Qatar Driving

Overview

In Qatar, driving licences are issued by the General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Its Licensing and Testing Drivers section oversees the issue and renewal of licences and the driving test. To get a licence you must meet age and fitness rules and pass the driving test. In most cases you learn and are tested through one of the driving schools approved by the MOI.

The MOI does not publish a detailed breakdown of the test on the pages reviewed here, so this page covers who can apply, the route through a driving school, and the fees. Ask your chosen driving school for the current test stages.

Who can apply

The MOI lists these conditions for a driving licence:

• the minimum age: 18 for a light vehicle or motorcycle licence, and 21 for a heavy vehicle licence or a licence for construction and agricultural equipment;

• physical fitness, including an eye test;

• passing the driving test; and

• for non-Qataris and GCC citizens, a legal residence permit in Qatar.

People with disabilities are referred by the Traffic Department to the MOI Medical Services Department. A licence may then be granted on the terms of the medical report, with labels on the licence and the vehicle showing what the holder may drive.

Exam pattern

The driving test is run under the Traffic Department, with applicants referred to approved driving schools to learn and be tested.

Applicants who already hold a licence from their home country, and who come to Qatar to work with a residence permit, are also referred to a driving school. There an MOI committee tests whether they can drive. If they pass, they are granted the licence. If they fail, they get one more attempt; after a second failure they must complete a full learning course at a driving school.

Fees

As listed on Hukoomi in 2026:

How to apply

1. Choose an MOI-approved driving school. Non-Qatari learners are referred to the approved schools and pick the one they want.

2. Prepare the documents. Everyone needs three recent colour photos.

   • Qataris: Qatar ID card and a copy, and three months of learning insurance if learning in a private car.

   • Non-Qataris: a letter from the employer or sponsor approving the application and naming the licence type, the passport and a copy, and a copy of the sponsor's Qatar ID if the sponsor is an individual.

   • Diplomats and international organisation staff: a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a copy of the diplomatic card and the original licence.

3. Submit the paper form at the General Directorate of Traffic or a driving school, take the eye test, train and pass the driving test.

4. Once you have passed, issue the licence in the Metrash app (Traffic, then License Service, then Issue Driving License), choose collection from the Traffic Department or delivery by Qatar Post, and pay. You can also do this at the Traffic Department or a driving school.

After the exam

Visitors with a valid international driving licence may drive in Qatar for up to six months from entry, after which they must get approval from the licensing authority. Foreign residents of other GCC countries visiting Qatar may drive on their GCC licence for up to three months.

Preparation tips

• Ask your driving school which stages its course and test include, and how many lessons it recommends.

• Study Qatar's traffic signs, which the MOI publishes on its traffic pages.

• Check the document list for your category before your first visit.