Qatar Driving License Procedure With Easy Steps 2024
You should have a Qatar driving license to drive motor vehicles legally on roads. To get a driving license, your minimum age for light motor vehicles is 18 years, and 21 years for heavy vehicles.
In Qatar, the administration has streamlined the process for individuals looking to convert their GCC driving licenses into a Qatar driving license, obtain an international driving license, or renew existing Qatar Driving license. If you don’t possess any of these documents, you can also 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 all
First, you need to practice, so get yourself enrolled in any government-authorized driving school and obtain a learner permit. Learn, Practice, and pass the driving exam. Typically, You have to pass the Theory test, Road test, and parking test (L & P) to obtain a drivers license.
There is a standard rule for a driving license the world follows. The traffic department is administered by the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) General Directorate of Traffic. Several authorized driving schools for new aspirants follow the same curriculum nationwide.
Guidelines for Qatari Nationals Applying for a Driving License
- The minimum age is 18 for light vehicles and 21 for heavy vehicles.
- Aspirant should have a Valid Residence Permit (QID)
- A Visa Copy and original passport are required in case QID is not issued.
- Enrol in authorized driving school.
- Colour Photographs (3x Passport Size)
- Advance 3 Months Driving learning deposit if you wish to learn using a private car.
Guidelines for Non-Qataris Seeking a Driving License in Qatar
- The minimum age is 18.
- ID Card and its 1 Copy.
- A Visa Copy and original passport are required in case QID is not issued.
- A copy of the sponsor ID card ( if the sponsor is a person).
- Approval Letter from the sponsor to approve the request for a new license.
- Colour Photographs (3x Passport Size).
Guidelines for diplomats and officials of international missions for Qatar Driving License:
- Book of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- A copy of the diplomatic card
- Original license
- 3 recent colour photographs (passport size)
Qatar Driving License Application Procedure:
Following are the steps to complete driving license application:
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 like Audi, Mercedes, etc according to the needs of aspirants. Interestingly, they all follow the same curriculum which is provided by MOI.
Step 2: Apply for NOC (No Objection Certificate)
As Qatar is shifting towards technology, applicants can easily get NOC using an e-portal by MOI or Metrash mobile application online. There are some requirements to follow:
- NOC is not required for Qatari males.
- NOC has to be given by a guardian for Qatari females.
- NOC has to be given to expatriates from sponsorship companies.
Step 3: Eye Test ( Vision Test)
The eye test is mandatory for a driving license, Some driving schools have eye-test (vision test) facilities in their schools which update the result on the MOI website if you test your eyes. Otherwise, you can bring your eye test from a recognized ophthalmologist or optometrist from the traffic department. There is a fee for this test that varies between QR 25 to QR 50.
Step 4: Choose a Course for a Driving License
There are so many authorized driving schools that offer a range of courses on different vehicles with both male and female faculty. If you are a foreigner and you have driving experience you may get half a course after approval from the Traffic department. In this case, you need to submit your foreign driver’s license and they will advise you suitable course.
Step 5: Submit Documents and Pay the Fee
The traffic department needs some documents to verify your identity, The following is the list of documents that are required at the time of registration:
- Valid Qatar ID at least 18 years old
- NOC from Sponsor ( Metrash2 app)
- 3 Recent Colour passport size photographs. ( If you are an eyeglass wearer then take a photo in spectacles)
- Eye test (Vision test) certificate
- Original Previous country driver’s license if you are applying for half course
- Pay the Fee
After submitting all the documents and fees. Driving school fees vary from QR 250 to QR 600. Your driving school will open an account where you would learn theory in the form of a PDF or CD and some good schools have their own mobile applications and website to teach you in a better way.
Step 6: Theory Lesson & Test for Drivers License
From this step, you start learning and progressing. First, you learn about theory lessons which include traffic rules, traffic signs driving ethics, and much more. You will be provided with a tablet or computer in class where you will learn and test your progress accordingly. Some schools have made software for aspirants to test themselves and for a better experience, and few schools offer simulator training as well for better steering control.
After the theory lessons, you can appear in the theory test. It is simply based on 40 questions and it is necessary to answer 37 correct answers to pass this test. For the ease of aspirants, this test is available in multiple languages and it is conducted online nowadays
Step 7: Practical Lessons for Qatar Driving License
After the completion of the theory test, your training starts with the driving instructor where you will learn in real-time experience by driving a vehicle on the roads. This is the main part of your course. You can choose your driving instructor on your own. If you need a female instructor you may charge more.
This session will help you learn the basic techniques for the use of indicators, brakes, and accelerators. You need to master “P” and “L”, that is the core of this task.
Step 8: Road & Parking Test
When you are confident about your skills you will be given a date for the road test. In which, a traffic officer and 2 other people will sit with you in a car and they will observe your driving school. Upon the completion of the road test, you will be given a date for the parking test.
In the parking test, You need to pass the “L” and “P”. These tasks need to be passed on the same day, P means Parallel parking and L means perpendicular parking. 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:
- Login to Metrash2 mobile application
- Select “Traffic”
- Select License Service
- Select “License NOC”
- Enter All the details QID, Visa Number etc.
Proofread all the details and click “Next”. You will get a notification on the metrash2 app.
There is another method e-portal by MOI from where you can easily get NOC.
How to Get Driving License NOC Using E-Portal By MOI Website
You should have a smartcard to use e-services, otherwise use the metrash2 app.
- Search “moi.gov.qatar” on the browser
- Log in with your smartcard
- Select the required transaction type (Personal for the smart card owner or Company Name for the authorized person).
- Select “Traffic Services”
- Select “Driving License” for NOC.
- Select the NOC “Request Details” page.
- Enter the QID of a sponsored person or visa number in the specified box.
- Select the required driving license category.
- Select the required approval (Issue a New or Replace Lost License).
- Click on “Confirm” after reviewing the request details.
- To issue another NOC, click “New Entry” and repeat the mentioned steps.
Updated Driving License Fee 2024
The traffic department has shared the official test fee according to the vehicle category. The fee must be submitted using a credit/debit card at the traffic department. Below is the table for better understanding.
| Vehicle Category | Fee | Duration (Validity) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi Permit | QAR 250 | Annually |
| Driver Learning Permit | QAR 150 | 3 Months |
| Motorcycle – Qatari Resident | QAR 300 | 10 years |
| Motorcycle – Expatriates | QAR 150 | 5 Years |
| Heavy Vehicle – Qatari Residents | QAR 600 | 10 Years |
| Heavy Vehicle – Expatriate | QAR 300 | 5 Years |
| Light Vehicle – Qatari Residents | QAR 500 | 10 Years |
| Light Vehicle – Expatriates | QAR 250 | 5 Years |
NOTE: Automatic and Manual transmission vehicles are available in every school. If you pass your exam using a manual vehicle then you are allowed to drive both manual and automatic vehicles but if you pass the exam using an automatic vehicle then you are allowed to drive an automatic vehicle only.
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 Qatar driving license by providing them with your information. Here is a list of countries that are exempted from Qatar Driving License:
| Andorra | Australia | Austria | Belgium |
| Brunei | Canada | Denmark | Finland |
| France | Germany | Hong Kong | Iceland |
| Ireland | Italy | Japan | Liechtenstein |
| Luxembourg | Malaysia | Monaco | Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Norway | Portugal | San Marino |
| Singapore | South Kora | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | United Kingdom | USA | Vatican City |
Also, If your country comes under GCC ( The Gulf Cooperation Council ) then you also do not need to follow the whole procedure you can easily obtain your driving license by showing your country driver license. You need to pass the eye exam and need to submit the following documents:
- Copy of Passport or ID card
- Original Driving License
- Sponsor ID
- 3 recent Coloured passport size Photos ( With spectacles if used while driving)
Congratulations on getting your Qatar Driving license.
Some advice for driving in QATAR:
- Drowsy driving can be dangerous so don’t drive when you are tired or drink
- Make sure to fasten your seatbelts before travelling
- Check the Fuel and other necessary stuff in the vehicle.
- Don’t use a mobile phone while driving.
- Check the weather forecast, it might affect your plan.
- Be aware of your surroundings
English 
العربية
After second test if road fails how to take third test ……?
Dear Sirajuddin,
If you fail your second road test in Qatar, you will be allowed to take a third and final test. Godforbid, If you fail your third road test, you will not be able to take any more tests without first completing a new driving course. You can check the driving schools here https://www.qatarguides.qa/driving-schools-in-qatar/ with your ease of access. Let me know if you have any other question.
Thank you
Hello I would like to confirm that, Spanish license can be transferred now to Qatari license? In that case where do I go to do the transfer ?
Can a holder of a GCC driving license exchange the driving license?
Dear Hassan,
Yes, please visit this article for more information https://www.qatarguides.qa/gcc-driving-license-to-qatar-driving-license/
Thank you
Dear Sheikh Al Fahad,
Hope you are well.
Last year 2022 when I inquired the driving school, My Singapore driving license is qualified for direct road test but cannot direct exchange to Qatar driving license.
I believe there was an update on Qatar Driving License Approved Countries since it was written above that Singapore driving licence can go for direct exchange to Qatar driving license.
Please advise if my understanding is correct.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
God bless and more power to you.
-Neil Louie
Dear Neil Louie,
Thanks for reaching us. Yes, Singapore is one of the countries whose driving licenses can be directly exchanged to a Qatari driving license as of August 2023.
Thank You
Dear Sheikh,
Is it applicable only for the citizen of those license issuing countries? Or would it work for any license holder, let say a Philippines National with Singapore driving license? Thanks.
Dear Fai,
If you have a valid Singapore driving license, you should be able to drive in Qatar, but I recommend that you visit a nearby driving school to confirm this.
Thanks
Dear Sheikh Al Fahad,
Hope you are well.
I went to the traffic department last week.
My Singapore driving License is not qualified for direct exchange, However it is approved for direct Theory and Road test in accordance with the duty officer.
Please advise if it is confirm that singapore driving license is qualified for direct exchange.
Really appreciate your guidance. Thank you.
Best Regards,
Neil Louie
I have a United States Drivers license. On what date will I be able to transfer my drivers license to Qatar?
I do believe that your information about “Qatar Driving License Approved Countries 2024” is correct. The Traffic Department informed me today (3 Jan 2024) that my USA drivers license is not eligible for exchange. I also possess a valid Australian drivers license, and that one is apparently not eligible for exchange either. Can you share with me where this list was obtained and your view of who should know this and which department I should approach?
Regards,
Waylon
Hi,
I have a danish license, it can’t be directly exchanged, but you do get the fast track tests.
Above article is wrong.
Steve
Dear Sheikh Al Fahad,
I’m Canadian and have a valid Canadian DL. Would you be able to confirm that the new rules for 2024 are currently being applied. If so, I can convert my DL without taking the test
Best Regards,
Seyed
CANE SALES MAN TAKE THE DRIVING LICENCE .