Academyati

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. 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. 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.

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. 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).

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. A map of Fahes stations can be found at fahes.com.qa, as well as details of how to prepare the vehicle and inspection tips, or call 800 3835, 4021 7777 Working hours: Sunday to Thursday 6 am – 6 pm (gate closes at 5:45 pm). Try to avoid the busiest period (8 am – noon), and note that timings may change during public holidays. 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.

Metrash 2 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 Metrash 2, 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 Metrash 2 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 Metrash 2. 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, are a priority for the government as part of Qatar National Road Safety Strategy 2013–2022. The second five-year plan (2018–2022) was launched buoyed by the successful conclusion of the first five-year plan (2013–2017) of the Strategy, which saw the number of deaths on the roads reduced from 235 in 2013 to 178 in 2016. 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 are warned to 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.

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 • 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.

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.

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 now 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. m

A Hybrid Future

By Ola Diab The Ministry of Municipality has launched a set of new rented hybrid environmentally friendly cars to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the air.

The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Department of Mechanical Equipment of the Public Services Affairs Sector, has supported a number of departments and municipalities with a set of new rented hybrid environmentally friendly cars to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the air. The hybrid cars have two engines, one running on gasoline and the other on electricity. The two engines work alternately to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while the electric batteries are charged from the gasoline engine and when using the brakes. As a result, the car does not need an electric source for charging as it charges itself. The hybrid cars will work in place of the current rented cars that have been rented for four years, as the Department of Mechanical Equipment distributes them to the relevant municipalities and departments during the current month as a first stage after completing the necessary procedure such as examining and ensuring that they comply with the required conditions and technical specifications. In addition, 'woqody' chips are installed to facilitate the process of monitoring and following up on fuel disbursements, as well as registering these cars in the ministry's electronic system, provided that other rented cars are received and distributed successively in accordance with the car supply programme with contracted companies. Director of the Mechanical Equipment Sherida Sultan Al Rumaihi confirmed that the Department of Mechanical Equipment has started implementing the first phase of introducing new hybrid cars into service in the ministry for the first time, which is characterised by reducing dependence on traditional fuels, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, explaining that the objective of the modernisation is to improve the quality of the ministry's services. Taking into account the best standards and technical specifications for the cars and mechanisms used, these cars reduce 30% of fuel expenses, and work to reduce gas emissions in the atmosphere, which ensures the reduction of environmental pollution. According to Al Rumaihi, 1,226 new environmentally friendly cars will be added within the year with various types in accordance with the requirements of the ministry. The first batch has already been received, which is 129 buses to transport the ministry's employees and workers, including 57 buses from Karwa company operating with the Euro 5 engines, which is distinguished by its use of sulfate-free fuel that reduces carbon emissions harmful to the environment. Moreover, the Department of Mechanical Equipment is working to distribute these cars to the relevant municipalities and departments in January 2022 as a first stage after completing the procedures for registering them in the ministry's electronic system and installing the 'woqody' chips on them. This step comes within the framework of the Department of Mechanical Equipment's plan to develop and modernise the fleet of the Ministry of Municipality by providing the municipalities and concerned departments with the latest cars, improving the services provided, raising the quality of work in the ministry, and providing environmentally friendly cars that contribute to reducing pollution. m

Saudi Arabia Bu Samra Umm Bab Al Sheehaniya Aqua Park

Mesaieed Interchange

EXIT 24

Al Sailiya Interchange

EXIT 17 Salwa Road

Al Majd Orbital Road INDUSTRIAL AREA

and NEW INDUSTRIAL AREA

2

Al Majd Orbital Road

WOQOD LPG Plant

Medical Commission Unit

Street 10

Perimeter Wall G Ring Road

Mubaireek

Industrial Health Centre Street 33

Street 9 Perimeter Wall

QBIC

Street J

Dept of Industrial Estates

Street S

Future Pipe Ind

Street 8

Itag Int’l

Street 7 Al Muftah Carpentry

Street 6

Elite Paper Recycling CMC Al Manjara Joinery

Amiantit Qatar Pepsi Co

Dallah Energy StreetAl Hodaifi Cables Street 5 Street 4 Styro Street 3

Industry Street

Street 2 Street 1

Growtech

QNPP

Street M

Street 1

Street W VW Audi Q-Auto

Al Andalus Wood Factory

Mesaieed Hamad Port Al Wakra Al Wukair LOGISTICS VILLAGE QATAR

Mosque

Water Tower Mowasalat HQ Car Service Centre

Petrol Station New Interchange Qatar Airways Bank Hospital Primary Health Centre

Non-Stop Super Highway G Ring Road

West Industrial Street

FAHES Vehicle Inspection

Street 551

Street 559

Bu Sidra Interchange

EXIT 15

Jaguar Land Rover

Al Imran St National Car Rental

RENAULT

Street 10 Al Inshaat St Correction Colour

Al Inshaat St Al Kasarat St Salwa Road

Street 1

Street 2

Street 3

Street 4

Street 5

Street 6

Street 8

Street 10 Street Car Market

Gulf Warehousing Company GWC

NATIONAL Labour Dept Office

Street 15

Street 18

Al Attiyah Souq

Street 23

Street 24 Hempel

Street 15

Street 16

Al Binaa St

Street 23 Al Manaier St

Street 27 PORSCHE

Street 33

Hazm Mebaireek General Hospitals Hamad Industrial Hospital Al Kasarat Street

Street 27

Street 31

Street 33 Al Furousiya Street Education City/Qatar Foundation Aspire Zone, Aspire Park Al Waab Street Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club

Khaled Bin Ahmed Interchange (was Industrial Interchange)

BMW

NBK

ABDULGHANI MANNAI

MITSUBISHI MG NISSAN INFINITI

DOMASCO

PORSCHE

Al Karaiat St AUTO Z

CAT

Al Wakalat St

TEYSEER

UCA ALMANA East Industrial Street

Khaled Bin Ahmed St

WOQOD

Markaz Tableegh

Ras Al Mahref St

QNAV • Industrial Services Centre • Finger Printing For Companies • Traffic Investigation Division

East Street 23 I/C

HYUNDAI JAIDAH GROUP

KIA Radisson Blu Junction Al Asiri Interchange

Ain Khaled St

Ain Khaled Wholesale Market

Umm Al Seneem Street

BARWA COMMERCIAL AVENUE

Industrial Area Road East Street 33 I/C BARWA

Umm Al Seneem I/C

Gulf Warehousing Company – GWC

West Industrial Street

Street 38

Tadmur Street 39

Al Wraq

Alcat

Street 43

Street 47 Khaled Cement Works

Khaled Cement Works

Al Kasarat Street

DOMASCO Street 37

Street 41

Street 43

Street 45

Street 47

Street 48 Al Karajat St

Qatar Int’l Safety Centre Madina

Volvo JMC Trucks

QCON Cricket Stadium

East Industrial Street

Grand Mall Workshops

Parking

New Staff Accomodation Rawdat Al Khail St Mesaimeer

Rotomould

Street 51

Street 52

Vehicle Seizure Section

G Ring Road

Hamad Port Mesaieed Road

QRC - Qatar Racing Club

Aba Saleel I/C

Hamad Port Rd Hamad International Airport (HIA) Airport Street Al Wakra Road