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International Driver’s Permit in Jamaica

While using public transportation can be a fun learning experience when traveling, nothing compares to having your car to drive when exploring Jamaica. This can sound daunting at first with the thought of the procedures you’d have to go through with the rentals and get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You might be wondering what an International Driver’s Permit is and why this is required in Jamaica when driving in a car.

An International Driver’s Permit, also known as an international driving license, is a translation or a version of your license in other countries to rent a car and drive around. International drivers licenses are essential documents when driving in a foreign country. This is essential to ensure a smooth-sailing road trip to Jamaica whether it’s nature sightseeing or going on a cultural trip. Read below for more information and get your IDP now!

How Do I Get an IDP for Jamaica?

One can apply for an International Driver’s Permit at the corresponding traffic office or online, for a quicker, more convenient acquisition. Getting an international driver's licence online has minimal requirements and would only take a few minutes. You have the option of getting a digital or physical copy, the digital taking only two hours to send to your email. Physical copies take 30 days to deliver internationally.

Can I Apply for an IDP Online?

Yes you can! Applying for an IDP for Jamaica online would only need you to fill up the application form. Have your picture taken with the accurate parameters and submit your application. Processing takes place as soon as you submit and you can decide whether to have the digital or physical copy of your IDP, both of which will be sent to you in a short period of time.

What are the Requirements for an IDP?

To obtain your IDP, you would only need basic requirements such as the following:

1. Recent passport sized photos
2. IDP Application Form
3. Valid driver's license

You can obtain an IDP through Tax Administration Offices in Jamaica or online via the website. Application takes only a short time, and you can instantly get your IDP delivered to you in time for your Jamaican journey!

When Will I Use an IDP?

Driving or renting any motor vehicle would have some requirements before you can begin. In this case, a passport may not be required but as a security measure, it is required that you have it with you at all times. The following however are mandatory: a valid driver’s license from your country, an IDL, Registration, and insurance.

An IDL holds many benefits when driving in a foreign country. Firstly it serves as a means of identification should an emergency come up so always remember to bring your IDL with you whenever you go out driving. Second, driving without a license is illegal, and bringing your valid ID or passport won’t cover it. Car rental companies also require an IDL before letting you rent a car from them.

Does an IDL Replace my Native Driver’s License

An IDL does not replace your native driver's license, however, it is a needed permit for you to drive vehicles around. Whatever your license was when you came into the country shall remain the same and valid. An IDL is just a means for you to drive worry-free and legally especially if your driver's license isn’t in English when it would mostly be required.

To have a fun, exciting, worry free time driving in Jamaica it is not only important to know the directions to the tourist attractions worth visiting, it’s also essential that you abide by the country’s traffic rules and regulations to avoid any mishaps and run-ins with the law. This shouldn’t be too much of a new concept to you as their driving rules are simple and are similar to those in other countries. Keep informed of their rules and regulations to make your journey a safe, legal and memorable experience.

Carry Your Important Documents at All Times

Always remember to bring all your important documents no matter which of the foreign countries you go. Bring your passport, valid driver national license and updated International License at all times along with your car insurance policy.

If you are unfamiliar with it, there are samples of a completed application of an International Driving Permit online, so you can have some kind of idea what an International Driver’s Permit in Jamaica looks like. It shall serve as a translation of your native license that you can use to drive around legally.

Don’t Drink and Drive

This is a rule that is applicable in almost any country-don’t drink and drive. Driving under the influence can pose as a danger not only to yourself but to the people and things around you. In Jamaica, the legal blood alcohol content is 35 mg/ 100 ml meaning that the smallest amount of alcohol would put you in over the limit.

Fines would be imposed on anyone who would be caught drunk driving. A fine of $3,000 dollars and up to six months of imprisonment along with a demerit to your driver’s license of 14 points would be the penalty for a first time while a second time would call for a fine of $5000 and land you in prison for a year. Having fun is good, but always make sure that it’s legal.

Follow Basic Traffic Rules

Speed limit is very crucial in Jamaica. The speed limit for urban places with many people and establishments is 50 kph so mind your speed in order to avoid accidents. The highway has a speed limit of 110 kph while rural areas that don’t have that many people have a speed limit of 80 kph which is a lot faster than the urban areas, perfect for going on a nature road trip to marvel at Jamaica’s natural sceneries.

The Caribbean island of Jamaica boasts a beautiful fusion of nature and culture, both of which are truly worth experiencing, no matter what your preference in traveling is. Driving in this country becomes a more enjoyable experience when faced with its bountiful rainforests, the lush mountains and the relaxing beaches.

Not only that, Jamaica is known as the birthplace of reggae music with a Bob Marley museum in the capital of Kingston for all tourists to marvel and appreciate the music that put the country on the map. 

Negril Beach

Jamaica is known for its beaches that are perfect for a getaway. One of the most popular beaches in Jamaica is Negril which is a hit among honeymooners, groups of friends on summer and spring breaks as well as families. It’s hard to see why not, though. Its seven-mile stretch of a beach gives you a view of cliffs in the southern part of the West End not to mention its remarkable sunset which is just so picturesque.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay also known as MoBay is the second largest city and is home to the country’s second largest airport with plenty of direct flights from the U.S. MoBay boasts a luxurious lifestyle for all those who seek to experience the high life ranging from top golf courses, luxurious retreats and a coastline against a backdrop of green hills.

Beaches aren’t all that Montego Bay has. Here tourists can view a bioluminescent lagoon in Falmouth and Rose Hall Great House, which is rumored to be haunted.

Kingston

If what you’re looking for is a fusion of Jamaican culture and nature, then Kingston is the place to be. It is a bustling city home to the Bob Marley Museum, housed in the former home of Bob Marley who popularized reggae music and made Jamaica even more known. Kingston is also home to the National Gallery of Jamaica which is the country’s top art museum.

If a nature trip is what floats your boat, try visiting the hot springs near the Blue Mountains which you can drive to if you want to go on a nature road trip in Jamaica.

Dunn’s River Falls

The Dunn’s River Falls located in Main Street, Ocho Rios is a 600-foot-long waterfall with a mountain-like visage. There isn’t a shortage of activities you can do in this tourist attraction. Those with an aptitude for hiking would pay a fee to hike with a guide to the top or some would have a picnic at the base. Dunn’s River Falls continues to build and regenerate with the help of deposits from travertine rock.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Jamaica truly is known for their beaches and this is just one of the many that are known across the globe. Doctor’s Cave Beach which is located in Montego Bay was named after a doctor who donated the land and is now decorated with top class hotels and restaurants, establishing Montego Bay’s reputation as a resort town. If you’re the sort to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the surf, then there is nothing better than gazing over the crystal blue waters of this MoBay icon.

Caymanas Golf Club

Caymanas Golf Club is an 18 hole golf course that golf enthusiasts far and wide flock to. Just twenty minutes away from the capital, this one of a kind golf course is perfect for expert golfers looking for a new experience and for beginners who would like to try the sport. Caymanas Golf Club has a Golf School for beginners, a pro shop, and other accommodations for its guests.