Mauritius has a well-developed public transport network, although the frequency and working hours might not work for all your commuting needs, especially if you want to get to the rural areas. While it is entirely possible to do without a car on the island, having one will give you much more flexibility, peace and comfort. So, if you are planning to buy or rent a car, here is what you need to know about driving on the island.
Driving in Mauritius: an overview
In Mauritius, the steering wheel is on the right and driving is on the left, as in Anglo-Saxon countries, while road signs are written in English.
Overall, the main roads are in good condition, although caution may be required in some areas, especially areas with high rainfall, where the road surface tends to deteriorate rapidly.
Another important point is that Mauritian drivers can sometimes speed or have their own interpretation of the Highway Code but always remain courteous. You should get a "thank you" with the hazard lights or a wave after giving way, for example.
Traffic jams are a real thing on the island. The National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) counted 644,205 vehicles (all types) as of October 31, 2022.
The Mauritian driving license
All resident foreign nationals are allowed to obtain a driving license in Mauritius, provided they are over 16 years of age for a motorcycle and 18 years of age for a car.
To be on the safe side, choose a reputable driving school, as many others operate illegally. However, it is also possible to take the driving and parking test in a private car, provided that you take out a special insurance policy.
The driving license in Mauritius consists of 3 stages, namely the oral test, the driving and the parking. Once you pass the oral test, you can practice on secondary roads, accompanied by an adult who holds a driving license. Once the driving test is passed, the parking test will be held right after. This test is the key to obtaining a driver's license. If you fail one of these tests, you will only have to retake one of the 2 missing steps but will still not be allowed to drive on your own.
Mauritius driver's license for expatriates
Expatriates can either convert their existing driver's license upon arrival or exchange their license once they become residents in Mauritius.
Steps to convert a driver's license in Mauritius
Here are the steps to follow to apply for a Mauritian driver's license if you already have a driver's license (car):
Put together a file including the following documents:
- Letter of request for a driver's license exchange, written in English;
- An official certificate from your country's authorities confirming that your driver's license is still valid;
- Copy and original of your passport with entry details;
- Copy and original of your current driver's license;
- Proof of address;
- 2 passport photos;
- Marriage certificate, if required;
- Rs 1,500 in cash.
Then go to the Line Barracks, located in Port-Louis, and ask for the Traffic Branch. The Line Barracks is open to the public from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays only.
The officers may provide you with a form to fill out and ask you to come back later, again in person. In this case, the exact date will be communicated to you by phone or text message.
As a precaution, please bring the documents listed above to this second visit to the police station. Also bring the amount indicated to pay for your license conversion. The receipt given at the time of payment must be kept with you at all times, to be presented in the event of a road check.
The last step is the collection of the Mauritian license, which will take place approximately one month later, still at the Line Barracks. You can go in person or delegate to someone.
Example of a letter requesting the conversion of a driver's license:
To the Officer in Charge
Licensing Office
Traffic Branch
Line Barracks
Port Louis
Request for conversion of (nationality) Driving License to Mauritian Driving Licence
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, (First and Last Name), of (nationality) nationality bearing passport number (Passport number) and residing at (address) since (date of moving in), hereby request to convert my (nationality) Driving license to a Mauritian Driving license. Please find enclosed the following documentation:
- A copy of my (nationality) Driving License (front and back).
- A copy of my passport and last visa entry page.
- A copy of my Residence Permit.
- An attestation from the (nationality) Police.
- A copy of my marriage certificate.
Thank you in advance for considering my request.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Getting a driver's license in Mauritius
Expats are, of course, allowed to take their driving test for the first time in Mauritius. Here are the important steps to remember.
Applying for a provisional license
Before learning to drive any vehicle, all applicants, including expatriates, must apply for a provisional driving license from the Traffic Branch of the Mauritius Police.
The application for a provisional driving license can be made in person at the police station or online through the Government Online Centre (GOC) upon registration. The applicant must choose a date and time to visit the license office.
Good to know:
The application for a provisional license will cost you Rs 500, non-refundable.
Please note that there is a minimum age requirement to obtain a provisional driving license:
- Two-wheelers up to 50cc: 15 years old
- Motorcycle: 17 years old
- Motorcar: 18 years old
Important:
- Applicants over 60 years of age must present a medical certificate proving their ability to drive.
- Failure to attend a provisional license appointment will result in the cancellation of the appointment. The applicant must wait 48 hours before requesting a new appointment.
- For expatriates, there is no automatic conversion of the heavy vehicle license, so it is necessary to retake the test in Mauritius.
Passing the cab and heavy vehicle license in Mauritius
Application for a provisional license for cabs: the applicant must already hold a driving license in this sense.
Application for a provisional license to drive a heavy vehicle (bus and truck): the applicant must already hold such a license for at least 6 months.
Driving lessons
There are a total of 150 licensed driving instructors in Mauritius, located in Port Louis, Curepipe, Rose Hill and Flacq.
However, it is also possible to learn to drive with a person of legal age who holds a driving license and the appropriate insurance.
How much does a driving license cost in Mauritius?
Between the registration, the practical test, the driving school, and the driving test, here are the costs you need to expect to obtain a driving license in Mauritius:
- Registration to the oral exam (test in the form of MCQ): Rs 500;
- Registration for the practical test: Rs 500;
- Registration at the driving school (fees vary according to the driving school): between Rs 500 and 2000;
- Car rental from the driving school for the practical test and special insurance: between Rs 1500 and 2500;
- Driving lessons (manual and automatic): between Rs 250 and 350 minimum for 30 minutes.
Driving exams in Mauritius
The fee for the oral test is fixed at Rs 500, and each new test, in case of failure of the previous one, is paid. The driving and parking tests are held at the Central Barracks in Port-Louis or at the Barracks in Curepipe.
Good to know:
If you have passed the driving test on an automatic gear, you will not be allowed to drive a manual car with a manual gear (stick).
International driving license holders in Mauritius
Mauritius is a country that recognizes the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 1949, which states: "Any person holding an international driving permit or a valid driving license issued by a competent foreign authority shall not be required to pass an examination. Any such permit or license shall authorize the holder thereof to drive in the State of Mauritius any vehicle of the types specified therein." (Sections 57 and 59 of the Road Traffic Regulations 1954).
Foreigners intending to stay in Mauritius for more than 4 weeks must have an International Driving Permit (issued in their country of origin) or apply to the Mauritian authorities for an extension if the permit is no longer valid.
A person holding an International Driving Permit is allowed to drive in Mauritius all types of vehicles mentioned on the permit. However, the license must be exchanged once the holder becomes officially resident in Mauritius.
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