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 July 2024.
If you are a new expatriate to start working in Qatar, you might want to apply for a driving license to make your commute easier. Unfortunately, many professions are not eligible for a driving license in Qatar.
In Qatar, Traffic Department is the authorised authority for issuing driving licenses. The Traffic Department has a long list of professions with categories of workers who are not eligible to get a driving license in the country. Usually, this list gets updated occasionally but is not published to the public.
The updated lists from the Ministry of Interior are only sent to recognised driving schools in Qatar. It is even more complicated for non-Arab expatriates to check as the profession on Qatar ID is only printed in Arabic.
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.
- Agricultural Worker
- Air Cargo Worker
- Animal Caretaker
- Assistant Builder
- Bakery Worker
- Baking Mixer
- Bar Keeper
- Barber
- Beauty Saloon Worker
- Blacksmith
- Boat Carpenter
- Bricks Builder
- Builder
- Butcher
- Calligraphy Technician
- Carrier
- Cashier
- Ceramic Worker
- Coffee Boy
- Communication Assistant
- Computer Programmer
- Concrete Blacksmith
- Connections Technician
- Construction Carpenter
- Cook
- Cook’s Assistant
- Crusher Machine Operator
- Curtain Installer
- Curtain Upholstery Worker
- Décor Carpenter
- Decorator Assistant
- Digger
- Electric Welder
- Embroider
- Falafel Maker
- Farmer
- Financial Services Worker
- Fisherman
- Fishing Net Maker
- Fodder Worker
- Furniture Upholstery Worker
- Gardener
- Gate Guard
- General Carpenter
- General Electrician
- General Equipment Mechanic
- General Manufacturing Worker
- General Typing
- Glass Installer
- Goldsmith
- Grave Digger
- Grocery Worker
- Gypsum Worker
- Health And Safety Technician
- Henna Maker
- Herdsman
- Horse Hostler
- Horse Trainer
- Hotel Service Worker
- House Manager
- Ice Maker
- Industrial Service Worker
- Installation Electrician
- Irrigation Worker
- Jeweller
- Juice Maker
- Kebab Maker
- Labourer
- Land Shipment Worker
- Lathing Worker
- Laundry Worker
- Lift Electrician
- Lift Worker
- Machine Operator
- Manufacturing Worker
- Massage Worker
- Meat, Shawarma And Sandwich Griller
- Milkman
- Mining Technician
- Mixer Operator
- Nanny
- Newspaper Sellers
- Nutrition Worker
- Oxygen Welder
- Packing And Grinding Worker
- Pagemaker
- Painter
- Paramedic
- Pastry Maker
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Pipes Welder
- Plaster Worker
- Plumber
- Plumber Assistant
- Prayer Caller (Moazin)
- Rescue Worker
- Sailor
- Sales Man
- Sculptor
- Sea Shipment Worker
- Security Guard
- Servant
- Service Worker
- Shipping Worker
- Shoemaker
- Stamp Maker
- Sweets Maker
- Tailor
- Tailoring Worker
- Technical Assistant
- Telephone Central Electrician
- Tents Tailor
- Tiles Technician
- Tiles Worker
- Translator
- Typist
- Tyre Worker
- Upholstery Worker
- Vegetable Seller
- Vinegar Maker
- Waiter
- Watchman
- Welder
- Whitesmith
- Wood Cutter
- Wood Seller
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.
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.
Housewives sponsored by their husbands and students aged 18 years and above (under parent’s sponsorship) are eligible for driving licenses.
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.
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 in advance and are holding an appropriate, valid licence at all times.
Finding the 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 Qatar Driving License
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- How To Change 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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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.
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 ?