Manama A minimum of 15 theory hours and 35 driving hours will be required before taking a driving test in Qatar under a new rule.
The lessons focus on Qatar's traffic law, first-aid and how to deal with the aftermath of a car crash, Qatari daily The Peninsula reported, quoting Adil Salim, the manager of Al Raya, the country's oldest driving school.
Currently, people attending driving schools must have 12 hours of theory classes and take either 20 or 30 hours of driving lessons to qualify for the driving test.
"I welcome the new rules because they would ensure that driving schools are equipped with the best training vehicles and equipment and employ qualified and experienced instructors," he said.
He said his school did not plan to increase its fee because of the new regulations.
However, the rule will not affect people who have a driver's licence from another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country who can apply for Qatari driver's licence directly.
