which driving school are you going to?
i started full course july...
passed the theory exam july 28th....
started practical course sept. 9 (earliest possible date as per school)
passed the parking tests (L and box) Oct. 13th
now comes the good part i can only take my road test on February 11 2016!
what more if i failed one of those tests. and how can new drivers pass the road exam if the "40days" lecture will end October and the test comes after 4 months?
The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency offers information on the driving test and tips on surviving it here. Meanwhile miDrive, an independent driver training organisation, suggests the 10 most effective ways to combat nerves:
1. Tell yourself you’re ready
You wouldn’t be taking your driving test if you weren’t good enough to pass it. A good driving instructor won’t put you forward for your test until you’re at test standard. Knowing you’re just doing something you’ve done before many, many times before can really help.
2. Keep it a secret
Don’t tell everyone you’re taking your test. Keeping quiet about it takes some of the pressure off, so only tell the people you want or need to tell.
3. Don’t skip meals
Eating might be the last thing on your mind but without food, you haven’t the brain fuel you need for your test. Eating something before your test will help you concentrate. A full English isn’t necessary; a banana will do.
4. Pretend it’s a mock
The examiner may be in a hi-viz jacket and holding a clipboard but try to regard this as just another mock test. You’ll still put in your best performance but you’re less likely to panic about it all going wrong. Remember: no one is asking you to do anything you haven’t already done in your lessons.
5. Arrive at the test centre in good time and make sure your diary is free
Get to the test centre about 15 minutes beforehand so you’re not hurried or waiting too long. And make sure it’s a day and a period in your life when you have no other stressful things happening.
6. Don’t do too much on test day
You’ve spent the last few days, weeks and months preparing for your test, so there’s no need to beat yourself up about parallel parking now. By all means, have a drive around beforehand, but don’t convince yourself you need to do the perfect turn in the road just before you get to the test centre.
7. Stay off the caffeine
You might think you need all the coffee in the world after being awake all night worrying but drinking too much caffeine before your test can make you feel more agitated and nervous. Instead, drink plenty of water or something naturally calming such as a camomile tea.
8. Go to the lavatory
We don’t have to elaborate, do we? Suffice to say, you don’t want any distractions during your test.
9. Remember, there’s no rush
Your driving test isn’t designed to determine how fast you can reverse around a corner. Take your time when it comes to the manoeuvres, and remember that you can always correct yourself. The examiner will want to make sure that you make the right checks and complete the manoeuvre safely, so take your time.
10. Don’t beat yourself up
Also please find below checklist the Officer has to mark you for :
1) Wearing Seat Belt. Check seat belt of Officer also
2) Use of Mirror Central & Rear - (Adjustment before drive and Glancing while drive)
3) Starting & Stopping the Vehicle (Smooth way not like riding a horse)
4) Concentration while driving (No sweating…tension…hurry)
5) Control of the vehicle (decision making)
6) Not to Exceed Speed limit
7) Using Hand brake (Engaging without pressing button and releasing by pressing button. Also to be used at slopes if necessary such as signals where there is a chance car might roll back)
8) Keeping safety distance between cars (not too far nor too short)
9) Correct Overtaking (slowly not sudden)
10) Following the Traffic sign (The officer will tell you to enter to Noentry or park infront of a gate or park at the middle of the road…and you should advise him it is not allowed)
11) Dealing with Turns and Ground lines (Smooth way)
12) Smooth change of Gear
13) Managing safety of the Vehicle (Not that Passengers inside the vehicle are not pushed front & back- left and right)
Goto this Post for All Traffic signs of Qatar
http://www.qatarliving.com/vehicles/carsedan/advert/traffic-signs-your-knowledge
The tips are obviously helpfull for the new participents
Thanks Prephul..
@armarzook.. This is a link to their website. http://www.alkhebradriving.com/all-courses/
.....Clearly mentions details of all courses, including the VIP package which i had mention earlier, and the contact details.
@Faru1992.. I'm no trainer dude. Its better you ask your trainer to help you out if that's your weak spot. I too had some problems initially with roundabouts. A few good youtube videos sorted it out for me ;) Give it a try.
Prephul, Could you please guide about how to move in and out of a roundabout?
Prephul, Can you give me details? Like the fees and contact number...
If your prime importance is getting the license at the earliest, and not the amount you spend on it, go for the VIP courses offered by the driving schools. Not only do you get the class dates and exam dates earlier, but in case you fail a test you also get repeat tests within few days. I joined for a VIP half course at Al Kebra, and within 1 month, I got the license in my hand.
(PS: to pass the actual test, you need to follow the above said tips... Doesn't help going for a VIP course)
@tdpa When did you get your license? Could you mention your driving school? I have failed 2 times by now...I joined 6 months back.. After a test attempt the next test is given after 3 months in Al rayah... and also could you explain how to move in and out of a round about? I am actually confused.
lol.. trying to lessen cars?... they should implement 2-3 cars per family then that's the solution.. also they could inspect cars that are not in good conditions, like cars owned by patani's (old cars that they don't renew ) they should be more alert in the road about expire vehicle's.
Hi all...
Above points are very correct, I follow above steps and I got license recently.
First I wish to officer then adjust seat, put belt, adjust mirrors, release hand break the off hazard light- took 20 to 30 second for these. Then put left signal, check mirrors and over the sholder then took vehicle slowly. Should check mirrors every 8 -10 sec, keep enough speed and distance. When reach round about, need to look mirrors especially right side mirror before exit from round about.
(need to very vigilant in round about). When stop the car, put signal and park safely, then put hazard signal and hand break. (use good sense always. :)