Learning to Drive in Doha
If you're planning on taking your driving test in Doha, then read our essential guide to improving your chances of passing first time.
Getting a Driving License in Doha, Qatar
On arriving in Qatar, you can drive within the country for 7 days if you possess a valid driving license. But, for individuals planning to reside in Qatar for more than six months, it is necessary to apply for a temporary or permanent Qatari Driving License. For GCC residents, the Guld license will remain valid for 3 months from date of arrival in the country. But, if you are a resident of Qatar, then you need to hold a Permanent Qatari License.
Temporary License
With a temporary license you can drive rental cars, although you may not be insured to drive a privately owned car (as this is decided by the insurance company, and they should be contacted for more details). On obtaining a residence permit, the temporary license can be converted into a permanent one. But, the permanent license will be given only if you possess a residence permit, and have five-year validity.
Permanent driver’s license
To convert a temporary license into a permanent driver’s license you will require:
- Temporary Driver’s License (TDL)
- Two photos
- Copy of passport
- Copy of residence permit
- Process fee
Requirements:
For those visiting Qatar from western countries including the Canada and the UK for work purposes can just change their home country driving license for a Qatari one at the Medinat Khalifat Traffic Department, without taking a driving test.
The
documents required to be produced are:
- Passport or ID Card
- Original driving license
- Sponsor's ID
- The sponsor need to sign a form and may have to provide a letter
- Three photos
Residents of other nationalities will have to undergo a driving test to obtain their local driving license. It is compulsory that these applicants have a residence permit so as to be able to apply for a Qatari driving license. In order to issue a local driving license, the usual procedure includes an eye test and a written test.
If you do not hold a valid driving license from your country of origin or home country, you will have to enrol yourself in a driving school in Qatar. Based on your driving skills, you may be required to take a full course (25 classes) or a half course (12 classes)
.
Driving
Schools
Given below are details/contacts of few driving schools in Qatar
Al Rayah Driving School Contact Number 4487 7774
Doha Driving Centre
Contact Number 4479 2263
Gulf Driving School LLC
Contact Number 4465 2822
United Driving Company
Contact Number 4468 1003
Karwa Driving School Contact numbers 44588644 / 44588618.
