Maldives requires foreigners to pass local test for driving permit

The Ministry of Transport has announced changes to the policy on issuing Maldivian driving licences to foreign nationals, with foreign nationals no longer be granted a Maldivian driving licence solely based on their foreign licence and requiring them to pass a driving assessment in the Maldives.

The changes were announced by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Monday.

Previously, licences were issued for durations that could exceed the validity of the holder’s original licence or passport. Ameen stated that this practice has now been revised. According to the new regulation, the validity of the Maldivian licence will be limited to the remaining validity of the foreign licence.

Additionally, all applicants must now complete the same driving assessment process required of other applicants in the Maldives.

“There are narrow streets in Malé. Driving in Malé may differ from driving in foreign countries. Therefore, we will issue licences only after conducting a driving assessment, similar to the procedure followed for other applicants,” Ameen said.

A list of recognised foreign driving licences was compiled under the previous administration. It includes licences from 26 countries, primarily those from which a large number of foreign workers come to the Maldives. These countries include: