List of Professions Eligible for Driving License in Qatar

In Qatar, a wide range of individuals are eligible to obtain a driving license, provided they meet specific conditions outlined by the government. These requirements apply to both Qatari citizens and expatriates residing in the country. Below is a comprehensive List of Professions Eligible for Driving License in Qatar, along with the conditions and professions that may not be eligible.
Table Of Content
Who is Eligible for a Driving License in Qatar?
The following individuals are eligible to apply for a driving license in Qatar:
- Qatari Citizens: Qatari nationals are automatically eligible to obtain a driver’s license, as long as they meet the minimum age requirement and other health conditions.
- Foreigners with Legal Residency: Expatriates who hold legal residency in Qatar are eligible for a driving license. This includes those with residence permits or visas issued for employment, family, or other valid reasons.
- Individuals from Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations: Diplomats and international organization members are eligible for a driving license based on their status. They must provide specific documentation like a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their diplomatic ID.
- People with Disabilities: People with disabilities may also apply for a driving license, provided they meet certain medical criteria indicating their fitness to drive. A specialized mark is placed on the license to specify the type of vehicle they are authorized to drive.
- Tourists and Visitors with International Driving Licenses: Tourists visiting Qatar can use their international driving license for a period of up to six months. Additionally, residents of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries can use their national driving license in Qatar for up to three months.
Driving License Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a driving license in Qatar, the following conditions must be met:
- Age Requirement:
- 18 years for a private light vehicle or motorcycle license.
- 21 years for a public heavy vehicle or construction and agricultural equipment license.
- Physical Fitness: Applicants must pass an eye test and demonstrate overall fitness to drive.
- Driving Test: Both a theoretical and practical driving test must be passed for eligibility.
- Residency Requirement: Non-Qataris and GCC citizens must have legal residency in Qatar to apply for a driving license. Tourists can only use an international driving license for a limited period.
Qatar Driving License Profession List
While most professions are eligible for a driving license, there are certain jobs that are restricted due to the nature of the work or the individual’s role. The professions listed below are generally not eligible for a driving license in Qatar.
GROUP 1 | Gypsum worker, and technical assistant, service worker, watchman, Horse trainer, laborer, sailor, servant, nanny, farmer, blacksmith, bakery worker, painter, herdsman, fisherman, tailor, calligraphy technician, shoemaker, grocery worker, tiles worker, builder, butcher, service worker, nutrition worker, industrial service worker |
GROUP 2 | Hotel service worker, financial services worker, vegetable seller, plumber, sea shipment worker, land shipment worker, jeweler, air cargo worker, cook, typist, boat carpenter, beauty salon worker, welder, translator, painter, welding technician, installation technician, maintenance technician, mechanical technician |
GROUP 3 | Barber, baking mixer, & cook, meat, shawarma and sandwich griller, falafel maker, sweets maker, waiter, laundry worker, & prayer caller, rescue worker, security guard, gate Guard, lift worker, & shipping worker, carrier, packing and grinding worker, irrigation worker. |
GROUP 4 | Gardener, agricultural worker, wood seller, horse hostler, fodder worker, machine operator, tailoring worker, plaster worker, & tents tailor, embroider, general typing, stamp maker, crusher machine operator, glass technician, marble technician, metal-casting technician, tiles technician |
GROUP 5 | Pastry maker, vinegar maker, general manufacturing worker, ice maker, plumber assistant, lathing worker, AC technician, white smith, electric welder, pipes welder, oxygen welder, general equipment mechanic, glass installer, installation electrician, general electrician, lift electrician, telephone central electrician, installation technician, general carpenter, construction carpenter, déCor carpenter, upholstery worker, furniture upholstery worker, curtain installer, curtain upholstery worker, assistant builder, connections technician, digger, bricks builder, mixer operator, concrete blacksmith, manufacturing worker, designing technician, civil technician, construction technician, juice maker, kebab maker, henna maker, goldsmith, grave digger, animal caretaker, milkman, plaster technician, ceramic worker, tire Worker, cook’s assistant, barkeeper, key technician, massage worker. |
GROUP 6 | Photography technician, salesman, cashier, fishing net maker, accounts technician, pharmacy assistant, newspaper sellers, computer programmer, computer programmer technician, house manager, communication assistant, health and safety technician, paramedic, architecture technician, coffee boy, decorator assistant, dental technician, Page Maker, and wood cutter, Sculptor, television technician, mining technician. Digger, bricks builder, mixer operator, concrete blacksmith, manufacturing worker, designing technician, civil technician, construction technician, juice maker, kebab maker, henna maker, goldsmith, grave digger, animal caretaker, milkman, plaster technician, ceramic worker, Tire worker, cook’s assistant, barkeeper, key technician, massage worker. |
GROUP 7 | Gypsum worker, watchman, horse trainer, laborer, sailor, servant, nanny, farmer, blacksmith, bakery worker, painter, herdsman, fisherman, tailor, calligraphy technician, shoemaker, grocery worker, tiles worker, butcher, nutrition worker, and industrial service worker. |
These professionals are not allowed to drive as part of their job or due to their work environment.
Conclusion
Obtaining a driving license in Qatar is a straightforward process for most residents, including Qataris and expatriates with legal residency. However, certain groups, especially those in specific professions, may be excluded from eligibility. It’s important for applicants to meet the necessary age, medical, and residency requirements before applying.
Questions & Answers
Anyone meeting age, residency, and fitness requirements can apply for a Qatar driving license.
No, some labor-intensive and service professions are restricted from obtaining a license.
Professions like laborer, servant, watchman, tailor, and many technical assistant roles are not eligible.
Yes, Qatari citizens can apply for a driving license regardless of their profession.
Yes, based on a medical report confirming fitness, people with disabilities can obtain a license.
Yes, they can drive for up to six months; beyond that, approval is needed from authorities.
The minimum age is 18 for light vehicles and motorcycles, and 21 for heavy or equipment vehicles.