New Rules for Foreign Drivers in the Maldives

Foreign nationals wishing to drive in the Maldives will now be required to pass a local driving test, as part of new regulations introduced by the government.

At a recent press conference, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen explained that the previous regulations allowed foreign licence holders to drive with less scrutiny. Some foreign nationals were even issued local driving licences for durations longer than the validity of their foreign licences.

Under the new policy, foreign nationals will only be granted driving permits that match the duration of their foreign licences. They will also need to complete the same driving assessment as local applicants before receiving a licence. Minister Ameen noted that driving in the Maldives, particularly in Male’, requires different skills due to narrow streets and specific traffic conditions, which might not align with driving techniques used in other countries.

Previously, the government had issued permanent licences to foreign nationals from over 20 countries without requiring any additional assessment. However, the new policy aims to standardise the process, ensuring that all drivers, local or foreign, are properly assessed for their driving skills.
This change is part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and driving standards across the Maldives.