What License Do You Need to Drive in Fiji?
Visitors to Fiji can drive with an overseas driving license. However, some car rental companies have different policies when it comes to which driving licenses they accept. We go into more detail in this guide to driving in Fiji with your overseas license.
For more car talk, take a look at the Things to Know About Car Rental in Fiji and 10 Safety Tips for Driving in Fiji.
In Short…
To hire from many car rental companies in Fiji, you need to have a full valid driving license (not a provisional license) that is written in English. If it is not written in English, then it needs to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
Drivers must also meet the minimum age requirements of the car rental company, typically no younger than 21 years old, and have held a full driving license for no less than three years.
© Pxhere.comUsing an Overseas Driving License in Fiji
While the authorities in Fiji recognise all valid driving licenses from English-speaking countries, drivers with a license that is not written in English will need an international driving permit (IDP) – more on that in the section below.
The same also applies to presenting your overseas driving license to your chosen rental company. However, rental companies tend to have their own policies on what overseas driving licenses they will accept, mainly concerning the length of time you have held the full valid driver’s license, as well as the age of the driver. Examples of these are:
- Thrifty Car Rental – Accepts all overseas licenses for drivers over the age of 21
- Avis Fiji – Accepts all overseas licenses for drivers over the age of 21 with at least two years of driving experience
- Budget – Accepts all overseas licenses for drivers over the age of 25 with at least two years of driving experience
- Angels Rental Cars – Accepts all current licenses for drivers over the age of 23 with at least three years of driving experience.
Learn more about these car rental companies in The Best Car Rentals in Fiji.
If you are under the age of 25 and/or have held your full driving license for less than three years, we recommend contacting your chosen car rental company before booking to make sure that your driving license meets their requirements. We recommend doing this before booking a vehicle, as many car rental companies in Fiji charge a cancellation fee.
Note that provisional licenses are not accepted for hiring a car in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comHow to Get an International Driving Permit (IDP)
If your driving license is not written in English, you will need to present both your original driving license and your IDP to your chosen car rental company. If you don’t have an IDP, then you will need to obtain one before arriving in Fiji, as you can typically only apply for an IDP from the country that your driving license has been issued.
How you apply for your IDP varies between countries. While in some countries you can only apply in person at a local transport authority or government, in others, you can simply apply online or by post.
The best way to find out how to apply for an IDP is to contact your country’s transport authority.
What You Need to Apply for an IDP
In most cases, the following are required to apply for an IDP:
- A photocopy of both sides of your driving license
- A recent passport-style photograph
- A completed application form
- Some countries may require a copy of your national identity card
- Some countries may require a fee
Be aware that your application could take up to a month to process so be sure to start the IDP application process as soon as possible before your trip to Fiji. Typically, IDPs are valid for three years since the issue date.
For more tips on driving in Fiji, take a look at How to Drive in Fiji.
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