Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has reminded taxi, limousine and public bus drivers to hold valid public driving licenses as required by traffic laws.
Under Articles 30, 31 and 32 of Qatar’s Traffic Law No. 19 of 2007, driving licences are classified into several categories. A public vehicle driving licence permits holders to operate taxis, limousines, passenger transport vehicles and public buses, along with certain authorised heavy machinery and equipment.
Requirements to obtain licence:
- Minimum age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
- Medical fitness: Applicants must be medically fit.
- Driving experience: Must have held a valid mechanical vehicle driving licence for at least two years.
- Good conduct: A certificate of good conduct is required.
- Local knowledge: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Qatar’s key facilities and geographical areas.
- Employment: Must work in the profession on a full-time basis.
- Sponsorship: Where applicable, applicants must be sponsored by a licensed taxi, limousine or public bus operator.
Applicants must have “Driver” listed as their profession on their residence permit. For a public driving licence, they must also have a clean record, at least two years of valid driving experience, and knowledge of Qatar’s key facilities and locations.
