Motoring Essentials

Obtaining a Qatari Driving Licence

To apply for a Qatar driving licence you must be a resident in Qatar and at least 18 years of age for light vehicles or motorcycles, or 21 for heavy vehicles. You must be physically fit and demonstrate a certain level of driving proficiency, meaning that most expatriates will be required to take a driving test at an authorised testing centre. The procedure is simple: visit either the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department or one of the registered driving schools and complete all the paperwork –this will be in Arabic, translation typing services are available for a small fee. Fees: Vehicles QAR250, motorcycles QAR150, valid for five years, for first time applications/renewals/replacements.

A vision test must be done when applying. After passing the test, you may be asked to submit an online theoretical driving exam. This will enable you to start driving lessons at one of the driving schools, then take the practical and street driving exam. There are additional fees for the driving and eye tests.

Holders of driving licences from some countries, eg the UK, France, Turkey, South Korea and Malaysia, can get a Qatari driving licence without a test. Take your Residence Card and original driving licence to Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department to check whether your country qualifies. Open daily (except Friday) 7 am – 11 am/4 pm – 7 pm. For more information, visit Hukoomi at gov.qa

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, certain professions (approximately 240) will preclude you from gaining a licence. However, if you have the personal sponsorship of a Qatari national, or your spouse, then your profession is not important.

Converting a non-approved licence

If your home country's licence is not considered valid by the authorities you will have to take a driving test. For those applying for a driving licence for the first time, as well as those who have to take a test:

• You will need: three passport-size photos, valid Qatar ID, an eye test certificate, and a copy of your sponsor company ID, plus a letter of permission from your sponsor. This includes female applicants sponsored by their husbands/ men sponsored by their wives. This step can now be done online using the Metrash2 app. Check up to date requirements when applying at the driving school.

• Complete an application form at a driving school (see Useful Numbers in this section).

• If you are learning to drive for the first time, a full driving course will cost around QAR3,500. A learner must have had at least 15 hours of theoretical classes and a minimum of 35 hours of driving lessons.

• Drivers who have licences which cannot be directly changed to a Qatari licence can choose from a 'half course' or a refresher course customised to your needs.

• There are separate courses for heavy duty vehicles and for motorcycles.

• There is a charge of QAR50 per test

• Licences are for manual or automatic cars. If you hold a manual licence you may drive an automatic, but not vice versa.

• There is a unified driving curriculum and contract to be used by all driving schools.

International licences

You are allowed to drive with your national driving licence (if it is recognised by the State of Qatar) for one week only (seven days from arrival).

You can alternatively use an international driving licence for up to six months, after which it is compulsory to have a valid Qatari licence. To use an international driving permit issued by your country of origin, you must also hold a valid driving licence that is recognised by the State of Qatar.

Temporary Qatari licences

Residents or visitors who wish to drive for more than one week will need a temporary licence. Apply in person at the Traffic Police office in one of the driving schools within seven days of your arrival in Qatar. You will need your valid national driving licence and passport along with copies, and three passport-size photographs with a white background. If you need to wear glasses while driving you must be wearing glasses in the photos. Fees: QAR10 for the card, QAR150 for the application.

You will also need to take an eye test, usually available at the driving school, and you may have to do a half course.

Temporary Qatari driving licences are valid for three months, but may be extended on application.

International and temporary licence holders are restricted to driving rental cars only. Driving without a licence of any kind is a criminal offence.

The Driving Test

To get your driving licence, you will have to pass the following tests:

Theory: A digital test about traffic laws and road signs.

Parking: Two sections – reverse test and vehicle parking. The results are given immediately. The Traffic Department has completely automated these two parking tests, to prevent complaints of unfairness in evaluation from trainees. It is based on land sensors and surveillance cameras used inside and outside the vehicle.

Road test: Once you pass your theory and parking tests, your examiner will take you out of the yard testing grounds onto the real road to test your proficiency. You may also be asked to do a hill-start before leaving the yard. In order to develop the highest standards of transparency and eliminate complaints from trainees who fail driving tests, smart cars have been introduced in some driving schools.

You will take all parts of the test and be informed at each stage whether you have passed or failed. If you fail one part of the test, you cannot proceed to the next stage.

Once you have passed your driving test, your driving licence will be issued while you wait. The vehicle licence fee for non-Qataris is QAR250, valid for five years. All transactions at the Traffic Department must be paid for using a credit/debit card, or the Ministry of Interior eCASH card (see Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section for more information about eCASH cards).

International Driving Licences

To obtain an international driving licence you must be in possession of a valid Qatari driving licence. Take this along with your passport, two passportsize photos and QAR150 to any travel agency or driving school.

Licence Renewals

A driving licence may be renewed six months prior to or upon its expiry date. Renewal is easy and can be processed through Hukoomi at gov.qa, or the Metrash2 app. Fees: QAR250 (valid for five years), plus QAR20 for delivery, if choosing to have the new licence delivered to you by QPost.

You must disclose any changes to your health that may affect your ability to drive since your last licence application. If, for example, you have been prescribed glasses, you should apply through the Traffic Department to retake the eye test.

Getting Your Car or Motorcycle Tested for a Road Permit

New private vehicles are issued with a registration valid for three years, known as istimara. Vehicles more than three years old must pass an annual inspection before the Traffic Department will renew the road permit. Mandatory periodical vehicle inspections for all applicable vehicles must be done at a Fahes testing site. For a map of stations, how to prepare the vehicle and inspection tips visit fahes.com.qa, call 800 3835, 4021 7777

Timings: Al Mazrooah Sat – Thu 6 am – 6 pm; Al Egda/Al Sheehaniya/Al Wukair/Industrial Area Sun to Thu 6 am – 6 pm; Al Shamal mobile station Wed/Thu 7 am – 2 pm. No appointment required; the busiest period is 8 am – noon.

Al Wakra/Mesaimeer/Wadi Al Banat 6 am – 6 pm; by appointment only, bookings must be made via the app.

Fees: Cars QAR150, motorcycles QAR100, by card only. Remember to take the expiring istimara.

Insurance: Renew prior to inspection, as there must be a full year's insurance on the vehicle before taking it for the istimara.

Metrash2 Service

Metrash is a free electronic service provided by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). Residents of Qatar can register to receive an SMS alerting them to traffic violations, driving licence expiry, car registration expiry, and inspection pass/fail. Under Metrash2, citizens and residents can access a large number of MoI services, including traffic. The mobile phone number must be registered under the applicant’s name. Smartphone users can download Metrash2 on the App Store and Play Store, and the service can be activated via SMS or a Self Service Kiosk. For assistance call 234 2000, visit moi.gov.qa

Smartphone users can send photos of traffic violators directly to authorities via Metrash2. To use, click on ‘Communicate with us’ and 'Contact us'. Enable GPS on your phone, select ‘Take photo’, write your comments and send.

Driving Conditions

Traffic Law No 19 of 2007 introduced a system of tough penalties for traffic offences. They include points and fines for speeding, parking violations and using a hand‑held phone while driving.

These, and other measures for road traffic safety, have been a priority for the government as part of Qatar National Road Safety Strategy 2013–2022, and will continue to reduce the death and injury rates under the second version of the strategy, running from 2023 to 2030.

The main causes of road accidents continue to be reckless and negligent driving, dangerous overtaking, illogical lane changing (especially at intersections), and using the phone while driving. Road rage is a constant in Qatar. Motorists should be aware of drivers ‘tailgating’ and flashing their lights to force the driver ahead to move out of the way, even if there is no space to safely move into. Drivers change lanes without signalling and often weave through the traffic, continuously changing lanes at high speed. You may experience bullying tactics including overtaking from the right and then slowing down as a 'punishment' to the driver who failed to move out of the way. In any of these situations, be aware of your own safety first.

Traffic lights flash on green before changing to amber and red. At the few roundabouts remaining in the country, signals will often flash amber for a short period of time to allow the flow of traffic –drivers should only pull out if it is safe to do so.

Cameras and radars are installed at intersections to catch those who race through red lights. The installation of many more is planned, including sophisticated advanced radar systems which allow for the recording of accidents and booking of reckless drivers.

The police have a number of cars fitted with mobile speed radars – difficult for motorists to locate, unlike permanent roadside speed radars. In addition to speeding, the radars can also detect seatbelt violations, overtaking from the wrong side, and illegal usage of mobile phones.

The Ministry of Interior stresses that its aim in deploying these mobile radars is to reform bad driving practices, thereby saving lives, and not simply to punish offenders.

Violations

Traffic Law No 19 of 2007 introduced a demerit point system which helps to ensure safe driving (by curbing reckless driving) and to reduce traffic related accidents, deaths and casualties. Drivers convicted of certain driving-related offences will have what are termed 'black points' recorded on their records.

The Ministry's website moi.gov.qa lists the violations, which include paperwork and registration offences, driving offences, wrongful parking or obstruction, and many dealing with commercial vehicles.

Some of the fines are draconian, like running a red traffic light. However, in some cases, if you pay within a month you may get a 50% discount – you can either visit the Traffic Department or use the Metrash2 app to check if this is applicable.

The points system means that your licence can be suspended or revoked, depending on the number of points accrued. In this situation, a new driving licence may be issued only after passing a new driving test after a minimum three months of suspension.

Always carry your driving licence and passport copy/Qatar ID with you while driving, as well as the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and car rental agreement (as appropriate).

Some of the more common violations include:

• Running a red light – QAR6,000 fine, 7 points

• Driving in the wrong (opposite) direction –QAR6,000 fine, 6 points

• Driver and/or front seat passenger not wearing seatbelts – QAR500 fine

• Using/holding a mobile phone/other device while driving – QAR500 fine

• Allowing children under 10 to occupy front seats – QAR500 fine

• Exceeding the maximum speed limit –QAR500–1,000 fine, 4 points

• Obstructing traffic at intersections –QAR500 fine, 3 points

• Parking/waiting at places reserved for persons with special needs – QAR300 fine, 3 points

• Driving a vehicle without carrying driving licence – QAR500 fine, 1 point

• Driving a vehicle without a valid permit (istimara) – QAR1,500 fine

• Driving a vehicle without number plates –QAR3,000 fine, 3 points

• Not moving vehicle to nearest safe area in case of an accident not involving injury, or not informing police immediately – QAR1,000 fine, 3 points

There is a zero-tolerance policy on drink driving in Qatar – the legal limit is 0 mg. Drivers who are found to have alcohol in their system when breathalysed face fines of between QAR10,000 and QAR50,000, with a chance of a jail sentence and deportation.

• Applying tint to glass or windows of vehicle without permission – QAR1,000

To check violations registered to your vehicle, visit moi.gov.qa, or receive SMS alerts via Metrash2.

Traffic Accidents

Minor accidents

If you are involved in a minor traffic accident within Doha city limits, you must move the vehicles involved to a safe place. Get the information of the driver of the other vehicle(s), ie name, ID number, car registration number, insurance details and mobile number, and take photos if necessary.

Drivers can avoid a trip to the Traffic Department by reporting the incident via the Metrash2 app. Any of the car owners involved can report the accident, giving their Qatar ID numbers, car registration numbers, and photos of the cars involved. Alternatively drivers can visit one of five traffic investigation offices at insurance companies.

Major accidents

If anyone is injured, none of the vehicles can be moved and the police must be notified immediately (dial 999). You will be required to report to the relevant traffic department with your documentation – you will be advised which one by the attending patrol officers.

Car Insurance

Be aware that the terms and conditions of Comprehensive and Third Party insurance policies vary depending on the insurance company and underwriter, and that it is the car that is covered, not the driver – anyone with a valid Qatar driving licence can then drive the vehicle. Check the policy to ensure you are sufficiently covered in the event of an accident.

If your car is in the garage for more than 15 days after an accident it is mandatory for insurance companies to provide a substitute car; this rule only applies to those cars waiting for genuine imported parts.

Breakdown cover may already be included on some insurance policies or can be added at an extra cost. Check with your insurance company.

See the list of insurance companies in Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section.

Weather Conditions

Dust storms occur due to shamal, dust-laden winds that can suddenly appear between March and August. They can compromise visibility on the roads, making driving extremely hazardous. Switch on dipped headlights – not fog or hazard lights – and drive slowly, using the centre line or the edge of the road as a guide.

Fog may occur between November and January and can drastically reduce visibility. Slow down and use dipped headlights and fog lights, if necessary.

Rain and thunderstorms can happen during the winter months, especially December and January. Downpours may limit visibility, cause flooding on some roads, and make sandy areas muddy. Be especially vigilant during the first rainfalls of the season as any oil spills on the road make driving particularly treacherous.

Beware of drivers using their hazard lights while driving in adverse weather conditions.

Petrol Stations and Other Services

Qatar Fuel, also known as WOQOD, releases the fuel prices each month, as determined by QatarEnergy.

In addition to providing fuel, WOQOD stations offer a wide range of services like car washing, oil change, and tyre checks/purchases. There is usually a convenience store (Sidra), ATM, Ooredoo payment machine, and fast food. Stations widely cover the country, and you can pay for fuel and services by card or cash.

A few non-WOQOD stations may only provide fuel, but other small independent companies can easily be found for other services such as checking tyre pressure, repairing tyres (aptly named 'punctury'), oil and water levels, and car wash facilities.

Need assistance after a car accident? Stranded in the desert? Call 999 (Police | Ambulance | Fire)