Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
There are many expatriates moving to Qatar from GCC countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Many of them have lived in other GCC countries and possess valid driving licenses from those countries.
A common question is whether they can convert or change GCC driving license to Qatar driving license. This article will answer the current law regarding this and the procedure to get a new Qatar driving license based on a GCC driving license.
What is GCC driving license?
GCC driving license refers to a driving license issued by any country of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
Can I drive in Qatar with a GCC license?
When someone comes to Qatar from another GCC country such as the UAE or Saudi Arabia, they have two options:
- Drive in Qatar using their GCC driving license, OR
- Get a Qatar driving license.
Let’s examine the possibilities here:
Expatriate GCC residents who are visitors to Qatar can use their GCC country’s licenses in Qatar for up to three months. A passport or entry visa must be carried at all times as proof of entry to Qatar.
Note that this rule only applies to “visitors” on family visit visas, visas on arrival, GCC resident visit visas or other types of tourist visas.
However, once an expatriate becomes a Qatar resident (a residence visa is stamped), he/she cannot use a GCC license to drive in Qatar. Instead, he/she will need to apply for a Qatar driving license.
Can I exchange GCC driving license to Qatar license?
Earlier, there was a provision whereby holders of GCC driving licenses could simply exchange their licenses to get a Qatar driving license. As per the current rules, this is not possible anymore. However, there is some good news:
Expatriate residents with a valid driving license from another GCC country (UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Oman can register for a direct test to obtain their Qatar driving license. They do not have to attend a driving course like others.
This would save them several weeks of their time and thousands of Qatari Riyals in driving school fees.
This rule was confirmed by First Lieutenant Muhammad Al-Amri, from the General Directorate of Traffic, while speaking with Qatar TV.
How To Get Qatar Driving License Using GCC License
An expatriate resident who moves to live in Qatar (not visit) can apply for a Qatar driving license by following the below steps:
Step 1: Go to any driving school in Qatar
You can visit any driving school near you. Here is the list of all driving schools in Qatar.
Step 2: Open a new file with the Department of Traffic inside the school
All driving schools have an office of the Traffic Department attached to them. Make sure to visit in the morning, preferably between 6:30 and 9:00 am.
The documents required are:
- Original driving license from a GCC country
- Qatar ID card
- Eye test certificate
- QR 50 fee using a debit/credit card
The following may also be required in some cases:
- NOC letter from the sponsor (this can also be done on Metrash)
- Trade license of the sponsor company / QID of the sponsor (if under personal sponsorship)
- 3 passport-size photos
Most driving schools will have facilities for eye-test. You can use them or do the test from any optometrist shop or clinic.
Step 3: Enrol in a theory class and book a test date
You must return to the driving school reception and enrol in the theory (signals and rules) class. Most schools charge QR 300 or QR 350 for this.
You can book a date for the theory test through the school itself. This date can be changed using your Metrash2 mobile app.
Step 4: Study for the theory test and take the test
Your driving school will provide you with theory classes and learning resources such as guidebooks and mobile apps. You can also check our guide to Qatar traffic signs here.
On test day, visit the school and attend the test. This is a computer-based test, and you will know the results immediately.
Step 5: Pay the road test fee and book a test date
Once you pass the theory test, you can pay the fee for a road test and book a test date. The road test fee is QR 200 (includes two chances).
Note that you may need to wait a few weeks for the next test date as demand is high. You can also take the road test at a different driving school. All this can be managed using the Metrash mobile app.
Step 6: Take the road test and the parking test
On the day of the driving school and register at the reception. You will use the vehicle of the driving school. Usually, the road test lasts 10-15 minutes, where you will be evaluated by a police officer.
After you pass the road test, you can take the parking test. This may be on the same day or another date.
Step 7: Pay the license fee and collect the driving license
After the successful completion of the road test and parking test, you can collect your Qatar driving license. You must pay a driving license fee of QR 250 for five years. The license may be issued the same day, or you can collect it the next day.
The newly issued license will be valid for five years.
Important Things To Consider
- The GCC license should be valid. An expired license may be accepted in some rare cases.
- The license holder’s profession should not be on the list of professions not eligible for a driving license.
- The license class should be the same as the old license. If a light-vehicle driver wants a heavy-vehicle license, he must attend classes.
- The rules are sometimes relaxed in the case of professional drivers (household drivers) under personal sponsorship.
READ NEXT: List of Driving Schools in Qatar with Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a UAE driving license valid in Qatar?
Visitors with UAE driving licenses can drive for up to 3 months in Qatar. Expatriates who become residents cannot use their UAE driver’s license in Qatar.
Can I exchange my UAE license for a Qatar license?
As per the new rules, you cannot exchange a UAE license for a Qatar license. However, you can register for a direct test without going to driving classes.
Do GCC citizens have to take a driving test for the Qatar driving test?
No, in the case of GCC citizens, they can convert their country’s licenses into Qatari driving licenses immediately if they have a Qatar ID. Only expatriate residents need to take a driving test.
Related Articles:
- Qatar Driving License Procedure With New Rules
- How To Change Driving Test Date On Metrash
- Driving In UAE With Qatar License: Things To Know
- Driving in Qatar: Rules For Visitors And Residents
- List of Qatar Traffic Violation Fines and Points
- How To Check Qatar Traffic Violation
- How To Get A Driving Experience Certificate in Qatar
- How To Get International Driving License in Qatar
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Hello sir.i have UAE light vehicle driving license it will be expire on 2025 my visa status is labour in Qatar aviation services what’s this procedure to convert Qatar light vehicle driving license?
Hi Nabeel, Please visit any driving school with your UAE license and QID. They will advise you.
Very weird rules .. I have uae driving & india driving .. I went to traffic dept for changing to qatar but they asked me to go school, I went school, they gave test date after 6 months .. what is the use ?
Hello Sir, I have UAE valid driving license. Now i am working in qatar. So can i exchange my driving license from UAE to qatar.
Hi Shahul, It is not possible to exchange. If you have Qatar ID, you can get direct test by showing your UAE license (without attending classes). Please contact any driving school.
hi sir,
my profession is technician can i get admission for qatar light driving license ..?
Hi Thejas, If QID says only “technician” you are eligible.
السلام علیکم sir I have a valid Saudi liecance how I can convert the Qatar liecance
Hi Saqib, You can give direct test with a Saudi license. Please contact any driving school.
Sir I have a valid Saudi liecance how I can convert Tha qtar liecance
Hi Thilina, Please contact a driving school. They will enroll you for a direct test.
Hello sir i have uae valid driving linces if u fail ur first road test they will give 2nd road test or not…plz reply
Hi Muhammad, Yes, 2 tests may be allowed.
Hello,
I have a U.S. and UAE driving license, can I convert any of these to Qatar driving license? Thank you.
Hi Arlyn, With a UAE license, you can get a direct test without attending classes. You should check with Traffic Department if you can convert the US license without a test.
hi I have a french licence and frecn citizenship. am i able to exchange my driving licence for qatari licence when i become resident? do i need to pass a test?
Hi Younes, You may need to take a driving test. You can check this with any driving school.
Hello Sir,
i have expired uae and oman driving license. now i am planning to move qatar, is it possible i get qatar license without try.
Hi Rana, You will need to attend the tests (even with a valid GCC license).
excellent
Thanks Kunhi Mohammad
hi sir greetings of the day sir I have UAE driving license and iam planing to get a Qatar license also i think I will get 2 chance for road test if I fail 2 time than what is the next process plz let me know thankyou
Hi Sushil, If you fail both attempts, you will be asked to take a half course.
Hyy,
I have a qatar bike license and i want to upgrade in light driving license can i take a direct test
Hi Mohammad, You need to attend the driving classes. Having a bike license doesn’t make any difference.
How can I use Ghana driving license to get Qatar driving license
Hi Kwarteng, You need to take the course and driving test. Please contact any driving school.
When i can exchange my uae driving license from qatar, asper driving school all are closed because of World Cup, please advise
Hi Rasiq, Driving tests are not happening now due to the World Cup. Contact a driving school, complete the paperwork and try to book the earliest test date available.
എനിക്ക് സൗദി അറേബ്യ ഡ്രൈവിംഗ് ലൈസൻസ് ഉണ്ട് അത് കാലാവധി കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ടും 11 മാസമായി എനിക്ക് ഖത്തർ ലൈസൻസ് എടുക്കാൻ എന്തെല്ലാം നടപടികളാണ് ചെയ്യേണ്ടത്
Hi Jeevan, You will need to give a driving test. Please contact any driving school to proceed.
I have Saudi Arabia license expired in 2020 and I want to get qatari license immediately I will pay all the fees
Hi Hamidullah, In any case, you have to take a road test. Please check with a driving school.
I’m having Dubai light vehicle driving licence. It’s having normal fine 200 UAE Dirhams. Can i apply for getting Qatar licence in Qatar?
Hi Ahamed, Normally they don’t check the traffic fines on your license.
Hi I have light vehicle heavy vehicle and heavy bus licenses if I come there after test they give me all licenses or only one.
And second if I come open visa then I can change my license or not please inform me
Thanks
Hi Shahid, If you take all tests, your license will have all three options on one license. If your visa profession is eligible you can take all tests. Please search our website for the list of professions not eligible.
Hello this is Salim I am come to next month in Qatar my professional driver I have Saudi Arabia heavy licence is expire how can I change
Thank you
Hi Salim, Please check with any driving school.
Hello, This is Thomashri from Qatar. I have valid Saudi Arabia medium licence.i want to change Qatar licence.i read your guidelines thank you so much totally how much I pay to exchange my Qatar licence and only karawa driving school accept GCE licence.
Hi Thomashri, You can do it through any driving school. The total cost, including test fees, license cost and eye test, will be around QR 850.
I have Bahrain light license but 3 month expire my visa is narmal if exchange or not sir..?
Hi Ram, You will need a driving test. Please check with a driving school as your license is expired.
I have Dubai driving licences, and it is valid 2026 can I change without test or I will go for direct test only , and which driving school is the best for registration.
Hi Ali Faqir, There is no option to change without a test. You will need a direct test. You can check with any school near you as all schools follow the same procedure.
Hello Doha Guides Team,
Sir my name is Muhammad Usman from Pakistan i have UAE valid driving license with three categories light vehicle, heavy vehicle, heavy bus i want to change it to Qattar license Is it possible to give the test on passport and visa number and without Qattar id i have supervisor visa because my id will take time to get and i need license.
Thanks.
Hi Muhammad, Normally you need a Qatar ID number to get a learner’s license. Maybe you can check with a driving school about registering for a course in advance so that you can avoid wait time.