Alright, so, I was trying to figure out how to get myself a Maldives driving license, you know, to make getting around easier over there. I wasn’t really sure how to go about it, so I started digging around to see what I could find. Here’s how it went down.
First, I figured I needed to gather some documents. It seemed like a pretty straightforward list, but I wanted to be sure I had everything in order.
- Proof of childbirth from the hospital. This was mentioned in the data I found, but I didn’t really need it for this.
- Driving license from my home country. This made sense, as they’d want to see I already know how to drive.
- Passport copy. Standard stuff, I guess. Needed to prove who I was.
- Work permit copy. Since I’d be working there, this was also necessary.
Getting my hands on these documents was the easy part. I already had my license and passport. The work permit was sorted out through my employer. No big deal there.

Next, I found out that the Transport Ministry handles the driving licenses. They have some guidelines, but the thing that caught my eye was the need to submit the documents online. There was no option for in-person applications.
I tried to follow the instructions and submit everything as asked. Honestly, the instructions weren’t super clear, and I had to redo a few things before it finally went through. Patience was key here, let me tell you.
After submitting everything, I had to wait. It took a few weeks, but eventually, I got an email saying my application was approved. Relief, right?
The email said I could get a digital IDP instantly. This was a bit confusing, as I thought I’d get a physical license. But hey, a digital version is better than nothing, I suppose.
So, in the end, I got what I needed, a digital driving permit that’s recognized in the Maldives. It wasn’t the smoothest process, but I made it work. Now, I can legally drive in the Maldives, which is a huge win. It’s going to make life there a whole lot easier.
Few tips for anyone going through the same thing:
- Double-check all the document requirements.
- Be patient with the online submission process.
- Don’t expect a physical license right away, it might just be a digital one.
That’s my story of getting a Maldives driving license. Hope it helps someone out there!