Qatar Driving Licence

According to the Government Website, visitors can drive up to 7 days on an approved licence and 6 months on an international licence (car rentals only in general but check with insurance company if you plan to drive a resident's car). As soon as you have been issued with a Residential Permit, you must obtain a Qatar Driving licence in order to drive any other car that are not rentals.

For UK holders, you can drive up to 12 months with your UK licence. If you're planning to stay longer than 12 months, you need to get an International Driving Licence. See website here for more information.

You can also apply for a temporary license which will allow you to drive for 3 months without an RP. Click on the above government website to start the process.

To get a International Driving Licence (IDL) from within Qatar, you can try your local travel agent near you or head to this place: Qatar Automobile And Touring Club, +974 4441 5718, location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xdam5L7yAHRrW51w5

Click here for more info.

Obtain Qatar Driving Licence:

Depending on the Country you got your Driving Licence from, this may determine if you need to take a test. Usually UK licence holders do not need to take a test (last update Mar 2019). You can find out here whether you are applicable for direct test or if you need to go through a driving school.

1. According to reports, you no longer require a NOC from your Employer/Sponsor. This may be different on a case by case basis. But better to double check with them as there is no official information on this.
2. You need a QID to take an eyesight test, this usually done in Test Centers or go to an approved optician and check that they can update the MOI database. Once complete, they will add this to the system.
3. Go to Medina Khalifa traffic department and present your home country license and QID and two blue background photos. You must have a credit/debit card and pay 250 QAR for the licence. Take a copy of your QID.

The following steps relate to if you need to complete a driving test.

1. An Officer at Medina Khalifa will tell you which tests you need to complete (signals theory test, L and P parking test and road test). Some countries can skip the L and P test,
2. Go to any driving school’s traffic department and book your signals test. They will charge you 50 QAR and give you a date. On the given date you are put in a room with about 20 computers and you will complete a multiple choice exam. They will ask for a photo and your QID prior to taking the test. After completion go back to the school's traffic department and book the L and P test, they will charge another 50 QAR.
3. On the day of the L and P test go into the reception of the driving school and pay 200 QAR (keep the receipt, if you pass the road test is included in this fee). Look up Al Dalla driving school to see what the test is about, it is quite simple if you follow the directions online. If you pass then go back to the school's traffic dept and book the road test. **NOTE** Some schools have very long wait times, you can try schools outside of Doha or try and convince the officer on duty to give you an earlier date. Check the map for different driving schools.
4. On the day of the road test, go to the reception area of the driving school present your receipt and go to the road test area. The test is very simple, usually around three roundabouts, remember to signal in and out of roundabouts and not impede traffic. You will get a text after the test telling you whether you passed or failed. If you pass then go back to the school's traffic department, pay 250 QAR and collect your license.
5. At any point if you fail you have to repay for the test.

Renew Qatar Driving Licence:

To renew your Qatar Driving Licence, you can do this by Matresh2 App and have this delivered to you. You can do this online also, click here.

Motorbike Licence:

Visit here for further information.

But please double check the website above. You can also ask on the WhatsApp group below for any clarification from our members, link is at the bottom of the page.

The licence Department in Medina Khalifa is usually open from 7am to 12pm ish Sun-Thurs only.