Riding a Motorcycle in Qatar – The First Step

I started riding in Qatar since April 2017. 

The first steps to get on a motorcycle is to get a motorcycle license. It is a time-consuming task but its worth every bit, and it doesn’t get you in jail ;)

The process for riding license is same all throughout the driving schools. You need to get all your documents ready, go to a driving school and apply for the course. If you already have an existing 2 wheeler license then you can skip the complete course which is 6 days theory and 25 days practical to 6 days of theory and 10 days of practical. The cost of the long course is QAR 2500 whereas a short course is QAR 1050.

The 6 days of theory is compulsory, and if you have a 4 wheel license you might consider it as a waste of your time. But there is no harm in getting used to the road signs and rules as the fines levied here are colossal.  After the 6 days, you will have to appear for your first test which will be based on road signs and rules. The test is usually on a fixed schedule and you have to pay QAR 200 for the same.  20 questions and multiple choice answers. You need 18 right to pass. The results are given at the same time so you can now apply for your theory lessons.

The theory lessons are subject to availability. Based on the number of people taking, you can easily get a waiting period of almost 2 months. For me, it was only 10 days.

When you come for your riding lessons, you are introduced to your riding instructor. Who will then ask you how much you know about a motorcycle. If you don’t know much, he will give you a full brief regarding the Gear, brakes, accelerator, parts, etc. If you possess even minimal riding skills, he will ask you to suit up. Now the riding gear provided by the schools are filthy. The musky smell of the helmet, gloves sticky with sweat and the deteriorating condition of the jacket and knee guards is just appalling. To make it worse, you do not have any other alternative to bringing your own gear might just catch you as too smart.

The time allotted per person is 45 minutes to 1 hour. All you do in that 1 hour is ride between 4 poles. Over and over again. It makes you feel nauseated as you are going in circles and you have that stench which will probably last until you take a shower. This means going on a Date straight after your class will surely leave you single.

If you are good, then you might be instructed to skip a few lessons. But again, it’s upon the discretion of your instructor. The only thing you need to remember is to keep your feet up. Balancing your motorcycle is what is needed. Once the 10 days of unnerving rounds and sweaty gear is completed, then again you have to wait until the test schedule which is conveyed to you via phone. All you do at that time is wish god blessed you with some more patience.

It feels like the sweetest music which makes you skip a heartbeat when you get to know the test date and you get all pumped up. The test is usually at 6AM and better to reach early as it will be first come first test. You have to wear the same gear and do the same thing, but this time there is a Cop who will be watching you. If you succeed, you can then go ahead with the issuance of your license.

You will have to pay another QAR 200 for them to issue the license, but that is the sweet beginning of your journey. A new license is issued for 5 years. If you have a 4 wheel license, then the motorbike is added to the same. 

That's my Ride. Aint she beautiful?

TIME TO HIT THE ROAD!