International Driving Permit for British Indian Ocean Territory
The British Indian Ocean Territory drives on the left, in line with British convention, but it is a remote archipelago centred on Diego Garcia with no tourism and no general public road access. There is virtually no civilian driving here, as access is restricted to authorised military and contractor personnel.
Do you need an IDP to drive in British Indian Ocean Territory?
The British Indian Ocean Territory has effectively no public road network or car rental for visitors, so an International Driving Permit is rarely needed in practice.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Left
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Africa
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: English
Driving in British Indian Ocean Territory: key facts
- Access is heavily restricted and there is no commercial car rental or public road system for tourists.
- Driving, where it occurs, follows the left-hand side as in the United Kingdom.
- The territory consists of low coral atolls, so any limited movement is on military or support facilities rather than open highways.
How to get your IDP for British Indian Ocean Territory
Getting your International Driving Permit for British Indian Ocean Territory takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in British Indian Ocean Territory.
Frequently asked questions about driving in British Indian Ocean Territory
Do I need an IDP to drive in the British Indian Ocean Territory?
In practice you will not be driving as a visitor, since access is restricted and there is no public road network, so an IDP is generally not relevant here.
Can I rent a car in the British Indian Ocean Territory?
No, there is no commercial car rental available, as the territory has no tourism and tightly controlled access.
What side of the road does the British Indian Ocean Territory drive on?
Following British convention, any driving in the territory is on the left-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum driving age in the British Indian Ocean Territory?
The notional minimum driving age is 18, though this has little practical effect given the absence of public driving.
Other countries in Africa
International Driving Permit for British Indian Ocean Territory
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