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, can i take drivers license my visa is MTU Technician / Marine Technician for light vehicle only thanks.
Hi Mark, You should be eligible.
good morning this position allow for driving? مدلك علاج طبيعي.Thank you
Hi, Please check directly with a driving school.
Hi,
My professional mentioned as a Systems Analyst, Am I eligible for Driving license. Shall i check in various driving school.
Hi Prabu, Yes, you can apply with System Analyst profession. If it is Computer Programmer you may not be eligible.
hi sir my visa occupation (Factor) eligible for driving license.
Hi Waqas, Sorry, we haven’t heard about Factor occupation. Please check with a driving school.
تنفيذي مبيعات – Sales Executive
not in the above list
does that imply that it may be eligible for a license?
Hi Riswan, Usually Sales Executive is eligible, but Salesman is not eligible.
my position physiotherapy massuer,I maybe allow to hv driving license?
Hi Ysa, It will depend on what is exactly written on your QID. Massage worker is not eligible, but physiotherapist or physiotherapy assistant may be eligible. You can check with any driving school.
is Sales-Specialist eligible to enroll for Driving school?
Hi JeyJay, Sales-specialist should be eligible (Salesman may not be eligible).
hi sir.my visa status is forman.may I apply for motor cycle license?
Hi Waqas, Yes, you can.
Is Surveyor profession eligible to enroll driving school? Thanks
Hi George, Yes, you can apply.
Hello, is a marketing manager in beauty salon eligible for driving licence? kind regards
Hi Eunice, Yes, you can apply.
Is receptionist profession eligible to apply for driving license? Thanks
Hi Ranz, Yes, Receptionist is eligible.
Can I change visa profession for licence
Hi Khawaja, You can change your profession if your employer allows.
My visa is building workaer can I change my profesion on my id can I apply on this visa
Hi Good day, my visa is “technician” but actual work is a shipping coordinator that requires me to drive, Am I eligible to apply for a driving license, many thanks.
Hi Ervin, Usually Technician is eligible to apply. Please check with a driving school.
Hi sir, my profession is Air conditioning technician, am i eligible for light vehicle licence?
Hi Adisaya, Please check with a driving school.
Greetings,
My profession is Co-ordinator (munsaq) can my profession is eligible for four wheeler light vehicle? Please advise
Hi Mohammad, Yes, you should be eligible.
Hi sir my name is Rifkhan my profession is labour (aamil) can I qualify for a forklift operator license?
Hi Rifkhan, Please check with a driving school.
Hi Sir,
My visa professional is Safety Technician, Please advise i am eligible to apply for a Driving license for light four-wheeler vehicle
Hi Aftab Ansari, Health and Safety Technician may not be eligible. Please check with a driving school.
Hi, Doha Guides. Does a mechanic visa holder like me allowed to apply for driving license?
Hi Mario, If you are a car mechanic you will be eligible. Some other types like General Equipment Mechanic are not eligible.
Still not allowed for SALES EXECUTIVE 😔
Is HSE OFFICER profession eligible for driving license?
Hi Whk, Yes, you can apply.
My profession is Gen. System Analyst and driving school says I m not eligible to register for Driving license. Please suggest
Hi Mohammed, If your QID profession is Gen. System Analyst, you should be eligible. Please check with another driving school.