International Driving Permit for Cook Islands
The Cook Islands drive on the left, with a relaxed island pace and low speed limits around Rarotonga's single coastal ring road. A long-standing local quirk is that visitors often had to obtain a Cook Islands driving licence at the police station, particularly to ride the popular rented scooters.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Cook Islands?
An IDP is not legally required to drive in the Cook Islands, but it is useful, and visitors traditionally needed a local Cook Islands licence to ride a scooter.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Left
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Oceania
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: English, Cook Islands Maori
Driving in Cook Islands: key facts
- Traffic keeps to the left and the minimum driving age is 18.
- Rarotonga is circled by one main coastal road, so navigation is simple and speeds are kept low.
- Scooter and motorcycle hire is hugely popular, and helmet rules and local licensing requirements have applied to riders.
How to get your IDP for Cook Islands
Getting your International Driving Permit for Cook Islands 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 Cook Islands.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Cook Islands
Do I need an IDP to drive in the Cook Islands?
An IDP is not strictly required, but it is useful; visitors have traditionally needed to obtain a local Cook Islands licence, especially to ride a scooter.
What side of the road do the Cook Islands drive on?
The Cook Islands drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Can I drive with a foreign licence in the Cook Islands?
A valid foreign licence is generally accepted for cars, though local rules have required visitors to obtain a Cook Islands licence, particularly for scooters.
What is the minimum age to drive in the Cook Islands?
The minimum driving age is 18, and hire operators may set their own additional conditions.
Other countries in Oceania
International Driving Permit for Cook Islands
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