Alright, so, I wanted to share my experience getting a driver’s license here in Mauritius. It’s a bit of a story, so buckle up.
First off, I did a bit of digging online, just to get the lay of the land, you know? I found out that you can apply for a provisional license either at a police station or online. That sounded pretty straightforward. The online thing seemed easier, so I went to the official government website to check it out.
Turns out, there are a few types of licenses. Since I was starting from scratch, I needed the provisional one, also called a learner’s license. You can drive for four weeks with your country’s license, if it’s not in your own country’s language, then you will need an official translation.I didn’t have a license at all, so I went straight for the learner’s.
Next, I started gathering all the documents they asked for. You need your birth certificate, national ID, proof of address—the usual stuff. I had all my paperwork in order, so that part was a breeze. I filled out the application form online, making sure every detail was correct.
After I submitted the application, I had to wait a bit. It wasn’t too long before I got a notification to schedule a theory test. I brushed up on the local traffic rules, which, thankfully, weren’t too different from what I already knew. Passed that without a hitch.
- Step 1: Gather documents (birth certificate, ID, proof of address).
- Step 2: Fill out the application form online.
- Step 3: Wait for a notification to schedule a theory test.
- Step 4: Study local traffic rules and pass the theory test.
Then came the practical test. This was the part I was a bit nervous about. I practiced driving around with a friend who had a local license, getting used to the roads and the local driving style. They drive on the left side here, which took some getting used to. I made sure to practice in different conditions—day, night, a bit of rain, you name it.
On the day of the test, I made sure to get there early. The examiner was a serious-looking guy, but he was fair. We drove around for about 30 minutes. He asked me to do a few maneuvers, like parallel parking and a three-point turn. I kept my cool, remembered all the tips my friend gave me, and focused on driving safely. For the driving test in Mauritius, don’t drive beyond 40 km/h and not in the fourth gear. The examiner will watch how you control your speed in different situations and how you change gear. REMEMBER: CHANGING OF GEAR SHOULD BE DONE SMOOTHLY. TRY NOT TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE ON THE FIRST GEAR.
- Step 5: Practice driving with a local licensed driver.
- Step 6: Get to the practical test location early.
- Step 7: Perform the driving test, including maneuvers like parallel parking.
In the end, I passed! It was such a relief. I got my provisional license, and after a few months of driving with that, I was eligible for the full license. I went back, did another quick test to show I was still competent, and boom—I had my full Mauritian driver’s license.
- Step 8: Pass the practical test and receive the provisional license.
- Step 9: Drive with the provisional license for a few months.
- Step 10: Take another test to obtain the full license.
Honestly, the whole process was smoother than I expected. The online application made things convenient, and the officials were generally helpful. If you’re thinking about getting a license here, just make sure you have all your documents ready, study the rules, and get some practice in. You’ll be cruising around the island in no time!
So, that’s my story. Hope it helps anyone else looking to get their license in Mauritius. It’s a pretty great feeling to have that freedom to explore the island on your own terms. Safe driving, everyone!