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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I am a technical maintenance coordinator so can I apply for driving license plz?
I am a mechanical technician, I can apply for driving license.
Thank you
I have a Dubai driving license but currently I am working in Qatar as Security guard, why I can’t change my Dubai driving license to Qatar driving license?
my profession is safety officer can i apply for driving license
Check what profession u have in your Qatar ID, Because some professions cannot have license in Qatar even though if u hold other GCC country license.
Please my profession is a technician can I apply for Qatar driving licence please I need someone to help me with explanation
What is I make driving licence my profetion INSTAL TECHNICHIAN
Observed Occupation can apply for driving licence for car?
My professional supervisor I’m applying driving license????
MINE ALSO TECHNICIAN, DID YOU GET, if yes please let me know from which school and fee
Hi good afternoon
Can i apply driver license I’m beautican in my Visa/Id
I want to apply different job but the problem all the company I tried ,they need Driver license.
I hope I can .thank you
Can I apply for driving licence of qatar my proffection is store keeper
Hlo sir /madam
My proffection is storekeeper can I apply for driving licence here.
Thks
My visa is cleaner can I get licence in qatar
Hi Faiz, Chances are low. You can check with any driving school.
My visa status is technician it would be eligible to driving plz let me know.
Hi Rabi, Please check with a driving school.
I want driving licences but my professional is sales man plz if any time can i apply inform me
Hi Bikendra, Salesman is normally not eligible. Anyways you can check with a driving school.
Hi .
I’m Khalid hussain here in Qatar.my Visa status is technician.so can I get driving license please.
Hi i am hafiz al amin my profesion labour but i want change my profesion how i can duit any goods ideas plead information me
My profession only tecnician so pls reply get possible licence
My visa tecnician possiple or driving licence
Where is the good driving school in Qatar?
I Have OMAN driving license but it is expired on July 2021 , Can I convert it in Qatar ?? Please advise .
Thanks
I am a health and safety officer, . I am legible for driving licence?
My popation civil drifman my popation come in driving plzzz tall me i want driving licence
Hi Jasim, Please check with any driving school.