License holders from five countries exempted from taking driving tests in Qatar
Over the years, the demand for driving licenses in Qatar has gone up considerably. With the country nearing the date for 2022 FIFA World Cup, even more people are expected to come here.
Obtaining a driving license in the country has become progressively tougher in the last few years.
However, if you belong to one of these five countries — UK, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Korea, and Malaysia — then you are exempt from the troubles of going through the lengthy licensing process, reported Gulf Times.
The newspaper said that holders of driving license from these five countries are now eligible to get a Qatari driving licence without any tests.
The new rule exempts qualified applicants from enrolling at driving schools and from taking theory and practical tests, according to sources.
“I’ve just come from the Traffic Department this morning and had no problem swapping my UK licence for a Qatari one. Saves me doing the road test which was booked for tomorrow,” said a resident who posted his experience on social media recently.
The newspaper also quotes sources as saying that applicants are not required to present their passports except for a Qatari ID and the original copy of the driving licence from any of the five countries.
According to the UK embassy in Doha, it received a confirmation from Qatari authorities on August 29 saying that holders of a valid UK driving licence are permitted to drive in Qatar (using this licence) for 12 months from the day they arrived.
“This applies to both visitors and residents, once a residence permit has been issued,” the embassy stated in a post.
As of today (31st Dec 2018) I spoke to the traffic dept and was advised no tests required for conversion of UK licence.
However you do need NOC from company via Metrash 2. Now I cant get into Metrash yet as I need to take my QID to vodafone to update (initially was on UK passport) so I cant advise how easy/hard it is to do via that app, my company seem very confused by the question
I believe now that all nationalities includes Brits have to take the test, exempt are diplomats only.
@cvarela in that case I think you never seen a arabi speeding at 200 and overtake you from the right , worst drivers can be any individual who doesn't follow traffic rules and forces others to drive out of their comfort zones , so relating bad drivers to some nations doesn't make a sense , there are many best drivers from india , bangladesh and nepal
Hi, I just experienced my self in this regards that conversion only be permitted if you have not done any test at the driving school. If you had a record that you failed, you may still need to go through the process till you pass so this is not applicable to everyone. Only to those who have not undergone any test, yes you can do so provided you have all your necessary documentation from your employer e.g.: NOC Letter and etc etc
That is very tricky part of the article. I even saw few people from the U.K. Trying to convert their license also got rejected
@mayhem If in some country people do things different thats not mean that is wrong!! And from which country you are that you claiming that you are good driver.
Worst driver coming from India, Bangladesh and Shri Lanka! 1000% That what I see on road every single day last years in Qatar!
Most of the population here not using even indicators and I believe you belonging people from same country!!
Come to we give you couple of lessons!
My thoughts on the number of increasing roads accidents that would occurs if there are no road test for these mentioned countrymen . Acquiring licence from home countries sometimes doesnot requires tests !!!!! Big risk.
Totally difference experience on switching to left hand drive initially ..... anyways the authorities must give a second thought prior to exempting certain countries.
There are 3 of the 5 that drive on the wrong side of the road! And I am not sure how good the drivers of the other 2 are.
This has nothing to do with safety and all to do with rewarding some country. At the end of the day we, the drivers, suffer.
There are 3 of the 5 that drive on the wrong side of the road!
This has nothing to do with safety and all to do with rewarding some country. At the end of the day we, the drivers, suffer.
@ak38_qatar..Try to get Dubai License will know very well all the facts what you mentioned above. Meaning getting Dubai license is more difficult than anything.
I joined driving course in month of Aug 2015 for taking driving license. till now i did not get the license after completing two courses. I spent around 7000-8000 riyals still no luck. The process is not only lenghty and it is very painful experience. Sometimes it feels we are asking for airplane license. I agree i am doing mistakes but other side like who are applying for driving license the process is not at all comfortable . I have few suggestions
1) why there is restriction on no. of attempts on road test. They can keep unilimited, in my case if i have to get license if have to spend again 4000 riyal
2) Do the counselling for the candidates who are failing more than twice. Give them some confidence rathar than just looking for mistakes.
3) Drivers of the driving schools are not trained and dont have good behavior. We need to give tips to them to train us. Quality of the drivers is not on par.
4) Lengthy dates are another problem now this one solved to some extent.