2011-07-21

Whether to do a short driving course in Doha


The decision whether or not to take a short driving course really is your own.  Personally I am happy I did the short course although I had years of experience driving in my country.  The course helped to build my confidence as I was really intimidated by the Doha roads.  It also adequately prepared me for the actual test.
I have friends who did the test without enrolling in any driving courses and they passed on the attempt.  Nothing is impossible is you put your mind to it.  Do what makes you comfortable or what is affordable to you.
If you choose to do the short course with Al Khebra, ensure that your instructor starts training you how to do the L-Parking and Box Parking by at least Day 3.  Here is a list of places you want to practice:
  1. The Village
  2. The Highway
  3. The Crazy Roundabout
  4. Roundabouts (especially in the test areas.)
  5. Any area you fear - practice in that area and conquer the fear.
One lady said she was told by her instructor she would not be taken on the Main Road so she never drove on the main road unfortunately her road test was on the Main Road.  Don't agree to any short cuts, you only cheat yourself.
If you decide to take the driving course just be open to learning and unlearning any bad habits you may have developed.  After you pass the test you can do as you wish.

Al Khebra Driving School CD


Al Khebra provides students with a rather helpful CD with tips on driving.  I would suggest you watch the entire CD and note the principles being taught. At the end of each section is a quiz.  Watch the CD a few times and take the quizzes.  It's quite helpful.

My only criticism of the CD is that one of the scenes under the roundabout lesson demonstrates a car mounting the kerb and driving through the grassy area of the roundabout.  They need to fix that.