Alright, so, I had this idea to get a driver’s license for Madagascar. You know, just in case I ever end up there and need to drive around. It’s not like I have any immediate plans, but hey, better safe than sorry, right?
I started by doing what anyone would do – I googled it. “How to get a driver’s license in Madagascar” and stuff like that. I found a bunch of websites talking about International Driving Permits, or IDPs, and how they’re needed for driving in Madagascar. Seemed a bit complicated at first, but I kept digging.
I read that if you have a valid national driver’s license, getting an IDP is easier. But I didn’t have a Madagascar license, obviously. I did find some sites where you could supposedly apply for an IDP online, which seemed pretty convenient.

I found out Americans can drive in Madagascar with a valid IDP. That’s me! So, I figured, why not just get one of these IDPs and be done with it?
I decided to go for it. I picked one of the online services that looked legit – had some decent reviews and stuff. Filled out their forms, which was pretty straightforward. Asked for basic info like my name, address, and driver’s license details from my home country. I also had to upload a photo of myself and a scan of my current license.
After submitting the application, I had to pay a fee. It wasn’t too bad, considering it’s valid for a few years. They said the documents would be available instantly, which was cool.
I received my IDP in the mail. It was quicker than I expected. Now, I have this IDP that’s valid in Madagascar and a bunch of other countries. I probably won’t use it anytime soon, but it’s kind of neat to have. And if I do go to Madagascar, I’m all set to drive legally.
Here are some things I learned from this whole process:
- Research: Always check the driving requirements of a country before you plan to drive there.
- IDP: An International Driving Permit is often necessary for driving in foreign countries.
- Online Services: There are online services where you can apply for an IDP, but make sure they’re reputable.
- Validity: IDPs are usually valid for a few years, so it’s a good investment if you travel a lot.
- Driving Side: In Madagascar, they drive on the right side of the road, which is the same as in the U.S.
So, yeah, that’s my little adventure in getting a driver’s license I might never use. But who knows, maybe one day I’ll be cruising around Madagascar, and I’ll be glad I went through all this.