Today, let me tell you about how I got my hands on a Malawi driver’s license. It was a real adventure, and I’m here to spill all the beans.
First off, I started by hitting up a local driving school. I heard it’s a must-do for anyone wanting to get a license in Malawi. I enrolled, paid the fees, and got a receipt and a reference letter from them. Pretty standard stuff, you know? They said lessons usually run for about 30 days, but it can stretch longer depending on the schedule. Mine took a bit longer, about 45 days to be exact.
Then, I had to get to the Road Traffic Directorate Office. That’s where the real deal happens. I picked up an application form from the counter there. You can also download it online if that’s your thing. But honestly, just grabbing one there was easier for me. I also learned that it’s a requirement for foreigners in Malawi to apply for a corresponding Malawi-issued driving license if they possess a valid license from their home country. I’m not a foreigner, but good to know, right?

Next up, I had to pay an extra fee at the road traffic office. It was something like TRN card k5,000, Provision license k8,000, and booking and tests k6,000. Yeah, not exactly cheap, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do. I paid them in cash, got my receipts, and moved on.
After that, it was time for the driving course. It’s mandatory, they said. And let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park. We’re talking about 30 days minimum, up to 4 months max. Mine took around 2 months, and man, those were some intense driving lessons.
Once I was done with the course, I went back to the Road Traffic Directorate to take the driving test. It’s not just about driving skills, though. You gotta pass a medical test too. Passed both, thankfully! And guess what? I finally got my Malawi driving license! It cost me about k15,000. Not too bad, I guess. But the main thing is that it’s valid for two years, then I gotta renew it.
So, there you have it. That’s my journey to getting a Malawi driver’s license. It wasn’t easy, but hey, I did it! And now, I’m cruising around Malawi like a boss. If you’re thinking of getting one, just be ready for some paperwork, some fees, and a whole lot of driving lessons.
Here are a few more things I learned along the way:
- You gotta be at least 18 years old to apply. No exceptions.
- If you’re a foreigner, you can drive with your home country’s license, but only for a while. You’ll need to get a Malawi license eventually.
- Driving lessons vary in length, but it’s usually 30 days minimum, can go up to 3 or 4 months.
Important reminder:
Don’t forget to renew your license every two years. Otherwise, you’re basically driving without one, and that’s a big no-no.
Alright, folks, that’s all from me for now. Drive safe, and see you on the roads!