International Driving Permit for Maldives
The Maldives technically drives on the left, but for almost all visitors driving is irrelevant because the country is spread across hundreds of low-lying islands reached by speedboat and seaplane. Road travel is largely confined to the capital Malé and a handful of larger islands, where streets are narrow and motorbikes dominate. An IDP is useful only in the rare case you hire a vehicle, and the local licence is issued in the Dhivehi script.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Maldives?
Most visitors to the Maldives never drive, as travel is by boat or seaplane, but an IDP can help on the few islands where vehicle hire exists.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Left
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Asia
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: Dhivehi, English
Driving in Maldives: key facts
- Inter-island travel relies on speedboats and seaplanes, so self-driving plays almost no role for tourists.
- On Malé and a few larger islands, narrow streets are busy with motorcycles, and helmets are required for riders.
- Where vehicles operate, traffic keeps to the left and speeds are low given the compact island roads.
How to get your IDP for Maldives
Getting your International Driving Permit for Maldives 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 Maldives.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Maldives
Do I need an IDP to drive in the Maldives?
Most visitors never drive, since transport is by boat and seaplane. If you do hire a vehicle on a larger island, an International Driving Permit with your national licence is helpful.
Can I rent a car in the Maldives with a foreign licence?
Car hire is uncommon and limited to a few islands. Where available, a valid foreign licence and an IDP are generally expected along with a passport.
What side of the road does the Maldives drive on?
The Maldives drives on the left, though the small amount of road travel is concentrated in the capital and a few larger islands.
What is the minimum age to drive in the Maldives?
The minimum driving age is 18, and the limited vehicle-hire options may apply their own higher age requirements.
Other countries in Asia
International Driving Permit for Maldives
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