PRINT and ONLINE
marhaba.qa 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).
• 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.
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, 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.
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.
The Driving Test To get your driving licence, you will have to pass the following tests: Theory: A digital test; applicants need at least 18 correct from the 20 multiple-choice questions, many of which deal with traffic laws. 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 hillstart 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.
Motoring Essentials
• 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.
International Driving Licences
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).
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