06 November 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Wilfredo C. Santos met with the Brig. Muhammad Saad Al Kharji, Director General of Qatar Traffic Department on October 26 to discuss the issuance of Qatar driving license due to the mandatory driving school requirement being implemented by  the host government.

Due to the implementation of this requirement, most driving schools are filled months in advance.  As a result, it takes months to get a schedule from accredited driving schools which causes the delay in the issuance of Qatar driving license to Filipino drivers and operators.

To resolve the issue of the long waiting period, Ambassador Santos proposed an on-site testing (at the request of the respective companies) for Filipinos holding a valid professional driver's license from the Philippines. They will be given one chance to take the driving test without requiring them to undergo the driving school training.

If the driver passes the test, he will be given the appropriate Qatar driving license. If he fails the test, he will be required to undergo the mandatory driving school training before being allowed to retake the exam.

Brig. Muhammad Saad Al Kharji agreed to the proposal and thanked the Philippine envoy for bringing the issue to the attention of the Traffic Department for its easy resolution. END