What is the cost of an international drivers license in Timor Leste?

The cost of an international driver’s license (idl), widely known as an International Driving Permit (IDP), in the country is only $69. If your intention is to explore the country by driving around it, you can always explore it by renting a motor vehicle from one of the local car rental companies.

However, you must know that before you can do this, you need to know that for your International Driver’s Permit to be considered, you need to carry your valid driver’s license with you. This must not be expired. If your home country's driving license is expired, your IDP is also equally deemed invalid in the country.

Please know that the IDP is an agreement between the United Nations during the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

How Can You Apply for your International Driving Permit as a Foreign Driver?

It is fairly simple to apply for an IDP to drive in any country like a local driver. First, you need to prepare your valid driver’s license which should have a validity of more than six months from its expiry date, a passport-size photo, or a photo of the size of your ID card, and then your credit card.

1. To start the process, you need to click the blue “Apply for IDP” button which you can find on any part of the screen. Remember that before the entire process starts, your driver’s license, photo, and credit card should already be in your hand.
2. Fill out your application form. Remember that the spelling of your full name, date of birth, license class, and other essential information should be the exact same thing as you can see on your driver’s license.
3. Then upload your passport-size photo and then write your credit card info to pay for your IDP fee.

How Many Countries is Our IDP Valid?

There are over 165+ countries that accept our IDP as valid. Examples of these countries are the following:

• Japan
• Australia
• South Africa
• Malaysia
• Taiwan
• Portugal
• Hong Kong
• Namibia
• Thailand
• Iran
• Panama
• Algeria
• and more.

What is the legal driving age in Timor-Leste?

To drive in the country, you need to be at least 18 years old. However, renting a car here might require a higher age to guarantee the safety and proper handling of the vehicle.

Driving in a new country is thrilling and enlightening. However, before you start your adventure, it's important to understand the local laws. Knowing the driving rules in Timor-Leste can make your journey smoother and help you manage any unexpected situations. Read further to know about crucial driving rules in Timor-Leste.

Basic Traffic Rules

Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right. This may be new to many who are used to driving on the opposite. However, as you go driving on Timorese roads, slowly, you will get used to it. Make sure to follow this, as failure to do so can lead to collisions and accidents between cars.

Follow Speed Limits

Speed limits vary in areas in Timor-Leste. In case you forgot them, there are speed limits signs at the side of the road to guide you. Just pay attention to them. In built-up areas or urban roads, you are to drive not more than 50kph. Meanwhile, on motorways, you are allowed to speed up but no more than 120kph. You can also speed up a little in rural areas, but make sure it will not be over 90kph.

Always use Seat Belts

While the vehicle is moving, passengers and the driver must use their seatbelts. As you head to the rural areas where there are bumpy, potholed, and narrow roads, chances are you will get a lot of humps. Seat Belts will restrain you from too much movement on rough roads to prevent you from having possible bruises. They can also save your life in case of major collisions with other vehicles.

Avoid Using Mobile Phones while Driving

Anywhere in the country, you are not allowed to use your phone while driving. It will divide your attention from driving. If you need to answer a phone call, you can use the hands-free system. Another option would be to park somewhere safe and navigate through your phone.