How to get your driving license in Qatar

If you are new in Qatar and you already have your valid international driving license, then it is possible to drive in Qatar for a limited time. 

However, you must apply to the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) for a new driving license.

Any resident in Qatar can apply for a license if they meet all the specific requirements. 

First, the applicants need to complete the driving license application form and provide it with a no-objection letter written in Arabic from the applicant’s sponsor. 

If your age is 18 years, then you can go for a light driving license or motorcycle license, however,  if you are 21 years and above you can apply for a heavy vehicle driving license, or for an agriculture and construction vehicle license.

Documents needed to apply:

• A valid passport and a copy of it 
• Residence permit (ID card)
• Sponsor’s ID card
• Three colored passports sized photographs (recent)

Qatari citizens must meet the same requirements, but they need to show proof of training insurance for a period of three months if they are wishing to learn in a private car.

In order to take the driving test, it is necessary to apply to a driving school for driving lessons first. 

For expatriates who have already had experience in driving, it is possible to take a half course. 

If you are already having a driving license from another country but you are not able to exchange their license, you must have at least 15 hours of theory lessons before you can take the driving test. 

However, if you are a new driver, you must complete at least 15 hours of theory classes and a minimum of 35 hours of driving lessons.

Driving tests can be taken in both Arabic and English. It includes a theory computer test with 20 questions, a straight parking test, a reverse parking test, and a road test. It is also necessary to pass an eye test.

To pass the theory test, the applicant must answer 19 of the 20 questions, but 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 the test.

The driving license is issued immediately after passing the test and it is valid for five years for residents, and ten years for citizens. 

However, in the case 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.

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