Monday 23 January 2017

Brits no longer enjoy automatic DL transfer in Qatar

In a major rule change, the Qatari government has made it mandatory for British citizens in Qatar to pass a theoretical exam, driving tests and eye examination in order to obtain a new driving license.

Earlier, holders of a valid full UK driving licence could convert it to a valid Qatari driving licence without any additional tests.

The British Embassy in Doha, in a letter to the country’s nationals in Qatar, spoke about the changes.

“Dear British Community, we have recently been made aware of changes to the requirements for expatriates seeking to obtain a local Qatari driving licence,” the communiqué read.

The letter laid out the ground rules for British nationals to obtain new Qatari licenses.

“From the beginning of 2017, UK licence holders are required to pass a driving test at a government approved testing centre, pass a theory test on local driving rules and pass an eye test. At present, this change does not affect the renewal of existing licences,” it said.

Meanwhile, visitors holding valid full UK licences may still drive for up to 7 days from arrival, or up to 6 months from arrival if held in conjunction with a valid International Driving Licence.

The British Embassy also referred all further enquiries to the Hukoomi Government Portal and the Traffic Department Headquarters at Madinat Khalifa.

(Source: Qatar Living)

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