Qatar Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Qatar Driving Licence : To obtain a driver’s license in Qatar, you must go through these steps:

  • Meet the eligibility criteria set by theTraffic Department
  • Study the road signs and traffic rules from the guidebook
  • Pass the computer-based theory test
  • Take practical driving lessons with an instructor
  • Pass the road driving test
  • Get a medical test done at an approved center
  • Submit your license application to the Traffic Department
  • Get your photo taken and collect your new license

Eligibility Criteria for Getting a Qatar Driving Licence

To qualify for a Qatari driving license, you must:

  • Be a minimum of 18 years old (21 for buses and heavy vehicles)
  • Have a valid Qatar ID and residency permit
  • Provide a medical certificate and pass eye test
  • Show proof of blood group
  • Pass the computerized theory test
  • Pass the practical road test

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a New License

Here is an overview of the complete process for obtaining your first driver’s license in Qatar:

  • Step 1: Study the driving manual, road signs, and traffic rules
  • Step 2: Register for compulsory driving lessons at a driving school
  • Step 3: Take classroom theory lessons about road safety
  • Step 4: Take practical lessons with an instructor
  • Step 5: Pass the internal theory exam at the driving school
  • Step 6: Get a medical certificate from an approved medical center
  • Step 7: Book and pass the computerized Traffic Department theory test
  • Step 8: Schedule and pass the practical road test
  • Step 9: Submit all documents and apply for a license at the Traffic Department
  • Step 10: Get license printed with photo

Types of Driver’s Licenses in Qatar

There are several categories of driver’s licenses issued in Qatar:

  • Category 1: Motorcycles
  • Category 2: Private vehicles up to 3500 kg
  • Category 3: Private & light commercial vehicles
  • Category 4: Heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and buses
  • Category 5: Special vehicles like cranes and forklifts
  • Category 6: Agricultural and farming vehicles
  • Category 7: Disabled drivers or modified vehicles

Minimum Ages for License Categories

  • Category 1: 18 years
  • Category 2: 18 years
  • Category 3 & 4: 21 years
  • Other categories: 21 years

How to Renew a Qatar Driving License

To renew your Qatar driver’s license:

  • Check the expiry date on your card and ensure it’s expired
  • Bring your QID, old license, and medical certificate
  • Fill out the license renewal application
  • Get a new photo taken at the Traffic Department
  • Clear any pending traffic fines you may have
  • Pay the license renewal fee
  • Pass the medical fitness test and eye exam
  • Get your new license card printed

Documents Required for Renewal

  • Expired driver’s license
  • Qatar ID copy
  • Valid medical certificate
  • No pending traffic fines
  • Renewal application form
  • Fee payment

Replacing a Lost/Damaged Qatar License

If your Qatar driving license is lost or damaged, you must apply for a replacement within 2 weeks by:

  • Reporting the loss/damage to the nearest police station
  • Obtaining a police report of your lost license
  • Visiting the Traffic Department with documents
  • Filling out the application for license replacement
  • Providing a new medical certificate
  • Paying the replacement license fee
  • Getting your photo captured for the new license
  • Collecting the replacement license after 2 weeks

You’ll be given a temporary printout valid for 2 weeks until your permanent replacement license is issued.

Changing Your Address on Your Qatar Driving License

When changing residence in Qatar, you must update your address on your driving license within 2 weeks by:

  • Visiting the Traffic Department in-person
  • Filling out the change of address application
  • Providing documents like new lease and QID
  • Paying a fee of QR 50 for the address change
  • Getting a new driving license printed with updated address

You will be provided a temporary license until the permanent license is ready for collection.

Taking the Theory and Practical Driving Tests

To get a driver’s license in Qatar, you’ll need to pass a theory test and practical driving test.

Theory Test

  • Computer-based test with touch screen interface
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Covers road signs, rules, fines and safety
  • 30 multiple choice questions
  • Must score at least 27 out of 30 to pass

Practical Driving Test

  • On-road driving test in the applicant’s vehicle
  • Assesses control, maneuvers, parking, coordination
  • Driving examiner provides instructions
  • Major errors result in instant failure
  • Test takes 20-30 minutes to complete

Traffic Violations and Penalties in Qatar

Some common traffic fines, black points and penalties in Qatar:

ViolationFineBlack Points
Speeding300-3000 QAR6-12
Running red light500-1000 QAR6
Distracted driving500-1000 QAR6
No seat belt300 QAR4
Wrong side driving500 QAR6

License Suspension

  • 12-16 black points = 1 month suspension
  • 16-24 points = 3 months
  • Over 24 points = 6 months

Major offenses like drunk driving result in license cancellation.

Driver’s License Fees in Qatar

Here are some common Dukhani license fees:

TransactionFee
New licenseQR 200
License renewalQR 200
Replacement licenseQR 100
Changing dataQR 50
International driving permitQR 300
Learning licenseQR 200

FAQs on Qatar Driving Licence

1. How old do I need to be to get a driver’s license in Qatar?

The minimum age is 18 years for private cars and 21 years for commercial vehicles in Qatar.

2. What is the validity of a Qatar driving license?

Qatar driving licenses are valid for 10 years from the issue date before requiring renewal.

3. How do I check my black points in Qatar?

You can check your black points by downloading the Metrash 2 app or visiting the Traffic Department website.

4. Can I drive in other GCC countries with a Qatar license?

Yes, a Qatar license is valid for driving in all GCC countries. An IDP is recommended.

5. How long does it take to get your first driving license in Qatar?

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the process for obtaining your first Qatar driving license.