Qatar Driving License Procedure: Easy Steps to Follow in 2024

ByMustafa Saadi

To legally drive motor vehicles on roads in Qatar, you must have a valid Qatar driving license. The minimum age requirement is 18 years for light motor vehicles and 21 years for heavy vehicles.

The administration in Qatar has streamlined the process for converting GCC driving licenses to a Qatar driving license, obtaining an international driving license, or renewing an existing Qatar driving license. If you do not have any of these documents, you can apply for a new driving license by following the guidelines provided in this article. This efficient system accommodates both Qataris and non-Qataris, making the process accessible and straightforward for everyone.

First, you need to practice. Enroll in any government-authorized driving school and obtain a learner’s permit. Learn, practice, and pass the driving exam. Typically, you must pass the theory test, road test, and parking tests (L & P) to obtain a driver’s license.

A standard rule for obtaining a driving license is followed worldwide. In Qatar, the traffic department is administered by the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) General Directorate of Traffic. Several authorized driving schools across the nation adhere to the same curriculum for new aspirants.

Guidelines for Qatari Nationals Applying for a Driving License

  • The minimum age requirement is 18 for light vehicles and 21 for heavy vehicles.
  • Aspirants must have a valid Residence Permit (QID).
  • If the QID is not issued, a visa copy and the original passport are required.
  • Enroll in an authorized driving school. Provide color photographs (3x passport size).
  • Additionally, an advance deposit for three months of driving lessons is needed if you wish to learn using a private car.

Guidelines for Non-Qataris Seeking a Driving License in Qatar

  • The minimum age is 18.
  • An ID card and its copy are required.
  • If the QID is not issued, a visa copy and the original passport are needed.
  • Provide a copy of the sponsor’s ID card (if the sponsor is an individual).
  • An approval letter from the sponsor is also necessary to approve the request for a new license.
  • Additionally, color photographs (3x passport size) are required.

Guidelines for diplomats and officials of international missions for Qatar Driving License:

  • A book from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • a copy of the diplomatic card.
  • the original license.
  • three recent color photographs (passport size) are required.

Qatar Driving License Application Procedure:

Following are the steps to complete a driving license application:

  1. Choose a Driving School
  2. Apply for an NOC
  3. Complete an Eye Test
  4. Decide on the Course Duration
  5. Submit the Course Duration
  6. Submit Documents & Pay the Fee
  7. Attend Theory Lessons & Pass the Theory Test
  8. Take Practical Lessons
  9. Pass the Road & Parking Tests

Step 1: Choose Driving School

Qatar is a country with an eclectic mix of technologies and facilities. Qatar driving schools are equipped with the latest vehicles, such as Audi and Mercedes, to meet the needs of aspirants. Interestingly, all schools follow the same curriculum provided by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

Step 2: Apply for NOC (No Objection Certificate)

As Qatar is shifting towards technology, applicants can easily obtain an NOC using the e-portal by MOI or the Metrash mobile application online. There are specific requirements to follow:

  • An NOC is not required for Qatari males.
  • An NOC must be provided by a guardian for Qatari females.
  • Expatriates must obtain an NOC from their sponsorship companies.

Step 3: Eye Test (Vision Test)

The eye test is mandatory for obtaining a driving license. Some driving schools have eye-test (vision test) facilities that update the results on the MOI website. Alternatively, you can bring your eye test results from a recognized ophthalmologist or optometrist approved by the traffic department. The fee for this test varies between QR 25 and QR 50.

Step 4: Choose a Course for a Driving License

Numerous authorized driving schools offer a range of courses for different vehicles, with both male and female instructors. If you are a foreigner with driving experience, you may qualify for a shortened course upon approval from the traffic department. In this case, you need to submit your foreign driver’s license, and they will advise you on the suitable course.

Step 5: Submit Documents and Pay the Fee

The traffic department requires certain documents to verify your identity. The following is the list of documents needed at the time of registration:

  • Valid Qatar ID (at least 18 years old)
  • NOC from Sponsor (via the Metrash2 app)
  • 3 recent color passport-sized photographs (if you wear glasses, take a photo with spectacles)
  • Eye test (vision test) certificate
  • Original previous country driver’s license if applying for a half course
  • Pay the fee

After submitting all documents and fees, the driving school will create an account for you to access theory lessons in PDF or CD format. Some schools also offer mobile applications and websites for better learning experiences. Driving school fees vary from QR 250 to QR 600.

Step 6: Theory Lesson & Test for Driver’s License

In this step, you start learning and progressing. First, you attend theory lessons covering traffic rules, traffic signs, driving ethics, and more. You will use a tablet or computer in class to learn and test your progress. Some schools offer software for self-testing and simulator training for better steering control.

After completing the theory lessons, you can take the theory test, which consists of 40 questions. You need to answer at least 37 correctly to pass. The test is available in multiple languages and is conducted online.

Step 7: Practical Lessons for Qatar Driving License

After passing the theory test, your training begins with a driving instructor, where you gain real-time driving experience on the roads. This is a crucial part of your course. You can choose your driving instructor, and if you prefer a female instructor, you may be charged more.

During this session, you will learn basic techniques for using indicators, brakes, and accelerators. You need to master “P” (parallel parking) and “L” (perpendicular parking), which are core tasks.

Step 8: Road & Parking Test

Once confident in your skills, you will be given a date for the road test. During the road test, a traffic officer and two other people will observe your driving skills. After passing the road test, you will be scheduled for the parking test.

In the parking test, you must pass the “L” (perpendicular parking) and “P” (parallel parking) tasks on the same day. Once you successfully pass this test, you will be awarded a driving license immediately.

How to get NOC using metrash2 for a Qatar Driving license:

  1. Login to Metrash2 Mobile Application
  2. Select “Traffic”
  3. Select “License Service”

  4. Select “License NOC

    5. There is another method using the e-portal by MOI, from where you can easily obtain an NOC.

    How to Get Driving License NOC Using E-Portal By MOI Website

    To use e-services, you need a smartcard. If you don’t have one, use the Metrash2 app.

    • Search “moi.gov.qatar” on your browser.
    • Log in with your smartcard.
    • Select the required transaction type:
    • Choose “Personal” if you are the smartcard owner.
    • Choose “Company Name” if you are an authorized representative.
    • Select “Traffic Services.”
    • Select “Driving License” for NOC.
    • On the “Driving License NOC” page, select “Request Details.”
    • Enter the QID of the sponsored person or visa number in the specified box.
    • Select the required driving license category.
    • Choose the required approval option (Issue a New License or Replace Lost License).
    • Click on “Confirm” after reviewing the request details.
    • To issue another NOC, click “New Entry” and repeat the steps above.

    Updated Driving License Fee 2024

    The traffic department has specified official test fees based on the vehicle category. The fee must be paid using a credit or debit card at the traffic department. For better understanding, refer to the table below.

    Vehicle CategoryFeeDuration (Validity)
    Taxi PermitQAR 250Annually
    Driver Learning PermitQAR 1503 Months
    Motorcycle – Qatari ResidentQAR 30010 years
    Motorcycle – ExpatriatesQAR 1505 Years
    Heavy Vehicle – Qatari ResidentsQAR 60010 Years
    Heavy Vehicle – ExpatriateQAR 3005 Years
    Light Vehicle – Qatari ResidentsQAR 50010 Years
    Light Vehicle – ExpatriatesQAR 2505 Years

    NOTE: Automatic and manual transmission vehicles are available at every driving school. If you pass your exam using a manual vehicle, you are permitted to drive both manual and automatic vehicles. However, if you pass the exam using an automatic vehicle, you are only allowed to drive automatic vehicles.

    Read also: 
  5. How to Get a Qatar Driving Experience Certificate (2024)

  6. How to Convert Your GCC Driving License to a Qatar Driving License in 2024

  7. How to Easily Renew Your Istimara in Qatar (Vehicle Registration)

    8. Qatar Driving License Approved Countries 2024

    If you are a permanent citizen of the following countries, you do not need to follow the above steps and procedures. You can easily transfer your foreign driving license to a Qatar driving license by providing your information. Below is the list of exempted countries:

    AndorraAustraliaAustriaBelgium
    BruneiCanadaDenmarkFinland
    FranceGermanyHong KongIceland
    IrelandItalyJapanLiechtenstein
    LuxembourgMalaysiaMonacoNetherlands
    New ZealandNorwayPortugalSan Marino
    SingaporeSouth KoraSpainSweden
    SwitzerlandUnited KingdomUSAVatican City

    If your country is a member of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), you do not need to follow the entire procedure. You can easily obtain your Qatar driving license by presenting your foreign driving license. You will need to pass an eye exam and submit the following documents:

    • Copy of Passport or ID Card
    • Original Driving License
    • Sponsor ID
    • 3 recent colored passport-sized photos (with spectacles if used while driving)

    Congratulations on obtaining your Qatar driving license!

    Some advice for driving in Qatar:

    • Avoid driving when you are drowsy, tired, or under the influence of alcohol.
    • Always fasten your seatbelt before traveling.
    • Check the fuel level and other essential vehicle components.
    • Do not use a mobile phone while driving.
    • Check the weather forecast as it may affect your plans.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

The fee for a Qatar driving license varies based on the vehicle category. It must be paid using a credit or debit card at the traffic department. For detailed fee information, refer to the official fee table provided by the traffic department.

Yes, you can use your own vehicle for driving lessons in some driving schools. However, you may need to pay an additional fee for this option. Be sure to check with the driving school regarding their specific policies and requirements.

Yes, GCC nationals can directly exchange their driving licenses for a Qatar driving license without undergoing the full licensing procedure. You will need to provide your current driving license and meet the necessary requirements, such as passing an eye exam.

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Hi, I'm Mustafa Saadi. I am the owner of (Qatarcheckvisa.qa) website, which is Related all about visa information. I live in Doha, Qatar, and I created this site to help people understand visas better. On my website, you can find easy and clear information to guide you through the visa process.

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