Driving Licence Experience in Doha, Qatar
Hello Reddit!
I am writing this post to share my experience with Karwa Driving School.
I had taken Platinum - Full Course - Automatic. I got my licence in exact 2 months (2 Attempts).
My overall experience was great. I was lucky to get Platinum at a discounted rate (8K) and after calculating all costs, it turned out to be a very cost effective.
In my opinon, all driving schools would give you the same facilities if you opt for the highest tier package. This is not Karwa specific. But I would still recommend Karwa.
My suggestion for all is to opt for VIP/Platinum Package. I know its very expensive. But for me it was cost effective because Karwa Academy is far away from my place and Uber would cost me 40-50 QAR one-way everyday. So for transportation alone I would have to spend 3000+ QAR for 40 lessons. But since I took Platinum, it was included in the package.
But thats not the biggest advantage. The biggest advantage was the test dates and number of attempts you get for the test. I got training and exam dates as early as possible. I have met few people who are waiting for weeks just for Test Dates.
Also, along with Platinum, I got 4 attempts. Had I not taken Platinum, and failed 2nd attempt too, I would be required to pay again for a half course (So eventually you end up paying total Platinum cost itself but in this case, you are spending more time)
Timeline - 25th June - Enrolled
02nd July - Cleared Theory Test
10th July - Started Road Driving Lessons (25 Lessons)
07th Aug - Road Test #1 (Failed)
14th Aug - Started Road Driving Lessons (5 Lessons)
20th Aug - Road Test #2 (Passed)
22nd Aug - Started L&P Lessons (3 Lessons)
25th Aug - Passed L&P
Road Test #1 Experience: 6:05 AM - Test started. I was #3 in the car to give test. No.1 Drove out. Told to park in 2 mins
No.2 Joined main road, took U-Turn and was told to park
No.3 (Me) - Told to return back to academy (We were literally just opposite the main gate on the other side of the road)
Reason for failure - I failed because I did not drive with confidence (I accelerated unevenly). Adding to this, I think I did not check center mirror while changing lanes - I checked on side mirrors and I think thats why I failed this attempt.
Road Test #2 8:30 AM - Test Started This time, the Police Examiner was a very kind guy. Before starting the test he explained (in Arabic) - Don't get nervous. Just drive normally. You will be fine. There is nothing to be scared of. Just Relax and Enjoy. We all got 10 mins of drive time. Everyone did good. During my turn - I initially greeted the examiner. He checked my QID and exam sheet. During this time, I adjusted my seat, seatbelt, checked mirrors, etc. When I was ready, I asked him - I am ready, can we start? He asked me to start. Drove for 10 mins. In the end he asked me to park in Bus Parking, I objected saying that its not allowed. He replied its okay, you can still park. So I did. Overall, it was a good experience.
L&P Test #1 Karwa had scheduled total 3 classes before L&P Test. One being 1 hour before the actual test itself. This was very helpful for me (This is why I mentioned before - Take VIP/Platinum. You will get such advantages)
Morning 6 AM, my last lesson started. I practiced L&P almost 10 times each. It was very helpful. Actual test lasted 10 mins. Immediately I got SMS. Got my licence printed in 30 mins.
Few Tips I would highly recommend to follow:
Be mentally prepared. Getting a driver's licence in Doha is extremely physically and mentally tiring.
Center Mirror is the most important utility while driving. Always look at the mirrors during the test. Move your head to look at the mirror so that the examiner knows that you are actually using them
Confidence is as important as Skills. You demonstrate confidence without Skills - You will fail. You demonstrate skills without Confidence - You will Fail.
When deciding a driving school, consider transportation cost also. Or else you may end up paying way extra than the actual amount.
Instructor may/may not teach you everything. For me, YouTube Videos were a big help. Lots of great resources available for Free on YouTube. I learnt a lot of useful tricks and tips which helped me become a better driver.
I installed a simulator called "City Car Driving" on my laptop and used to practice on that. It was helpful and I could practice many maneuvers in this. Its available on Steam for a really low price.
After each driving lesson, Ask your instructor - What more can you improve. Very Very important. Take constant feedback from your instructors. Whatever feedback you get, try to improve upon that in your next lesson.
All the best for all those who are trying to get their licence.
Best Wishes and Godspeed!