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
Related Articles:
- List of Driving Schools in Qatar With Course Fees
- 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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Can we apply for driving licence in car wash job
Hi Suliman, You need to check with any driving school by showing the exact profession (Arabic) in your Qatar ID.
my profession is sales can i apply for DVL in qatar.
Hi Sohail, Yes, you can.
Hi sir, I have heavy driver visa and I have crane license And now I want to get light vehicle license. Is it possible?
Hi Navjot, Yes, you can.
my profession is sales can i apply for DVL in qatar.
Hi Sohail, Yes, you can.
Hi sir how are you i want chance it possible or not chance road test 3rd attempt
Hi Abdulsalamm, 3rd test attempt depends on the traffic officer. Sometimes they will allow without attending the course again. Please check with your driving school.
Hi my profession is accountant. Can I apply for license?
Hi Firoz, Yes, you can.
Hi my visa heavy driving I can apply for the light driver license ?
Hi Mohsin, Yes you can.
Hiiii…
My Profession is Architectural Draftsman Can i apply for the driving license for the light Vehicle?????
Hi Jaspreet, Yes, you can.
Hi jayachandran my profession is Electrician in QID. Can I apply For the Driving Licence
Hi Musathik, Electrician may not be eligible as it is on the list of ineligible professions. Anyways, you may check with a driving school to confirm.
Hi good evening, accupation foreman, can apply license in Qatar????
Hi Khater, Foreman should be eligible as it is not on the list of ineligible professions. Please check with any driving school.
My q I’d position is heavy vehicle drivers. I can apply light vehicle licence any course
Hi Nadeer, Yes, you can apply.
Hi I’m a security guard can i apply about light driver license.
Hi Shyam, If your QID profession is Security Guard, you may not be eligible. Anyways you can call any driving school and check again.
Total fees of two wheeler (bike) including all expenses
Please tell me sir
Hi Raman, The normal fee is between 1700 to 2000 (depending on the school). So please check with some driving schools.
My profession is Technician ( فني ) in QID. I am eligible for driving licence…?
Hi Jayachandran, Yes, you will be eligible.
Hello my profession is just assistant can i go to driving school in qatar
Hi Salifu, Yes, you can.
My profession is administration coordinater can apply for the driving license
Hi Sakhi, Yes, you can apply.
Can I get a light driving license on technician visa
Hi Walid, Mots Technicians are eligible. Please contact a driving school to confirm.
Hi sir! My visa is AC Technician on Q’Id, is I’m eligible or not plz let me know…
Hi Waqas, AC Technician should be eligible. Please confirm with a driving school.
Good evening Sir/Madam am a security guard with a Kenyan driving license,and am interested in securing a Qatar driving license,is it possible?
Hi Derrick, Unfortunately, Security Guard is not included in the list of eligible professions. You may recheck with a driving school.
hello sir,I’m working in lulu hypermarket as sales staff.my occupation is mention as a worker on Qatar id .can i get two wheeler driving license ?
Hi Bhim, We believe you will be eligible. Please check with a driving school.
My visa profession general Technician License can I eligible for Qatar
driving license
Hi Feroz, General Technicians are usually eligible.
Good Morning,
My visa profession is salesman and holding a UAE diving License can I eligible for Qatar driving license
Hi Kashif, As per the published list Salesman is not eligible. However, you may reconfirm with a driving school.
I have the same issue somehow.
Please share with me If you got any solution.
Actually I’m working in management but still I didn’t translate my diplomas and I need urgent the driving license. I have Romanian and UAE driving licenses.
Hi Bogdan, Please check with any driving school. They may be able to help as you already have UAE license.
Costermer servise category is suitable for license?
Hi Shantha, You need to check the correct profession on your QID. If it is Customer Service, you can apply for a driving license.
My profession is ELECTRONIC TECHNICAL in QID so is i am eligible for driving licence or not ?
Hi Mantosh, Electronic Technician is not on the list of ineligible professions. So you should be eligible to apply.
Hi my visa is Technician, however, my company, required me to drive in my new role/post, what are the steps that my company needs to do’?
Hi Ervin, If your QID profession is “Technician” you are eligible for a driving license.
Hi i’m Jaypee,working in a private yacht as a boat crew is it possible to get driving license i have a license in the philippines.
Hi Jaypee, You need to check the exact profession wording (Arabic) on your QID. Some positions like boat carpenter, shipping worker etc. are not eligible. So it is better to check with a driving school by showing the QID.