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 11 November 2025
If you are a new expatriate planning to work in Qatar, obtaining a driving license can make commuting much easier. However, not all professions are eligible for a driving license in the country.
In Qatar, the Traffic Department is the official authority responsible for issuing driving licenses. They maintain a detailed list of professions and worker categories that are not eligible to apply. While this list is updated periodically, it is not publicly published.
For most expatriates, especially non-Arab speakers, verifying eligibility can be challenging, as the profession on the Qatar ID is printed in Arabic. Updated lists from the Ministry of Interior are usually shared only with recognised driving schools.
Professions Not Eligible for Driving License in Qatar
Here is an unofficial translation of a list of professions not eligible for a Driving License in Qatar. The list has been prepared in alphabetical order for your convenience.
1. Agriculture & Animal Care
- Agricultural Worker
- Farmer
- Herdsman
- Fodder Worker
- Animal Caretaker
- Horse Trainer
- Horse Hostler
- Gardener
- Irrigation Worker
2. Construction & Building
- Assistant Builder
- Builder
- Bricks Builder
- Concrete Blacksmith
- Construction Carpenter
- Décor Carpenter
- General Carpenter
- Digger
- Gypsum Worker
- Lathing Worker
- Plaster Worker
- Plumber
- Plumber Assistant
- Tiles Technician
- Tiles Worker
- Curtain Installer
- Curtain Upholstery Worker
3. Manufacturing & Industrial Work
- Blacksmith
- Butcher
- Ceramic Worker
- Crusher Machine Operator
- Electric Welder
- General Equipment Mechanic
- General Manufacturing Worker
- Industrial Service Worker
- Installation Electrician
- Lift Electrician
- Lift Worker
- Machine Operator
- Manufacturing Worker
- Mixer Operator
- Oxygen Welder
- Packing And Grinding Worker
- Pipes Welder
- Tyre Worker
- Welder
- Whitesmith
4. Food & Beverage Services
- Bakery Worker
- Baking Mixer
- Bar Keeper
- Coffee Boy
- Cook
- Cook’s Assistant
- Falafel Maker
- Ice Maker
- Juice Maker
- Kebab Maker
- Meat, Shawarma And Sandwich Griller
- Milkman
- Pastry Maker
- Sweets Maker
- Vegetable Seller
- Vinegar Maker
- Waiter
5. Hospitality & Domestic Services
- Barber
- Beauty Saloon Worker
- House Manager
- Laundry Worker
- Nanny
- Servant
- Hotel Service Worker
- Massage Worker
6. Retail, Sales & Financial Services
- Cashier
- Grocery Worker
- Sales Man
- Financial Services Worker
- Newspaper Sellers
7. Arts, Crafts & Technical Work
- Calligraphy Technician
- Communication Assistant
- Computer Programmer
- Connections Technician
- Decorator Assistant
- Embroider
- Goldsmith
- Henna Maker
- Jeweller
- Painter
- Pagemaker
- Sculptor
- Shoemaker
- Tailor
- Tailoring Worker
- Technical Assistant
- Tents Tailor
- Upholstery Worker
- Furniture Upholstery Worker
8. Health & Safety
- Health And Safety Technician
- Nutrition Worker
- Paramedic
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Rescue Worker
9. Security & Protection
- Gate Guard
- Security Guard
- Watchman
10. Transportation & Shipping
- Air Cargo Worker
- Carrier
- Land Shipment Worker
- Sea Shipment Worker
- Sailor
11. Communication & Administration
- General Typing
- Translator
- Typist
- Telephone Central Electrician
12. Religious & Cultural Roles
- Prayer Caller (Moazin)
13. Miscellaneous
- Wood Cutter
- Wood Seller
- Glass Installer
- Curtain Upholstery Worker
- Furniture Upholstery Worker
The above list is translated from Arabic and may be changed from time to time. There may be more professions that are banned from securing a driving license. This list was also verified through some driving schools. However, we strongly suggest that you double-check with a driving school since rules are subject to change.
You can call or visit a reputed driving school with your Qatar ID. Usually, the reception staff at driving schools can check your profession with their list and confirm your eligibility.
The above list applies to a four-wheeler license only. Most of these professions may be eligible for a two-wheeler license.
Housewives sponsored by their husbands and students aged 18 years and above (under a parent’s sponsorship) are eligible for driving licenses.
In March 2019, the General Directorate of Traffic announced that the profession of a technician is eligible to apply for a Qatar Driving licence. However, some categories of technicians are still ineligible.
If you are unsure about your profession’s eligibility, please check with a driving school or the Traffic Department. Usually, driving schools would confirm before enrolling you for the driving lessons.
In some cases, the traffic department may allow exceptional approvals if there is a justified reason for a driving license.
Eligibility For Two-Wheeler License
The above list is only valid for four-wheelers (light vehicles like cars). Most of the above-listed professions will be eligible for a two-wheeler (motorcycle/bike) license. Some of these are also eligible for a heavy vehicle license. Please check with a driving school for confirmation.
Why Some Professions Are Restricted?
In Qatar, certain professions are not allowed to obtain a driving license. These restrictions are not arbitrary—they are implemented to enhance road safety, manage traffic effectively, and maintain proper workforce regulation. Here’s a closer look at the main reasons:
1. Enhancing Road Safety
Limiting the number of drivers from certain professions helps reduce traffic accidents and ensures smoother traffic flow. Fewer unnecessary vehicles on the road contribute to safer conditions for all road users.
2. Job Requirements
Many of the restricted professions do not involve driving as part of their everyday duties. In such cases, a personal driving license is not considered necessary.
3. Labour Market Regulation
These rules help maintain proper job classifications and prevent the misuse of driving privileges. They also ensure that positions requiring driving remain accessible to those whose work genuinely demands it.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the restrictions are widely applied, there are some circumstances under which an exception may be granted:
- Company-Sponsored Vehicles: If an employer demonstrates that driving is essential for the employee’s role, a special permit may be issued.
- Special Approvals: The Traffic Department can grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis if a legitimate need is shown.
Driving Without a Licence
Driving without a valid licence is a criminal offence with harsh penalties for non-compliance. If you are involved in an accident, your insurance will be void, and you may face imprisonment and deportation. Make sure you plan well in advance and are holding an appropriate, valid licence at all times.
Other Transportation Options
If your profession does not qualify you for a driving license in Qatar, there’s no need to worry. The country offers a variety of reliable and convenient transportation options to help you commute efficiently:
1. Public Transportation
Qatar’s public transit system, including the Doha Metro, Lusail Tram, and Mowasalat (Karwa) buses, covers key routes across the country. These services are affordable, efficient, and widely accessible, making them a popular choice for daily commuting.
2. Taxi Services
Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Careem, and Karwa provide a flexible and safe way to travel, available at any time of the day.
3. Sharing Rides
Sharing rides with colleagues, friends, or neighbours who have a valid license is a cost-effective and practical option for daily commutes, while also helping reduce traffic congestion.
4. Walking & Cycling
For shorter distances, walking or cycling is an excellent alternative. These options promote a healthy lifestyle and are encouraged as part of Qatar’s push toward sustainable transportation.
Can I change my profession to qualify for a driving license?
It is possible to update your profession on your residency permit to become eligible for a driving license in Qatar. This process, however, requires official approval from the relevant authorities and must be carried out through the proper legal channels. In addition, you may need to fulfil specific educational or professional requirements associated with the new profession to qualify for the license.
About Qatar Traffic Department
The Ministry of Interior Traffic Department handles all matters concerning licensing and traffic violations. The Traffic Department is located on Khalifa Street, Madinat Khalifa, and is open from 7 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 7 pm.
READ NEXT: How To Get a Qatar Driving License
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- How To Change a GCC Driving License To Qatar License
- Everything About Fahes Vehicle Inspection
- How to Get an International Driving License in Qatar
- 13 Traffic Violations in Qatar That Can Land You in Jail
- How To Get Driving Experience Letter From Qatar Traffic Dept
- How To Renew Qatar Driving License
- Qatar Traffic Signs And Their Meaning
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My professional gerenal technician allowed licence please check
Hi good evening
my professional is mechanic is it possible to take qatar driving license.please advice to me.thank you.
how to apply driving school but my professional welder
hi, this is Ramesh here
I am working on coordinator visa
so am I eligible for Obtain driving license.
My occupation is waiter I ask the driving school they said not eligible there is any other way to get driving license company doesn’t whant to change my profession can yu pls advise me
hi, I just want to ask I am currently a caregiver is it eligible to enroll driving lesson?
Hi,
my actual position is supervisor but in my QID its sales man, and i check with driving school they told me i cannot join school, if my company provide me NOC for driving license is it possible to apply for driving license.
Thanks to reply ????
Hello sir, My name is Harun or Roshid. my profession is public cleaner. So could i get the motor bike licence please.
Hellow what is the profession to get driving license and family visa
Hi sir , my designation is SECURITY EMPLOYEE in QID. Am I eligible for driving license
How long does the entire license and driving training takes?
also can I use international driving permit temporarily until my QID comes out?
Dear sir ,
My visa professional is Observer can I eligible to take car and bike licence.
Hi Shahrukh, Yes, you should be eligible.
hi
my id is technician but my posation is sr.tech so can i apply driving lincess?
Hi Mohammad, Please visit any driving school with your QID and they will advise you.
is it senior technician eligible for Qatar driving licence?
Hi Mohammad, Even though your official title may be Senior Technician, it can be different on your QID. You need to see what is the profession written in Arabic. Please visit any driving school with your QID and they will advise you.
plz reply cashier is eligible for driving license
Hi Haris, Cashier may not be eligible as it is in the list of non-eligible professions. Anyways you can double check with a driving school as this list keeps changing.
is a cleaner eligible for a driver’s license
Hi Beatrice, You need to check what is the exact profession on your QID. Please show the QID at a driving school and they will advise you.
hello receptionist allowed to get driving license
why a Health and Safety officer is not eligible for Driving licence?
Hi Jeremy, “Health and Safety Officer” may be eligible, “Health and Safety Technician” may not be eligible. Please visit a driving school with your QID and confirm this.
my professional general coordinator,can I apply???? please check and update
Hi Mohammad, You should be eligible. Please confirm with a driving school.
21. Computer Programmer is eligible for Driving License in Qatar.
My profession is observer can I apply for license ?