Driving Licence in Qatar

Now this is some fun and games. If you have a UK or GCC licence (like me) then you do not have to take any lessons etc in Qatar. However, for quite a few driving licences you have to take lessons and a test I believe.

When you go to the Police Station where they issue licences you will be processed pretty quickly, although you may find the procedure a bit unusual. The Police Station that issues the licences is just off the C Ring Road.

You will need to fill in a form to apply for your licence. No problem. The form has to be filled in in Arabic. A problem. Better to get one from the police station and get an Arabic person at your office to fill this in. If not, someone adjacent to the police station will do this for you.

You will need to take your ID card (as it has your blood group on it etc) on the day. When you arrive someone will usually greet you at your car. You will go with them into a hut and they will help you to fill in the form if you haven't done this already. They will also take your photo (better to have this done there then the background will be the correct colour (so many rumours about the background colour before I went). There is a charge for the photos to be paid at this stage of course.

Your escort will then take you for your eye test (so take your glasses as these will be needed for the photo shoot too).

Then over to the police office where your escort will hand over your completed Arabic form, eye test details and photo. You will then have to pay 250 Riyals for the licence. This part is usually very efficient and you get your licence within 10 minutes or so.

Then your escort will take you outside the building with your new licence. He will then hold out his hand for money. I tipped 100 Riyals when I got my licence as they got the form filled in for me. My wife had her form filled in by someone else so we only filled in 50 Riyals tip. Not sure if these are the going rates?

I think that the Qatar driving licence has a great idea to put your blood group on it, the UK could do this too in case of emergency.

A bit different to posting off forms in the UK for your licence.