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
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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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My name is muhammad shahzad
My profession Boiler operator can I apply for driving license ?
Thanks
Hi sir,
My profession is ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN,Can i apply to Qatar Driving Licence.
Please consider my Enquery and awaiting for reply….
Hi, Good Day
The “Technician” Profaisnoal can apply for the driving license..?
Hi sir,
I have automatic transmission license, i want to change in manual transmission license. So can I give direct road test without taking classes. Please considering me ASAP.
Thanks
Hello…what are the eligible professions for driving licence?
Hi sir my profession is Store keeper OR Delivery Officer can i apply to Qatar licence.please consider my query and replay me
Respected sir,
I am having an oman driving license (Gcc), which is valid up to 2027.And my profession is mechanical supervisor, and my sponsor also providing NOC. Can i exchange or convert the same one to qatari driving license. Please consider my query and reply me.
Kind Regards,
Vinod Divakaran
Hi Vinod, Nowadays there is no option to direct convert GCC licenses. Using your Oman license, you can get a direct road test without taking driving classes. Please contact any driving school.
Hi my friend i sm professional computer program
Dear sir, i have before bus, medium truck and trailler in my lisense but now change my catogery in metras 2 show only for trailer so i can driver bus, and truck pls inform me thank you
Hi im working as an IT but on my QID its cashier how can i apply for the license
What about an account assistant, is this eligible or not for driving license?
Currently, I am working as a Health & Safety Officer but my visa is a mechanic. I am also holding a driver’s license which is issued from my country of origin, Can I apply for a Qatar Driving license?
Please consider my query
Have a safe day
I’m driving in sudiarab nine year experience suadi to dubai & kawait taralla driver now I’m in qater but my trade carpenter.i have sudi lience & pakistani HTV
my visa is heavy equipment driver i am eligible can apply for light vehicle driving license ?
I have “”Technician”” profession in QID..
Do I eligible for Light Driving Licensee??
Iam a hotel management professional working as a chef ,am l eligible for driving license in qatar
I am having store keeper visa , am i eligible to apply for light vehicle driving license?
Hi Bazith, Storekeeper not among banned professions. We believe you should be eligible to apply. Please confirm with a driving school.
Hello Respected Sir,
If my professional is not eligible for driving licence but i have valid kuwait driving licence and my Sponsor give me NOC for taking licence then can i get qatar licence.
Regards and Thanks
Dear sir
can apply technician for driving school
Hi Phiroj, Most technicians are now eligible. Please check with a driving school.
My professions is laborer can i get license!
I heard traffic department give a chance to apply driving licence to technicians professional but in a 1 year only some time duration.