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 02 February 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
Related Articles:
- List of Driving Schools in Qatar With Course Fees
- 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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Good Day
I would like to ask if my occupation in Qatar ID is “Supervisor”. Is it eligible to apply for a license in Qatar
Hi Nazim, You should be eligible as Supervisor is not on the list of ineligible professions. To confirm that, please contact any driving school.
Doha guide team,my humble request.May i know the reason why some professions are not eligible for driver’s license?i have been to two driving schools and nobody could tell the reason.I believe there is/are reasons for everything/action implemented.Am a mechanical engineer hired as mechanical technician,no chance to acquire a driver’s license and drive in Qatar.I have UAE driver’s license and that wont help in anyway either.
Hi Vahid, Sorry to hear that. As per the earlier comments from Traffic Dept officials, the restrictions are in place to reduce traffic congestion on the roads. They had mentioned that some restrictions would be eased gradually once infrastructure and road works are completed. Since you are an engineer we suggest that you try to change your profession on your QID to be eligible.
My profession is cook,can I apply for driving license?
My position to my I’d is salesman,I have valid driver license in saudi Arabia
I need car license
How i am check can i eligible for license
Hi Adnan, Please go to any driving school with your QID for checking the eligibility.
Electrical Technician is eligible?
Hi Radito, Electrical Technician may not be eligible as it is in the list of ineligible professions. However please check with a driving school to confirm.
Hi my profession (marketing) it’s possible to get the driving license or no..! Can give replay pls…
does a salesman is eligible in acquiring a driving license?
Hi James, Unfortunately, Salesman is listed as an ineligible profession. However, you can approach any driving school and try your luck.
My profession is ‘technician’ can I apply for driving license
Hi Raj Kumar, Most people with Technician profession are eligible. Please check with a driving school.
my profession “Glass technician” can i apply driving license? i have indian valid license.. Please help me
Hi Abdul Hameed, Glass Technician is in the list of professions not eligible to apply. However, you may contact any driving school to confirm.
Hi,
my visa on my RP, (GROUND STEWARD) I’m i eligible for applying driving license?
Hi Queenie, If your profession is not on the above list, you should be eligible. Please check with a driving school for confirmation.
Hi,
My Visa on my RP of (Extension Technician), can i apply for light driving license? Please advise.
Dear Shaikh, Some technicians are allowed nowadays while some are not allowed. To check about your profession please contact any driving school.
a salesman are eligible for applying driving license? thank you.
hi,
my proffession also salesman
am i eligible?
my visa is pharmacy technician, can I eligible for applying Qatar driving license
Visa Electrical Technician ineligible?
Dear Radito, Electric Technician is in the above list of not eligible professions. However, it is better that you check with a driving school as recently they have started to allow some technicians.
Sir thank u for immediately response but I don’t have an idea which driving school they’re accepted
Sutring carpenter di job te jake qatar da havy license banba sakda ha
sir i have havy truck driving license in 7 year can i apply small licenses my visa is havy driver
My professional is AC technician I need car driving license working my proffesional need it what can i dao
my profession is system designer .can i apply
I am working here forman in Qatar. Can I apply for driving license?
I am working here Forman my visa mentioned technician can I apply for drivinglicense
My professional desinatdesion is technician. Can I get Qatar driving license. Please update
crane technician eligible for driving licence?