So, I’ve recently gone through the whole process of getting a driver’s license in Montserrat, and let me tell you, it was quite the journey! I figured I’d share my experience here, step by step, for anyone else who might be considering it or is just curious about how it all works.
First off, I stumbled upon some info online that said you could actually apply for a temporary driver’s license right when you land at the John A. Osborne Airport or at the Police Headquarters in Brades. Sounds convenient, right? But then I saw another bit that suggested applying online before even arriving. Apparently, if you do it online, your receipt acts as a temporary permit until you pick up the actual license.
This online thing seemed like a good idea. I mean, who wants to waste time doing paperwork on vacation? Plus, it mentioned that you could apply from anywhere in the world. That’s pretty cool, especially if you’re planning to drive around as soon as you get there.

I dug a bit deeper and found the different types of licenses and their costs. For a regular private car license, it was going to set me back 250 Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD), including a 100 XCD processing fee. Not too bad, I guess.
Now, the actual process of applying online was pretty straightforward. I found the “Visitors Licence Application Form” thing, which was super easy. Filled in my details, made the payment online. Then I just had to show my email receipt when I arrived, and boom – I was good to drive!
But here’s the thing I learned about the temporary license, if you choose to apply for it in person instead of online, you might have to take a driving test, or maybe not – it seems a bit random. And this temporary license is only valid for three months max.
Here is a list of what I did in total:
- Found out about the option to apply online or in person.
- Decided to apply online to save time.
- Looked up the different license types and costs.
- Filled out the online application form.
- Made the payment online.
- Used my receipt as a temporary permit upon arrival.
- Got the real driver license in no time.
All in all, it wasn’t as complicated as I initially thought. The online application definitely made things smoother. So, if you’re planning to drive in Montserrat, I’d say go for the online application. It saves you time and hassle, and you can start exploring the island right away!