To exchange your GCC driving license for a Qatar driving license, you will need to meet several requirements and submit some documents. To begin with, it should be mentioned that not every type of GCC driving license can be exchanged for a Qatar driving license. These are vehicle licenses for cars, light vehicles, and motorbikes, but not heavy vehicles such as trucks or buses.
Additionally, the validity of the GCC driving license must be for one year from the date of issue, and the license must be valid at the time of applying to have it converted.
Requirements For Converting a GCC Driving License to a Qatar Driving License
1: Valid GCC Driving License: Only some GCC driving licenses can be transferred, such as cars, light vehicles or motorcycles.
2: Passport and Qiddiya Residency Permit: The applicants will be required to present a copy of their passport and Qiddiya Residency Permit (QID).
3: Two Passport Size Photos: The applicants need two recent photos that are passport size.
4: Eye Test Certificate: This is a certificate that requires one to take his or her eye test in any licensed eye testing facility in Qatar. The eye test centres are established in most driving schools.
5: No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Sponsor or Employer: A Letter by the employer or the sponsor stating that they have no objection. The NOC should be on the company’s letterhead, and the sponsor or employer should stamp it.
6: Conversion Fee: Processing a driving license in Qatar attracts a fee premium, which is charged to convert a GCC driving license to a Qatar driving license.
How To Convert a GCC Driving License to a Qatar Driving License
Individuals with a valid GCC Driving License who desire to convert their GCC Driving License to a Qatar Driving License and wish to live in Qatar can obtain a Qatar driving license through a few easy steps.
Step 1: Go to Driving School
To change your GCC driving license to a Qatar Driving license, you are obliged to go to any nearest or satisfactory driving school in Qatar approved by the General Directorate of Traffic, since all schools follow the same curriculum.
Step 2: Open a new file with the Department of Traffic inside the School
In any driving school, there is the office of the Traffic Department. To have an efficient and positive experience, it is recommended to visit the office during the morning hours, which would ideally be between 6:30 am and 9:00 am. This may enable you to escape the long queues.
The following are necessary:
- Bona fide Driving License of a GCC Country
- Qatar Resident Permit Card (Qatar ID Card)
- Eye Test Examination Certificate
- QR 50 Fee with a debit/credit card.
In other cases, the following also may be required:
- Employer or sponsor to write a NOC letter to change the GCC Driving license into a Qatar Driving license. The same thing can be done at the Metrash Mobile App.
- Trade license of the sponsor company / QID of the sponsor ( in case of being under personal sponsorship)
- 3 passport-sized Photographs
- An eye test can be done in most driving schools. You are free to use them or perform the test at any of the optometrist shops or clinics.
Step 4: Study for the theory test and take the test
The theory test is essential in order to get a Qatar driving license. Once you have enrolled in a theory course and made a reservation for a test time, the next step is the study phase.
A theory test checks how much you know about the essential skills of driving on the road, including road safety and traffic rules. National government, you can take the test, which is offered in various languages such as Arabic and English.
The test will be computerized, and you will have results after being given.
Step 5: Pay the road test fee and book a test date
The theory test having been successfully taken, one is ready to book a road test. The road test fee is 200 QR and has two opportunities.
This is to inform you that the waiting time to book the next date of your driving test might be a few weeks, considering the heavy demands. Alternatively, you can also change the driving school to give your road test. All these options can also be accessed via the Metrash mobile application.
Step 6: Take The Road Test and The Parking Test
You need to visit the driving school on the day of the test and make your registration at such desk which is located in the reception. Driving school will give you a vehicle that you will use in the test. The road test is usually 10 to 15 minutes long to facilitate you.
When you pass the road test, you will now be allowed to take the parking test. This can be on the same day or some other day in the future.
Step 7: Pay The License Fee and Collect the Driving License
When you have passed both the road test and the parking test with success, you will be required to pay the fee for your driving license, which will enable you to obtain your driving license.
The cost of the fee can also differ according to the kind of license you are applying for and the rules of your territory. The five-year driving license fees usually amount to QR 250.
After paying the license fee, you can collect your driving license from the driving school or in the concerned government institution.
Remember to carry the required documents, which include your IDs or passport, residence permit, and any other documentation requested.
Congratulations! You have received your new driving license, so you are ready to get on the road and experience the best sides of driving as a process that provides you with freedom and independence.
Everyone should never forget to be safe, and that they should abide by traffic laws and rules in the drive that would make your driving, as well as the driving of the other patrons on the road, a pleasure and safe.
Can I Drive in Qatar With a GCC License?
Yes, you can drive in Qatar provided you have a valid GCC license. In case you live abroad in a GCC member country and you visit Qatar, your GCC driving license is valid in Qatar within three months of your stay.
It is, however, advised that you carry with you your passport or your entry visa as a record of entry into Qatar. Before driving in Qatar, it is also advisable to get conversant with the local traffic laws and regulations.
It is essential to mention that this Provision applies to Visitors holding a Family Visit visa or on Visas on Arrival, a GCC resident visit visa, or another form of tourist visa.
After an expatriate has secured a residence visa in Qatar, they cannot still ride under their GCC driving license in Qatar. Rather, they have to obtain a Qatar Driving License to be able to drive legally in the state.
Can I Change my GCC Driving License to a Qatar Driving License?
Yes, it is possible to convert your GCC driving license to a Qatar Driving License. The procedure can, however, differ depending on your nationality. In the case of a GCC driving license, you can make a direct booking for your test. These may save you thousands of Qatari Riyals on driving school.
- GCC License must be lawful. It is possible to accept an expired license in exceptional cases.
- The type of the license must be the same as the previous license.
- The profession of a license holder must not be included in the list of ineligible occupations for a driving license.
Things To Consider Before Coming to the Roads
When applying for a driver’s license, it is important to keep in mind several things to ensure you are prepared and capable of being on the road safely. These include:
1; Practice and preparation: It is important to have some practice and preparation before you take your driving test to ensure that you are well-prepared and that you can safely control the vehicle on the road. You can take driving classes or do some practice with a legitimate driver to assist you in developing the abilities and knowledge you require.
2: Be mindful of safety at first: Do not forget safety at all costs when behind the wheel. This implies that you should obey traffic rules and regulations, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or using your phone, and be conscious of your environment.
3: Maintenance: Make sure that you maintain your car by making sure that it is hygienic and in good condition to work. Always inspect your tires, brakes, lights, etc., to prevent problems and crashes.
4: Insurance: You also want to ensure proper insurance coverage over the vehicle so that you and others are also sufficiently covered in the event of an accident or some other event.
5: Post-licensing education: Learning and still, there is more to learn in driving skills once the driving license is passed. You may consider attending more driving courses or training to keep pace with the current safety measures and driving techniques.
