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On your arrival to Qatar, you are permitted to drive in the country if you hold any valid driving licence for 7 days only (which includes your day of arrival). For those who expect to remain in Qatar for longer than 6 months, it is necessary to apply for either a temporary or Permanent Qatari driving licence. If you are a resident of the G.C.C. countries, your Gulf license will be valid for 3 months from the date of your arrival in the country. If you are a resident of Qatar you must have a Permanant Qatari License. A temporary licence allows you to drive rental cars, however you may not be insured to drive a privately owned car - (this is at the discretion of the insurance company and they should be contacted to ensure coverage). Once you get your residence permit you can convert a temporary licence into a permanent license. A permanent licence, which you can get only if you have a residence permit, is valid for 5 years. If you do not have a licence
If you do not hold a valid driving licence from any country you will have to enroll yourself into a driving school. Depending on your driving skills, you may be required to take a full course (25 classes) or a half course (12 classes). The duration and timings are usually flexible. The instructor will decide whether you're ready to take the test. They may also provide transport to pick and drop you. To enroll you will need:No Objection Letter from your sponsor to go driving school Passport copy with visa or Immigration ID copy 5 passport size photos QR1,800 full course (the prices may differ) Complete an eye test at the traffic department in Madinat Khalifa.
If you have a valid driving licence
Driving licenses from most of the western countries can be just converted. There is no need for you to take the test or go to a driving school, though you may be required to do an eye test at the traffic department. If your license is from Asia, you may have to undergo a driving test or the traffic department will suggest on your application form to go to a driving school for two weeks (half the course). Holders of GCC licenses can obtain a permanent Qatar license automatically, regardless of their country of origin.
If you still haven't got a residence permit they will give you a temporary license after an eye test and once you get your residence permit they will convert that into permanent license. If you have a business visa your sponsor will have to sign the arabic application form to be filled at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department. You will need: The Application Form Original driver's license from your home country Original passport or your Qatar ID No objection letter from your sponsor (in Arabic) Copy of trade licence (if you are sponsored by a company) Copy of your sponsor's ID Original passport or your Qatar ID card Copy of your passport Four passport photos (with eye glasses if required) To do the Eye examination at the traffic department (it costs QR 150 paid by credit card, no cash is accepted)
To convert to a temporary licence to a Permanent Driver's Licence
You will need:
- Your temporary driver's license (TDL)
- Two photos
- Copy of passport
- Copy of your residence Permit
- Process fees of QR 155.
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