How do I get a driver's license in St Kitts?

To get your driving license in St. Kitts and Nevis, you need to get a learner’s authority or permit from the Inland Revenue Department. However, the applicant must be 17 years of age to be issued one to drive as per road traffic rules.

Where can I get an international driver's license in St. Kitts and Nevis?

There is no such thing as an international driver’s license/idl. The accurate document that will translate your valid home country driver’s license to drive in another foreign country is called an “International Driving Permit (IDP).”

To get an IDP, you only need to fill out our application form, which you can find by clicking the “Start My Application” button on the upper-right corner of the page. Moreover, you need to attach a copy of your driver’s license and passport-sized photo. You also need to type in your credit card details to pay for the IDP fee.

If you get an IDP from us, our permit is recognized in 165+ countries worldwide.

• Argentina
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• BruneI
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Honduras
• Italy
• Japan
• Liberia
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Saudi Arabia
• Sudan
• Spain
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Uruguay
• Zimbabwe

Situated in the West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis captivate tourists with its aquamarine waters, powdery beaches, and idyllic resort vibe. There is also rich history and culture to engage your mind. The enigmatic volcanic mountains, hazy rainforests, and lush savanna further enhance the allure of these twin islands.

Whether you want to relax by the beach, try some outdoor adventure, or learn history, there’s plenty to see and do in the two-island country. Driving in Saint Kitts and Nevis is one of the best ways to explore these twin islands in the Caribbean. Below are the top destinations you shouldn’t miss in Saint Kitts and Nevis!

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is perhaps the most iconic tourist attraction in Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is a well-preserved 18th-century military fortification, engineered by British soldiers and built by African slaves. The fortress is an excellent testimony to European colonial expansion and the African slave trade. In 1999, UNESCO rightfully awarded it the World Heritage Site status.

When visiting Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, you should also head to Fort George Citadel. The citadel has a museum and art gallery inside where you can see the remarkable displays of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ history. You’ll surely learn a thing or two about the country when you visit the park.

Mount Liamuiga

Mount Liamuiga is the tallest mountain in Saint Kitts and Nevis, with an elevation of 1,156 meters. The name comes from the Kalinago term for the island, which means “fertile land.” Access to the hiking trails is easy, but the climb can be challenging. Watch out for huge rocks and muddy paths. But once you reach the summit, the breathtaking views of the whole island will leave you in awe. Nearby islands like Nevis and Antigua are also visible from the top.

Although it’s known as a hiking destination, Mount Liamuiga is also a popular spot to visit the animals in the region. While trekking the mountain, you’ll encounter different species of birds, mongoose, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you can also see a vervet monkey on the old mango trees.

St. Kitts Scenic Railway

Known as the “Last Railway in the West Indies,” the St. Kitts Scenic Railway was formerly used to transport sugar cane from the plantations to the sugar factory in Basseterre. Now, it is a popular tourist attraction that takes you on a picturesque and educational three-hour tour around the island of Saint Kitts.

The double-decker railway cars offer you 360-degree views of the countryside, mountains, and the Caribbean sea. You’ll also get to learn about the old sugar cane estates on the island. And to further give you a pleasant experience, an acapella choir will serenade you as you enjoy your complimentary drinks. You should definitely ride the railway if you want to explore the country and learn more about its rich history.

Romney Manor

Romney Manor is one of the most notable historical buildings in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This 17th-century estate was once a sugar plantation site where you can learn about the history of the locals. You can also get a glimpse of the past through the 17th-century Amerindian petroglyphs scattered across the area. These are among the best examples of rock carvings in the Lesser Antilles region.

A botanical garden spanning over six acres can also be found within Romney Manor. Here, you can see tropical plants and animals indigenous to the island. The highlight would be the impressive 400-year-old Saman tree. Finally, don’t leave Romney Manor without buying quality garments from Caribelle Batik! These clothing are made using a traditional Indonesian method.

Charlestown

Besides the countryside and beach destinations, a trip to Nevis wouldn’t be complete without visiting its capital, Charlestown. The town charms tourists with its rich history and cultural heritage. Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, actually grew up in Charlestown. To learn more about his childhood, foreigners can visit the Museum of Nevis History.

Other notable attractions in Charlestown include the Nevis Artisan Village and the Bath Village. The former is a quaint shopping destination where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs. On the other hand, the latter is known for its thermal therapeutic hot springs. Here, you can take a bath and relax in the natural springs.

Exploring Saint Kitts and Nevis by car is a great way to see its top spots. To ensure a smooth journey, it's essential to be aware of the Saint Kitts and Nevis driving rules. While many of their road rules are like those in other countries, it's still crucial to familiarize yourself with them. Here are the key driving rules in Saint Kitts and Nevis to remember.

Do not drink and drive

Driving under the influence of alcohol has been a problem around the world, including Saint Kitts and Nevis, as many drivers tend to ignore this rule. Since alcohol affects a person’s focus and reduces reaction times, drunk driving can lead to accidents, or worse, death.

Drunk driving is a severe offense in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The federation strictly imposes a blood alcohol level of 0.08% for all drivers, including professionals and tourists. The police will conduct a breathalyzer test to check your blood alcohol level. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you’ll be fined and can spend jail time for one year. Do not drink and drive to prevent accidents in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Follow the Speed Limits

Besides drunk driving, overspeeding is another issue in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Always follow the speed limits imposed by authorities to prevent accidents and overspeeding fines. The speed limit in towns and settled areas is 20 mph (32 kph). Meanwhile, the speed limit is 40 mph (64 kph) in rural areas.

Remember that Saint Kitts and Nevis use the MpH measurement for speed limit signs, so the numbers may be smaller than what you’re used to seeing in your country. As much as possible, drive below the speed limit. Doing so gives you enough time to react and avoid collision with other vehicles or passersby.

Avoid Driving at Night

Although the general road condition in Saint Kitts and Nevis is good, rural areas don’t have enough streetlights. This inadequate lighting could prevent you from seeing obstructions ahead, which can lead to accidents. Therefore, avoid driving at night in Saint Kitts and Nevis unless necessary.

But if you must drive at night, turn on the car’s headlamps to see clearly for more than 100 meters ahead. You should also drive slowly (below the speed limit) to avoid collision with other obstacles on the road. Sometimes, animals can roam freely, especially in rural areas. Saint Kitts and Nevis drivers also tend to turn off their headlights, which prove to be hazards.

Seat Belt is Mandatory

Wearing seat belts is mandatory when driving in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The driver and front-seat occupant should use a seat belt to ensure safety and prevent serious injuries in case of accidents. Although rear-seat passengers are not required by law to wear seat belts, you should still buckle up for your welfare.

There’s currently no child-restraint law in Saint Kitts and Nevis. But you can arrange with your car rental company if you ever need car seats for toddlers and children. Do note that these often come at an extra cost.