Alright, let’s talk about how I got my hands on a Kiribati driving license, and boy, was it a ride! First off, I stumbled upon this idea when I was planning a long vacation to Kiribati. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to drive around and explore the place on my own terms?” So, the quest began.
Research and Initial Steps
I started by digging around the internet. I found out that the Kiribati Land Transport Authority (KLTA) is the place to go for driving licenses. They’re located at the Ministry of Information, Communication, Transport, and Tourism Development in Betio. Sounds official, right?
Then I read that for first-timers, you gotta grab a provisional driving license form. It costs around AUD$1.50, which isn’t too bad. You can pick it up at the Licensing Office – Highway Authority. I made a mental note to head there first thing after landing.

Filling Out the Forms
- Collected the form: I went to the office, got the form, and filled it out. Pretty standard stuff, you know, name, address, the usual.
- Submitted it: Took the form to the Traffic Unit at the Kiribati Police Service in Betio. Felt a bit like I was in a movie, handing over important documents and all.
The Waiting Game
After submitting the form, it was a waiting game. I kept myself busy exploring the local sights, trying out the food, and just soaking in the culture. It wasn’t too long before I got the good news – my provisional license was ready!
Getting the Real Deal
With the provisional license in hand, I started thinking about the permanent one. I discovered that there’s this thing called an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is basically a translation of your national driving license. It lets you drive in foreign countries, and you gotta carry it with your national license at all times. Sounded like just what I needed.
Applying for an IDP
I looked into it and found out that getting an IDP is pretty straightforward if you have a valid Kiribati driver’s license. There’s this company, IDL Services Inc., that a lot of people talk about. They’ve been around since 2003 and seem to be popular. They had this easy online application, asking for a copy of my driver’s license, a signature, and a photo.
- Filled out the online form: The process was super simple. Filled in the details, attached the required documents.
- Waited for approval: They said it would be quick, and they weren’t kidding. Got my digital IDP within minutes.
Success!
And just like that, I had my digital International Driving Permit. It felt awesome! Now I could legally drive around Kiribati, explore those stunning landscapes, and visit traditional villages at my own pace. It was totally worth the effort. This whole experience taught me that a little research and patience can really pay off. Plus, driving in a new country? That’s an adventure on its own!
So, if you’re ever planning to drive in a foreign country, don’t be intimidated. Do your research, follow the steps, and you’ll be cruising around in no time. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget!