So, the other day, I decided I needed to figure out this whole driving license thing in Samoa. I mean, I’m planning a trip there, and I definitely want the freedom to explore at my own pace, you know? So, I started digging around to see what the deal was.
First off, I found out that if you’re just visiting, you can’t just use your regular license from back home. Nope, you gotta get this thing called a Temporary Driver’s License (TDL) or make your current license valid there. And honestly, the idea of dealing with that after a long flight didn’t sound too appealing.
Then I stumbled upon another option – the International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s basically a translation of your driver’s license that lets you drive in other countries. Seemed like a good idea, but the process of getting one through the official channels looked a bit, well, bureaucratic. Queues, paperwork, you get the picture.

But then I thought, “There’s gotta be an easier way, right?” I mean, it’s the 21st century! So, I started looking into online options for getting a Samoan driving license. I found some resources that walked through getting an IDP for Samoa online, which seemed pretty fast. You just fill out some forms, pay the fees and upload your documents. I found some detailed information at the Samoa Land Transport Authority website, too.
Types of license
- Commercial
- Commercial Class A motor cycle
- Class B Light private vehicle < 3tons tare weight
- Class C Light Public Service Vehicle < 3tons tare weight
- Class D Heavy Public Service Vehicle (Bus) 1 to 8tons tares weight
- Class E Light Goods Vehicles (e.g. 4WD pickup)
Then I found out about the cost. Apparently, a temporary driving permit is around WST$21 for a month. But rental companies might add their own fees on top. You can get the permit from the rental places, or from the Samoa Tourism Information Center, Samoa Post, or the Land Transport Authority in Apia.
After going through all these options, I finally got the IDP sorted out online. It was way quicker and smoother than I expected. I just filled out a form, paid a fee, and boom, got a digital copy pretty much instantly. Now I’m all set to hit the road in Samoa without any worries.
In summary, I explored getting a temporary license, looked into the International Driving Permit, and eventually found a way to do it all online. It was a bit of a journey, but now I feel super prepared for my trip. And hey, if you’re planning to drive in Samoa, maybe this little adventure of mine will save you some time and hassle!