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:
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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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Is carpenter eligible for driving license
Hi Shahbaz, Most types of carpenters are not eligible. You can double check with a driving school.
Hello sir/madam my profession is technical mechanic in a local company can i get LTV vehicle license
How many fee is bike license
Hi Ahmad, Please check with a driving school.
Dear, technician ( arabic- fenni) is eligible for 4 car license?
Hi Imran, General technician is eligible. Only some specific types of technicians are ineligible.
Why the driving school told that sales executive is not allowed to get light vehicle drivers license?
Hi Jet, Please check what is the Arabic job title on your QID. Salesman is not eligible, but sales executive should be eligible.
No they told that salesman and sales executive is the same my QID is sales executive in pretty sure of it i dont know why they said to me that salesman and sales executive is the same.
Hi Jet, Please check with another driving school. Sales executive is considered a higher category and their profession needs driving to meet clients.
Hi In my QID FOREMAN is eligible to get driving license
Hi Tanweer, Foreman can apply.
My visa is baladiya so how can I get Qatar driving licence??
Hi Sahadev, Please check with a driving school if your profession is eligible.
Hi I’m Maria, my profession in my id is bodyguard, I can apply for driving licence?TIA
Hi Maria, You need to check what is the exact word in Arabic. If it is written as security guard, you may not be eligible. If it is body guard it may be. It is better to check directly with any driving school.
My name is RINSAN
I am a Maintenance Technician
I am eligible or not
Hi Rinsan, Please check with any driving school.
It means no one can apply for driving license
My name is Mohamed issah.
At first I came here as labour.
God willing am in my 10yrs now as mechanical site supervisor in fire sprinkler system.
I will love to attend any Qatar driving school so I can optain driving licence to help work so easy. Sometimes I run 2 to 3 sites a day.
I tried to apply but because of my previous profession on my ID not allowed.
Please help me change my profession on my ID so I can be eligible to attend driving training.
Hi Mohamed, Please discuss with your company PRO about how to change profession. Only your company can help you in this.
Hi there… My profession QID is Sales Executive, am I eligible to get a driving license? Thanks and more power.
Hi Ronald, Sales Executive should be eligible.
Draftsman can take driving licence
Hi Shameer, Yes.
I talked to driving school but they said not eligible on technician profession
Please can you guide me how can I get license on technician profession ????
Hi.. My profession is Technician. Am i eligible for apply driving license?… If not is there any possibility for applying licence by getting any documents from compony without changing profession..?
Hi Haris, If it is just “Technician” it should be eligible.
Hi
I talked to the driving school but they say technician is not eligible
Please can you guide me further how can I get driving license on this profession
Hi Walid, Please call another driving school and check.
Hello sir,my name is rubel and my profession is salesman in qid.can i apply for a driving licence? Please i need your guidness.
Hi Rubel, Sales Man may not be eligible. Please contact any driving school to confirm.
Hi sir
My profession is AC MECHANIC .
Can i apply for the driving licence.
Hi Sufiyan, You may be eligible as it is not on the list of ineligible professions. Please check with any driving school.
Ac mechanic mean
Ac Technician
Can am apply the license
Hi Sufiyan, It seems like you are eligible as it is not in the banned list. Please check with a driving school.
I visit the driving school last month and I show my QID . My profession is maintenance technician (فني صيانة) but they are told me this profession not eligible to get driving in qatar and I saw here professions category showing technician eligible. Please could you tell me what exactly needed ?
Hi Raisul, “Technician” and “Maintenance technician” are not same. فني is eligible, while some categories of فني are not. Anyways, you can check with some other driving school also. May be they will accept.
ELECTRIC TECHNICIAN IS LIGGEL FOR TAKE IN LICENCE
QATAR
Hi Anowar, You need to check what is the exact profession on your QID in Arabic. Please check with any driving school.
Technician can apply for driving license?
Hi Nadirsha, If the profession is only “Technician”, yes, you can.
hello may i ask which driving school they allowing technician position? thanks
Hi Harold, You need to call and check with any driving school. Here is the list: https://www.dohaguides.com/driving-schools-in-qatar/
I am a nanny/ helper it stated here that I’m not allowed to get a driver license no wonder they always failed me. But still why the school accept me and take my payment.they even inform me after checking my QID
Plz tell me the decoration tech eligible for driving licens??
Hi Jahangir, You need to check with any driving school by showing the exact profession (Arabic) in your Qatar ID. Decor Carpenter and Decoration Assistant are not eligible.