Qatar driving test FAQ

The Ministry of Interior — General Directorate of Traffic (الإدارة العامة للمرور) does not publish the number of questions, the pass mark or the time limit for the Qatar theory test.

The Ministry of Interior — General Directorate of Traffic (الإدارة العامة للمرور) decides which languages the Qatar theory test can be taken in, so check the current options with them before you book. You can practise for the test in English on AutoviaTest.

The minimum age for a car driving licence in Qatar is 18.

What you need for the Qatar driving test: A medical fitness certificate confirming your eyesight and physical fitness; A pass in the theory test, then the practical test, both run by the Traffic Department. Check the current list with the Ministry of Interior — General Directorate of Traffic (الإدارة العامة للمرور) before your appointment.

A Qatar driving licence is valid for 10 years for Qatari citizens and 5 years for non-Qataris. After that it must be renewed.

Alcohol limit for driving in Qatar: 0.00% (no permitted level).

Speed limits for cars in Qatar: towns 100 km/h, rural roads 120 km/h, highways 120 km/h. These are the default maximums for private cars; a posted sign sets the limit where there is one (Bylaw 6/2010 Art. 176).

In Qatar, you drive on the RIGHT side of the road. The steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle. This is important to remember if you're visiting from a country that drives on the opposite side.

The test has two stages run by the Traffic Department: a theory test, then a practical driving test (Bylaw 6/2010 Art. 48). The theory test covers traffic rules and etiquette, road signs and signals, and the basics of how a vehicle works and is used. If you fail it, the Traffic Department decides when you may retake it (Art. 49).

Driving rules specific to Qatar: No alcohol is permitted: driving under the influence of intoxicants or drugs is banned (Traffic Law Art. 57). At a junction with no signs or markings, vehicles coming from your left have priority (Traffic Law Art. 74). The driver and the front-seat passenger must wear seat belts, and children under 10 may not sit in the front (Traffic Law Arts. 54–55). Using a hand-held phone while driving is banned (Traffic Law Art. 55). Black points: the licence is withdrawn for 3 months the first time your points reach 14, with lower thresholds and longer bans each time after (Traffic Law Art. 92). GCC citizens may drive on a valid licence from their own country and must replace it with a Qatari licence when it expires during their stay (Traffic Law Art. 29).

Yes. AutoviaTest has practice tests for the Qatar driving theory test, written to Qatar's traffic rules. The first two tests are free; the rest need a subscription.

The emergency number in Qatar is 999. In case of a road accident, call this number immediately. Keep your location details ready and follow the operator's instructions.