The island of Mauritius is served by a bus network. However, some journeys can be long and the schedules limited. Although it is entirely possible to do without a car on the island, having one will grant you much more flexibility, tranquility, and comfort. So, if you plan to buy or rent a car, here is what you need to know about driving in Mauritius.
Driving in Mauritius: A quick overview
In Mauritius, the steering wheel is on the right, and driving is on the left, similar to Anglo-Saxon countries, and road signs are written in English.
Overall, the main roads are in very good condition, although caution is advised in certain areas. This particularly applies to regions with heavy rainfall, where the road surface tends to deteriorate quickly.
Another important point is that Mauritian drivers can sometimes drive fast or interpret the traffic rules in their own way, but they remain courteous. Don't be surprised to receive a "thank you" with hazard lights or a raised hand after, for example, yielding the right of way.
Traffic jams are an unavoidable reality on the island. According to the latest data from Statistics Mauritius, the vehicle fleet continues to grow. As of June 30, 2025, 733,991 vehicles were registered with the National Land Transport Authority, an increase of 23,386 units compared to 2024, equivalent to a growth of 3.3%. This increase is linked to the registration of 26,119 new vehicles in the first half of the year, nearly two-thirds of which were new.
Driver's license in Mauritius for expats
Expats can either convert their existing driver's license upon arrival or exchange their license when they become residents in Mauritius.
Steps to convert a driver's license in Mauritius
Here are the steps to apply for a Mauritian driver's license if you already have a driver's license (car). Prepare a file including the following documents:
- A letter requesting the exchange of your driver's license, written in English.
- An official certificate from the authorities of your country confirming that your driver's license is still valid.
- A copy and the original of your passport with entry details.
- A copy and the original of your current driver's license.
- Proof of residence.
- 2 passport-sized photos.
- Marriage certificate if required.
- Rs 1,500 in cash.
Then, go in person directly to the central police barracks located in Port Louis and ask for the Traffic Branch. The central police barracks are open to the public from 9 am to 3 pm, weekdays only.
It is possible that the officers will provide you with a form to fill out and ask you to return later, again in person. In this case, the exact date will be communicated to you by phone or SMS.
As a precaution, bring the documents mentioned previously again on this second visit to the barracks. Also, bring the indicated amount to pay for your license conversion. The receipt given at payment must be kept on you at all times, to present in case of a road check.
The final step is the collection of the Mauritian license, which will take place about a month later, still at the central barracks. You can go in person or send someone on your behalf.
Sample letter for driver's license conversion request
To the Officer in Charge Licensing Office Traffic Branch Line Barracks Port Louis Request for conversion of (nationality) Driving License to Mauritian Driving Licence Dear Sir/Madam, I, (First and Last Name), of (nationality) nationality bearing passport number (Passport Number) and residing at (address) since (date of moving to your residence) hereby request to convert my (nationality) Driving license number (driving license number) to a Mauritian Driving license. Please find enclosed the following documentation: - A copy of my (nationality) Driving License (front and back). - A copy of my passport and last visa entry page. - A copy of my Residence Permit. - An attestation from the (nationality) Police. - A copy of my marriage certificate. Thank you in advance for considering my request. Sincerely, (Signature) |
The Mauritian driver's license
Any foreign resident is allowed to take their driving test in Mauritius, provided they are over 16 years old for a motorcycle and 18 years old for a car.
For safety, choose a reputable driving school, as many others operate illegally. However, it is also possible to take the driving and parking test in a private car, provided you take out special insurance.
The driving test in Mauritius consists of 3 stages: the theory test, driving test, and parking test. Once you have passed the theory test, the learner driver can practice on secondary roads, accompanied by an adult with a driver's license. Once the driving test is passed, the parking test will follow immediately. This test is crucial for obtaining the driver's license. In case of failure, you will only retake one of the two missing stages.
Obtaining a driver's license in Mauritius
Apply for a provisional license
Before learning to drive any vehicle, all candidates, including expats, must apply for a provisional driver's license from the Mauritian police's Traffic Branch.
The application for a provisional driver's license is made in person, at the barracks or online, on the Government Online Centre (GOC) platform, upon registration. The candidate must choose a date and time to visit the license office.
The provisional license application is subject to a fee of Rs 500, non-refundable. Payment can be made online via Internet Banking.
Note that there is a minimum age requirement to obtain a provisional driver's license:
- Two-wheelers up to 50cc: 15 years
- Motorcycle: 17 years
- Motor vehicle: 18 years
Good to know:
Applicants over 60 years old must present a medical certificate proving their fitness to drive.
Failure to attend the scheduled appointment for the provisional license cancels the said appointment. The applicant must wait 48 hours before requesting a new appointment.
For expats, there is no automatic conversion for heavy vehicle licenses; moreover, the test must be retaken in Mauritius.
The points-based license system in Mauritius
In January 2026, Mauritius implemented a points-based license system, called Criminal Road Traffic Offences (CRTO). This new law aims to make the roads safer by monitoring dangerous driving behaviors and holding drivers accountable for their offenses.
How it works
- Each driver starts with 15 points over 24 months, with a cap of 10 points over 36 months for provisional licenses.
- When a traffic offense is committed, points are deducted from the driver's record.
If you reach zero points, your license may be suspended for six months or even revoked. Points remain on your record for three years before being erased. The more serious the offense, the higher the number of points assigned.
Common offenses include speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dangerous or reckless driving, negligent driving, not wearing a seatbelt, among others.
When a motorist risks between three and six points and accepts the offense by paying the fine, only three points are deducted. In case of a challenge followed by a court conviction, the maximum penalty of six points applies. If acquitted, no points are recorded.
Another new feature: is the Redemption System offers drivers who have accumulated up to ten points out of the fifteen available the opportunity to follow a rehabilitation program and request, before the court, a reduction of up to three points.
The new system is entirely digital, allowing motorists to check their point balance in real-time.
Obtaining a taxi and heavy vehicle license in Mauritius
Provisional License Application for Taxis: the applicant must already hold a driver's license for this purpose.
Provisional License Application for Driving a Heavy Vehicle (bus and truck): the applicant must already hold a driver's license for this purpose for at least 6 months.
Driving lessons in Mauritius
There are many licensed driving instructors in Mauritius, located in Port Louis, Curepipe, Rose-Hill, and Flacq. However, it is also possible to learn to drive with an adult who holds a driver's license and the appropriate insurance.
How much does a driver's license cost in Mauritius?
Between registration, the practical test, driving school, the driving test, here are the fees to expect:
- Theory test registration (test in the form of an MCQ): Rs 500
- Practical test registration: Rs 500
- Driving school registration (variable fee depending on the school): between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000
- Driving school car rental for the practical test: between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000
- Driving lessons (manual and automatic): between Rs 300 and Rs 500 minimum for 30 minutes
Examinations
The theory test is set at Rs 500 and each retake, in case of failure, is chargeable. The driving and parking exams take place at the Central Barracks in Port Louis, the Curepipe Barracks, and the Driving Test Centre in Flacq.
Good to know:
If you passed the driving test in an automatic car, you will not be allowed to drive a manual car.
International driver's license holders
Mauritius is a country that recognizes the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which states: "Any person holding an international driving license or a valid driving license issued by a competent foreign authority is not required to take a test. Such a permit or license authorizes its holder to drive in the State of Mauritius any vehicle of the types specified thereon." (Sections 57 and 59 of the Road Traffic Regulations 1954).
Foreigners intending to stay more than 4 weeks in Mauritius must have an international driving license (issued in their home country) or apply for an extension with the Mauritian authorities if the license is no longer valid. For stays under 4 weeks, foreign licenses, including French ones, are valid.
A person holding an international driving license is allowed to drive in Mauritius all types of vehicles mentioned on their license.
Important:
The driving license in question must be exchanged once its holder officially becomes a resident in Mauritius.
Useful link:
The Mauritius Police Force - MPF
The road network in Mauritius
The road infrastructure is generally in good condition throughout the country, whether for the main access routes, highways, or main roads. Significant works have been undertaken to widen existing roads and ease traffic around the capital and other cities such as Quatre Bornes and Vacoas/Phoenix, for example. However, traffic jams remain frequent in these areas since the advent of the Metro Express.
Signage is good on the main roads as well as on most secondary roads. The population is always courteous and helpful when it comes to indicating the roads and paths to take.
Driving on the left in Mauritius
Like all former English colonies and Japan, driving is on the left in Mauritius, but priority remains to the right. Road code manuals are available in all bookstores.
Great vigilance is required at roundabouts and when driving in city centers. Buses have priority and are often not very respectful of the traffic code.
Speed limits in Mauritius
Speed is regulated at 40 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on roads, and 110 km/h in certain parts of the highway.
Type of Vehicle | Motorways (M) | Routes A | Routes B | Others (UR) |
Cars | 110 | 90 | 90 | 80 |
Motorcycles | 80 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Buses/heavy vehicles ≤ 3.5 t | 80 | 80 | 80 | 60 |
Buses/heavy vehicles > 3.5 t | 80 | 80 | 60 | 60 |
Utility vehicles ≤ 3.5 t | 80 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Utility vehicles > 3.5 t | 80 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Trailer ≤ 3.5 t | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Trailer > 3.5 t | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
More than one trailer | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Tractors | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Driving under the influence in Mauritius
The consumption of alcohol and drugs is the cause of many road accidents. Mauritian authorities are acting accordingly.
Drunk driving
Drunk driving remains one of the main causes of serious injuries and fatal accidents in Mauritius, as the Mauritian authorities remind us.
Legal limits
- 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
- 27 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of urine
- 9 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath
Penalties for drunk driving
For a first conviction:
- Fine of at least Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 100,000
- Imprisonment of up to 5 years
- Revocation of the driver's license for a minimum period of 12 months
For a second or subsequent conviction:
- Fine of at least Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 75,000
- Imprisonment of at least 12 months and up to 8 years
Drug driving
Following the tightening of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2019, drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming drugs are liable to a fine ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 75,000 if caught, along with a one-year prison sentence.
Whether it is alcohol or drugs, police operations are very regularly conducted on the country's roads, at any time of the year.
Importing your car to Mauritius
Importing a personal vehicle is still possible in Mauritius, but the total cost has significantly increased since 2024 due to new duties and taxes. Among the costs to consider:
Approval by the National Transport Authority (NTA) may still be required depending on the age or type of vehicle.
Excise duties on imported cars now range from 45% to 100% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) value depending on the engine size or type (petrol/diesel). For electric/hybrid vehicles, exemptions have been removed, and new rates apply (e.g., 15% for EV ≤ 180 kW, 25% for EV > 180 kW). In addition, there is a 15% VAT on the taxable value of the vehicle.
Also, consider transportation costs, registration, registration fee, and technical standards (right-hand drive required, maximum import age, etc.).
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
