FAQ: Driving in Doha

Posted by xtian001 at 05:26 PM

Hi, could u tell me how much are driving lessons? How many theory test do I need to take? I found myself a job in Doha and moving there before end of year. I need to learn how to drive. Been told that public transport there is almost non-existent and I cant rely too much on the taxis. I have some driving lessons here in Singapore but did not pass the test (extremely tough to pass here!) Have not been behind the wheels for a few years now.

Since you don't have a license yet, you will have to enroll in a full driving course which costs QR1800 (25 hours) with 25 training days. The half course costs QR690 which gives you 12 hours of practice lessons. I am not aware though as to how many training days one should have finished before he could take the test. i think the master (instructor) will decide whether you're ready to take it. You have to pay QR50 to register for the test. The test has 4 parts, an oral test for the road and traffic signs, then the L-parking, pocket parking, and the actual road test. Take note that each test part is a pre-requisite for the next, that is why you need to pass the first before you could proceed to the next. But after having passed one part, you're not made to do it again.

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Comments (13)


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Comments

thanks for the info. i find your blog side extremely useful. :) i was wondering if its enough during the 1st mth i bring with me, QR5500? my accomodation are covered by al jazeera, fully furnished.

Posted by: Suwarni | September 18, 2006 06:09 AM



Hi there, we are thinking of taking a company transfer to Doha. My concern is that I have been driving in SA for the past 32 years and renewing my licence every 5 years as required. I have a problem that I only have one eye with full vision (born with it). I know that SA licence is not transferable in Doha like Dubai, but I am concerned that this problem may prevent me obtaining a drivers. Do you think this will be a problem?

Posted by: Veronica Tetchner | September 19, 2006 09:41 AM



Hi! I do not know how your eye condition is going to affect obtaining a license here in Doha. But I do know that having a Saudi license would make it easy for you to get a license here. My husband also had a Saudi license when we came here and he didn't go through any driving test. Maybe the same thing applies in your case. When you get here, try applying for your license and if they do require you to have an eye test, I guess, you have to take the test but with your condition as a limitation. By the way, SA stands for South Africa and not Saudi Arabia, right? Coz there's no way for a lady to drive in Arabia unless you're inside the Saudi Aramco compound.

Posted by: mavis | September 21, 2006 10:53 AM



Suwarni, I think 5500 is more than enough for a month's stay in Doha. Try to view my post here -> http://lifeonthespot.com/blog/2006/08/life_and_leisure_in_doha_faq4.php and see if that can help you assess your spending in Doha.

Posted by: xtian001 | September 22, 2006 02:18 AM



Thanks for the info. Yes, SA stands for South Africa. Could you advise us as to what sort of clothing we should bring with us for the Winter months in Doha. Does it get very cold there or would light cardigans be sufficient? We really don't want to drag all our Winter clothes over if it's not necessary. Thanks for the advice its a great help.

Posted by: Ron | September 22, 2006 08:16 AM



Your welcome! It does get cold here in winter with the temperature ranging from 10 to 12 Degrees Celcius. The degree of coldness varies every year though, sometimes one cold season is colder than the other but light cardigans, sweaters and jackets would do. So i guess it's a relief that you won't be dragging your winter clothes along. The best of luck!

Posted by: xtian001 | September 22, 2006 11:04 AM



what about the cars in the driving schools - are they all manual or you can choose with automatic gear?

Posted by: nely | October 15, 2008 10:44 PM



It depends on the driving schools. They have both but you may have to request for an automatic. Usually the test are conducted on manual.

Posted by: xtian001 | October 15, 2008 11:29 PM



Hey this is great. I just found what I was exactly looking for…. Your knowledge on this is subject is vast and I would love it if u could write more articles on this subject. I m looking forward for more of your articles. I m really impressed with your work……. Please keep posting

Posted by: Rahiv | December 2, 2009 11:25 AM



Would you know whether a Filipino expat with a Non-Pro Philippine Driver's license newly arrived in Doha would be eligible to take the driving test without taking the pre-requisite driving lessons? Thank you!

Posted by: Katie | January 28, 2010 09:40 AM



Would you know whether a Filipino expat with a Non-Pro Philippine Driver's license newly arrived in Doha would be eligible to take the driving test without taking the pre-requisite driving lessons? Thank you!

Posted by: Kate O. | January 28, 2010 09:41 AM



Would you know whether a Filipino expat with a Non-Pro Philippine Driver's license newly arrived in Doha would be eligible to take the driving test without taking the pre-requisite driving lessons? Thank you!

Posted by: Kate O. | January 28, 2010 09:42 AM



Would you know whether a Filipino expat with a Non-Pro Philippine Driver's license newly arrived in Doha would be eligible to take the driving test without taking the pre-requisite driving lessons? Thank you!

Posted by: Kate O. | January 28, 2010 09:44 AM




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