International Driving Permit for Windward Islands
The Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, including Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica, all drive on the left, a legacy of British rule. A common quirk across these islands is that most require you to purchase a short-term local driving permit at the airport, police station, or car-hire desk before you can legally take the wheel, even with a valid foreign licence.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Windward Islands?
Most Windward Islands require visitors to buy a temporary local driving permit, and an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence makes obtaining one straightforward.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Left
- Minimum driving age
- 17 years
- Region
- Americas
- IDP
- Recommended
Local languages: English, French Creole
Driving in Windward Islands: key facts
- Roads are narrow, steep, and winding through rainforest and along coastal cliffs, so speeds are naturally low and many local drivers honk on blind bends.
- A temporary local permit is usually required and typically costs a small fee, valid for a limited number of weeks or months depending on the island.
- Seatbelts are mandatory in front seats and the legal driving age is 17 across the islands.
How to get your IDP for Windward Islands
Getting your International Driving Permit for Windward 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 Windward Islands.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Windward Islands
Do I need an IDP to drive in the Windward Islands?
An IDP is not always strictly mandated, but most islands require a temporary local driving permit, and presenting an IDP with your national licence makes getting one quick and avoids confusion at police stations or rental desks.
Can I rent a car in the Windward Islands with a foreign licence?
Yes, rental companies accept a valid foreign licence, but you will usually need to obtain a local temporary permit first, which the rental agency can often arrange for a small fee.
What side of the road do the Windward Islands drive on?
All of the Windward Islands drive on the left-hand side of the road. Take extra care on the steep, narrow, and winding mountain and coastal routes.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in the Windward Islands?
The minimum driving age is 17, though many rental companies set a higher minimum rental age of 21 or 25 and may apply a young-driver surcharge.
Other countries in Americas
International Driving Permit for Windward Islands
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