Everything you need to get a driving license in Qatar in 2026, from eligibility and documents to fees, driving schools, and how to renew online.
Getting a driving license in Qatar: complete 2026 guide
Whether you just landed in Doha, are switching from your home-country license, or simply need to renew, getting a Qatar driving license is one of the first practical tasks on every expat’s list. This guide covers everything: who qualifies, what documents to bring, exactly what the tests involve, how much it costs, and how to handle renewals and violations, all from the official Licensing Affairs Department at the Qatar Ministry of Interior.
Who can get a driving license in Qatar
Qatar issues driving licenses to residents and, in limited cases, to visitors. Here is the basic eligibility breakdown:
| Category | Minimum age | License type |
| Residents (light vehicle) | 18 years | Permanent (5 years) |
| Nationals | 18 years | Permanent (10 years) |
| Heavy vehicle drivers | 21 years | Heavy vehicle license |
| Tourists and short-stay visitors | 18 years | Temporary (3 months) |
One thing many people miss: certain job categories and professions are not eligible for a standard light vehicle license in Qatar. The Traffic Department provides the eligible professions list to driving schools directly, so before you enroll anywhere, call the school or check with Licensing Affairs at Madinat Khalifa to confirm your profession qualifies. Schools like Karwa Driving Academy publish updated lists.
Also check out our expat guide to living in Qatar for more on setting up your life in Doha.
Can you transfer your foreign driving license?
Yes, depending on your country. Qatar allows nationals of certain countries to convert their existing license without sitting the full driving course.
Direct exchange (no test required): Romania, Bosnia, Malaysia, South Korea, UK, Turkey, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Serbia, France.
Exchange with driving tests: Ireland, Czech Republic, Finland, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Belgium, Canada, Slovakia, Argentina, Cyprus, Norway, South Africa, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, USA, Australia, Ukraine, Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, Japan.
Half course required: Kenya, Eritrea, Ghana, Somalia, Mauritius, Sudan, Egypt, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka.
For any country not on this list, a full driving course is mandatory. The approved list does change, so confirm with your chosen school before paying any fees.
For the exchange, bring to Licensing Affairs at Madinat Khalifa:
- Valid Qatar ID or passport
- Original foreign driving license and a copy
- 3 to 4 recent passport-size photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- Medical fitness certificate (if required for your category)
- No-objection letter from your sponsor (Arabic)
If eligible, your Qatari license is typically issued on the same or the next business day after submission.
GCC nationals should note that your Gulf Cooperation Council license can be exchanged directly, valid for 5 years. Your original GCC license is surrendered and replaced with a Qatar one at the time of exchange.
Documents you need to apply
For residents enrolling in a full or half driving course, here is what to bring to your chosen school:
| Document | Details |
| Qatar ID or passport | Bring original and a copy |
| Passport + visa (if no QID yet) | Original passport with valid visa |
| Eye test | Done at approved centers or schools, QAR 50 |
| Medical fitness certificate | On the official licensing authority form |
| Passport-size photos | 3 photos, 3.5 x 4.5 cm |
| Course fee receipt | Proof of payment to your school |
Eye tests can be done at the driving school itself at most major academies, or at approved optical centers. The medical certificate confirms vision, physical fitness, and no conditions that could impair driving.
Step-by-step: how the full driving course works
The full course typically runs 90 to 110 days and includes 15 hours of theory and 35 hours of practical driving. Here is how the process goes from enrollment to license in hand:
Step 1: Enroll in an approved driving school. The school opens your file directly with the Licensing Affairs Department and schedules all your theory and practical sessions. They handle the administrative side.
Step 2: Eye test and medical certificate. Completed early in the enrollment process. Bring your QID or passport on the day.
Step 3: Theory course and theory test. Covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. Most schools provide a handbook and a mock test app. The actual exam is computer-based, conducted at the school, and consists of 25 multiple-choice questions.
Step 4: Parking and yard test. You will be tested on L-parking (driving up and reversing down a ramp with handbrake control) and parallel parking. Results are usually given on the spot.
Step 5: Road test with a Traffic Police officer. The officer evaluates your driving on public roads. Most applicants get two attempts per course cycle. If you do not pass, additional training is scheduled before the next attempt.
Step 6: Pay issuance fees and collect your license. Once you pass everything, pay the card fee at Licensing Affairs. Collection is typically the same or next business day, either at the school or at the Madinat Khalifa office.
Qatar driving license fees 2026
All fees are set by the General Directorate of Traffic and paid at Licensing Affairs or via the MOI e-services portal.
| License type | Fee |
| Private light vehicle license | QAR 100 (issuance) |
| Permanent license (residents, 5 years) | QAR 250 |
| Permanent license (Qataris, 10 years) | QAR 500 |
| Motorcycle license | QAR 100 |
| Heavy vehicle license | QAR 600 (Qataris) / QAR 300 (non-Qataris) |
| Temporary license (tourists/visitors, 3 months) | QAR 150 |
| Driving test fee (per test) | QAR 50 |
| Theory test fee | QAR 50 |
| License renewal (same fees as original issuance) | QAR 250 or 500 |
Training fees paid to the driving school are separate from the above and vary by school. Some schools charge extra if you request a female instructor. Always confirm the full breakdown before enrolling.
Driving schools in Qatar
All driving schools are regulated and licensed under the Licensing Affairs Department. Here are the officially listed schools with contact numbers:
| School | Phone |
| Dallah Driving Academy | 4493 0523 |
| Karwa Driving School | 4458 8662 |
| Al Ijarah Driving School | 4406 0100 / 4406 0111 |
| Al Hasba’a Driving School | 4017 0938 |
| Gulf Driving School | 4465 4666 |
| Al Khebra Driving School | 4451 6353 |
| United Driving School | 4468 1003 |
| Doha Driving Academy | 4479 2263 |
| Qatar Driving Institute | 4480 3717 |
If you specifically want Doha Driving Academy, note they also list on their own site the current eligible countries for exchange. Call your preferred school before enrolling to confirm fees, female instructor availability, and course scheduling.
How to renew your Qatar driving license
License renewal in Qatar can be done online or in person. The Metrash2 app is the fastest route for most residents. Services available through Metrash2 include:
- Renewing driving licenses
- Traffic violation inquiry and payment
- Replacement for a damaged driving license
- No-objection certificate for a driver’s license
- Exit permits and vehicle lien release
- Transfer of vehicle ownership
Renewals can also be processed at any of the Traffic Services branches across Qatar, including the main office at Madinat Khalifa (Sunday to Thursday, 6:30 am to 12:30 pm; evenings 1:00 to 7:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 noon).
Driving in Qatar as a tourist or short-stay visitor
If you are visiting Qatar for a short period, you have three options:
International Driving Permit (IDP): Obtain this in your home country before you travel. In Qatar, an IDP is typically only issued to holders of a Qatari license. Carry your IDP together with your original home-country license at all times. It is valid for up to 6 months from your arrival date.
Temporary Qatar driving license: If you do not have an IDP, you can apply for a 3-month temporary license at Licensing Affairs, Madinat Khalifa. Bring your passport and a copy, your original home-country license, and 2 to 3 photos. It is mainly intended for use with rental cars and is typically issued on the same day.
GCC license holders: Your Gulf license is valid for a short period after arrival. For longer stays, apply for a temporary or permanent Qatari license.
For rental car drivers, always confirm your insurance coverage terms before getting on the road. You cannot register a vehicle in Qatar without a valid insurance policy.
Traffic violations and how to contest them
Qatar’s Violations Department handles all traffic fines. You can check and pay violations online via the MOI violations portal or through Metrash2.
If you believe a violation was issued in error, you can contest it in person at the Main Administration in Madinat Khalifa at the Violations Department. You need to:
- Bring personal identification
- Ensure the violation you are contesting is clearly documented
- File the objection within 30 days of the violation being registered
For vehicle plate replacement (lost or damaged), vehicle ownership transfer, and vehicle registration procedures, visit the Vehicle Registration Department or use the MOI e-services portal.
Contact: Qatar Traffic Department
- Main Administration (Madinat Khalifa):
- Sunday to Thursday: 6:30 am to 12:30 pm, evening 1:00 to 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
- Phone: 2344444 / 2344720
- Email: [email protected]
- Online services: eservices.moi.gov.qa
- Traffic violations: fees2.moi.gov.qa
Regional branches are located in Al Shahaniya, Hamad Medical City, Al Zubara, Education City, Abu Samra, Um Salal, Al Khor, Al Daayen (Simaisma), Al Rayan, Al Rayyan, Mamoura, and the Airport, among others. Call 2344444 for the branch nearest you.
FAQ
How much does it cost to get a driving license in Qatar?
For residents, the license card fee is QAR 250 for a 5-year license. For Qatari nationals, it is QAR 500 for 10 years. These fees are separate from driving school course fees, which vary by school. Each driving test attempt costs QAR 50.
Who is eligible for a Qatar driving license?
Any resident or national aged 18 or older with a valid Qatar ID can apply. Tourists and visitors can get a 3-month temporary license. Some professions are not eligible for a light vehicle license; check with your driving school or Licensing Affairs at Madinat Khalifa before enrolling.
Is it hard to get a Qatar driving license?
The driving test in Qatar is known to be thorough. Even experienced drivers sometimes need more than one attempt at the road test. The theory and parking tests are manageable with proper preparation using the school’s app and handbook.
Can Indians drive in Qatar?
Indian license holders are required to complete a half driving course before they can get a Qatar license. They cannot do a direct exchange. Full enrollment at an approved school is needed, after which the standard theory, parking, and road tests apply.
Can a housewife get a driving license in Qatar?
Yes, provided the applicant is 18 or older, holds a valid Qatar ID, and their residency status meets the eligibility criteria. Profession restrictions apply to specific job titles, not to housewives or dependents.
How long does it take to get a driving license in Qatar?
The full course takes approximately 90 to 110 days from enrollment to license collection. Exchange candidates from eligible countries can often get their Qatari license on the same day they submit their documents at Licensing Affairs.
How do I renew my Qatar driving license?
You can renew through the Metrash2 app, via the MOI e-services portal, or in person at any Traffic Services branch. Renewal fees are the same as the original issuance fees: QAR 250 for residents (5 years) or QAR 500 for nationals (10 years).
Can I drive in Qatar using an international license?
Yes, visitors can drive on an International Driving Permit obtained before arriving in Qatar, for up to 6 months from the date of arrival. Carry your IDP with your original home-country license at all times. Residents should transition to a Qatari license.
How many attempts do I get for the Qatar driving test?
You typically get two attempts at the road test within each course cycle. If both are unsuccessful, additional practical training is scheduled before you can attempt the test again.
Where is the Qatar Traffic Department main office?
The main Licensing Affairs office is at Madinat Khalifa (Khalifa Street), Doha. It is open Sunday to Thursday from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:00 to 7:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. You can also call 2344444 or email [email protected].
