How to get Qatar driving license

Eligibility for Qatar driving licence

Before applying it's essential to determine your eligibility. Qatar driving licences are available to:

Residents aged 18 and older — for light vehicles and motorcycles

Residents older than 21 — for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses

Qataris and residents holding a valid Qatar ID
Visitors or expats with a valid visa — they can apply for a temporary license or drive with an International Driving License (IDP)

It is important to know that some professions are not eligible for a light-vehicle driving license. Driving schools receive the lists from the Traffic Department, so check your title against driving school’s pages, such as Karwa, on ineligible professions and confirm at Licensing Affairs at Madinat Khalifa before you enroll.

Documents required for enrollment

If your country is not under the list of exempted countries, enrolling in an authorized driving school for a full or half-course is mandatory. The following documents are typically required for enrollment:

Document	Details
Qatar ID or visa copy	Qataris and expat residents should bring both original and copy
Passport + visa/immigration	For expats without QID yet — submit the original passport with visa/immigration document and a copy
Eye test	Done at accredited eye test centers or driving schools such as Karwa Academy and United Driving School for QAR 50
Medical fitness certificate	Must be completed on the licensing authority’s form confirming good sight, physical fitness, and no impairing deformities. The school/Traffic Department will route your eye test and stamp
Photos	Three passport-size photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Course fee receipt	Proof of payment for your chosen course to the driving school

Step-by-step guide for obtaining a Qatar driving license

The full course typically takes 90-110 days and includes both theory and practical training — 15 hours of theory and 35 hours of driving lessons. Here’s the process:

Enroll in a government-approved driving school: The school will open your file at Licensing Affairs and schedule your theory and practical sessions so you have a clear timetable from day one

Complete the eye test and medical fitness certificate: The licensing authority’s certificate confirms your vision and overall fitness to drive — bring your QID or passport at the day of exam

Attend the theory course: The course covers traffic rules, road signs, laws, and safety. Many schools provide a handbook plus app-based mock tests to prep efficiently

Take the theory test: It’s computer-based conducted at your driving school

Parking practice and yard test: You’ll be tested on L-parking and parallel parking. Eesults are usually given on the spot

Road lessons and final road test: A Traffic Police officer will evaluate your driving. Most applicants get two attempts per course cycle before additional training is scheduled

Pay issuance fees and collect your licence

Collection is typically the same or next business day from your school or Licensing Affairs, Madinat Khalifa. Expect card fees of QAR 250 for 5-year license — for residents — or QAR 500 for 10-year license — for Qataris. Always confirm the latest amount at the counter or in Metrash, as fees may change.

Don't forget about car insurance

Driving a car requires proof of Qatar car insurance for a minimum of 12 months (TPL or full coverage), so ensure you purchase the necessary coverage before hitting the road. Consider QIC’s car insurance plans for reliable coverage during your time on the Qatari roads.

Types of driving licenses in Qatar

Types of driving licenses in Qatar
Licence type	Who it’s for	Validity	Where to apply	Documents required	Notes / fees
Permanent Qatari licence	Residents staying > 6 months	5 years for residents, 10 years for nationals	Licensing Affairs, Madinat Khalifa (often via your school)	QID or passport, photos (3.5×4.5 cm), foreign licence (if any), medical fitness certificate	QAR 250-500 Training/test fees are separate
Temporary licence	Short stays, or while converting your license	3 months (renewable)	Traffic Dept – Madinat Khalifa	Passport + copies, original foreign licence, photos	Typically used for rental cars
International Driving Permit (IDP)	Visitors or residents with home-country license	Valid up to 6 months from arrival	Obtain IDP in home country — present with home licence	Home country licence and IDP	Residents should transition to a Qatari license

Checking eligibility for exchange

If your home-country licence can be exchanged in Qatar, you’ll skip most training and tests — but because the approved list changes, check first with your driving school or at Licensing Affairs (Traffic Dept., Madinat Khalifa) before paying any fees.

Bring your QID or passport, your original foreign licence and a copy, and three to four passport-size photos. If requested, complete the medical-fitness certificate. Submit everything at Licensing Affairs, pay the card/processing fee, and — if you’re eligible — your Qatari licence is usually issued the same or the next business day.

Getting Qatar driving permit for short stays

For short visits or stays, you can drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a licence from your home country for a limited time after arrival. GCC licences are valid for a short period — for longer stays, apply for a temporary or permanent Qatari licence.

International Driving Permit

You should obtain an IDP in your home country before you travel. In Qatar, providers generally issue IDPs only to holders of a Qatari license — you cannot get an IDP for a foreign (non-Qatari) licence after you arrive. Always carry the IDP together with your original home-country licence. As a visitor, the IDP typically covers you for up to six months from arrival.

Temporary Qatar driver license

If you don’t have an IDP, apply for a temporary local driving licence — valid for three months and usually renewable. It’s mainly intended for rental cars. In order to apply, you need to:

Gather documents: Passport + copy, original home-country licence, 2–3 photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm).
Visit Licensing Affairs, Traffic Department, at Madinat Khalifa
Request “Temporary Driving Licence,” complete the short form, and submit your documents (medical fitness only if requested)
Pay the fee
Collect the permit, typically the same day. If you’ll stay longer or plan to drive a privately owned vehicle, move on to a permanent Qatar licence via the step-by-step process below.