Is EU driver's license valid in Malta?

Hi duo Buds,

EU driving licences are valid in Malta for as long as they are valid in the issuing country ( Germany for example = for ever).

Health issues might apply when you get to a certain age (eyes,ears and so on and mean extra tests)

Cheers and happy driving
Ricky

Nice to hear that. Checked off the list: "must have"

Thank you Ricky!

Regards,
duo Buds

Not sure that ricki is correct, check out this link
http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens … dex_en.htm

You may have to check with transport malta.

Terry

Hi tearnet,

that's a nice link! It does confirm the general line of what I answered.

When your old EU license expires you need to apply for a new one in your country of residence! But otherwise you can use it until it expires.

As has been said on previous posts about this issue don't ask too many questions. I would not contact TM until the old licence expires -))) TM are entitled to make changes to the conditions but normally don't and I'm not aware that you have to ask TM if you hold a valid EU driving licence.

Cheers
Ricky

Hi Ricki
Its this bit that raises doubts.
  -: The new licence you will be issued by the French authorities will also have unlimited validity, as long as you continue to live in France.
It implies that once you move from the issuing state the rules of your country of residence prevail not those of the issuing country.

terry

Ricky is right - your driving licence is valid in Malta until it expires. You have the right, but not the obligation, to change your non Maltese EU licence into a Maltese one before expiry. If you are coming to live in Malta its easy to change it.

from the link above

I'm moving to another European country - will my current licence be recognised there?

YES - If your original licence was issued by an EU country, it will be recognised throughout the EU. You will not be required to trade it in for a local driving licence.

Thank you Georgeingozo

While we are selective reading, from the link:

I have moved to another European country, my new country of residence has recognised my licence but wants to shorten its validity and make me take a medical exam. Is that legal?

YES - They're entitled to apply the same restrictions to your licence as to those issued locally.

The new validity period for your driving licence will start on the date you take up residence in your new home country.

As for the expiry date, ask the licence issuing authorities there, and also whether any other restrictions apply. Some countries also require medical exams for licence renewals.

Terry

tearnet wrote:

While we are selective reading, from the link:

I have moved to another European country, my new country of residence has recognised my licence but wants to shorten its validity and make me take a medical exam. Is that legal?

YES - They're entitled to apply the same restrictions to your licence as to those issued locally.

The new validity period for your driving licence will start on the date you take up residence in your new home country.

As for the expiry date, ask the licence issuing authorities there, and also whether any other restrictions apply. Some countries also require medical exams for licence renewals.

Terry

I think that only applies if you swap your licence for a "local" one, not if you continue with your old licence, but not certain on that.

Hi all,

I don't think we should get too technical on the issue as it will only confuse the average 'Expat' reader.

Here is the the legal background for those interested:

http://www.mjha.gov.mt/DownloadDocument … temid=9203

The important parts are :

6. European Union driving licences shall be recognised in Malta.

7. Any holder of a European Union driving licence or of a driving licence issued by the competent authority in Switzerland or of an Australian driving licence issued by all Australian State and Territory licensing authorities, who takes up normal residence in Malta, shall be entitled to have his driving licence exchanged for an equivalent Maltese licence.

8. National provisions regarding the restriction, suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of a driving licence shall apply to holders of a European Union driving licence who have their normal residence in Malta.

The national provisions in Malta are the 10 year validity and a 5 yearly medical test once you reach 70.

So the whole question might affect somebody holding an unlimited driving licence ( Germany /France and maybe others from the EU)and having resided in Malta for more than 10 years and for somebody reaching the age of 70 any EU licence.

If you read the legislation carefully there are even loopholes if you are resident in Malta and have 'ties' to another EU country!

So, bottom line, if you hold a EU driving licence with a validity of more than 10 years you dont have to bother unless you have been a resident for at least the 10 years or have reached the age of 70. Maybe just not ask questions if this is the case unless you want to have a medical test.

Otherwise, if you are a resident of Malta, and your EU issued driving licence expires , you will have to apply for a Maltese driving licence as a renewal.

I personally have at least another 7 years on my German driving licence and by then there might be new legislation and a real EU driving licence although I doubt if the quality of driving would improve -)))

Cheers
Ricky

going back to the original question :-)

"Is EU driver's license valid in Malta? Or should we get an International driver's license?"

the 2nd option is never required - worst case is you convert your non-Maltese EU licence to a Maltese EU licence - painless, and only about € 25 for a 10 year licence

Happy driving George and all the rest with a valid EU licence -))

Cheers
Ricky