Do I need an International driving permit (IDP) to drive in Windward Islands?

Although it is not required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP), it is highly recommended to prepare yours if you are driving in another country. The IDP is a document which translate your driver’s license in 165+ countries worldwide, including the following:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Germany
• Angola
• Antigua
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Brunei
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde Island
• Cayman Islands
• Congo
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Estonia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Greece
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guinea-Bissau
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• South Korea
• Kuwait
• Liberia
• Macao
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• Nicaragua
• Peru
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay
• Zimbabwe
• Armenia
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Georgia
• Hong Kong
• Lithuania
• Mauritania
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sudan
• Taiwan

What is the purpose of an IDP in Windward Islands?

The purpose of an International Driver’s Permit in the Windward Islands is to translate your valid driver‘s license into 12 of the widely used languages worldwide. It is a supporting document used to help verify to local road traffic authorities and car rental companies that you are an eligible and experienced driver.

The Windward Islands offer tourists an amazing adventure, so grabbing the opportunity to visit this African country is a must for travelers who are searching for a worthwhile experience. The islands will not only make you crave more of its attractions but will surely leave you breathless after your visit. Driving your own car is possibly the best way to explore the country. This guide will provide you a list of the best driving destinations you can visit to make your trip a more exciting and amazing encounter.

The Best and Worst Time to Go to the Windward Islands

The Windward Islands are reported to experience two distinct seasons as a result of their tropical climate. The rainy and summer seasons are what dominate the atmosphere of the islands. According to travel experts, the months from December to April are the best times to explore the islands as the weather is perfect to do different outdoor activities. Temperatures are expected to be from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius during these months, with relatively very low humility.

Dominica

One of the most famous regions of the Windward Islands would have to be Dominica. The diverse landscape of the islands attracts tourists with varying interests. Lush forests, beautiful beaches, and majestic volcanoes are just some of the wonderful attractions that you can visit on the island. When driving around this area, make sure to always carry your International Driver’s License for the Windward Islands. Direct your attention to the island’s traffic signs to ensure your safety while driving.

St. Lucia

After your trip to Dominica, a tour of the majestic island of St. Lucia should be your priority. The island is popular among tourists due to its beaches which are considered perfect spots for windsurfing. You can also have an amazing view of the shark and sea turtle population on its beaches should you decide to go diving and snorkeling.

Martinique

Martinique is one of the most exotic islands found in the Caribbean. Aside from beaches, the island also is covered by lush rainforests and many volcanoes that are very interesting to look at. Diving, hiking, snorkeling, and visiting the island’s amazing museums are just some of the activities that you can do around the area.

Grenada

If you’re a tourist who has a penchant for observing nature that is found in a country, then the Island of Grenada is the perfect place for you. Grenada is not only adorned with wonderful beaches to swim into, but it is one of few islands that has mangrove plantations to protect most of its natural habitats.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The islands of Saint Vincent and Grenadines are composed of many small islands that are ideal for island hopping. Many botanical gardens are located on the islands, and they house some of the World’s most beautiful plants and flowers. Many water sports are being promoted on its beaches, which are not only perfect for athletes but could also be fun activities for families.

As a tourist, it's essential to follow the laws of the country you're visiting to avoid penalties or fines. Taking the time to learn the driving rules in the Windward Islands can make your driving experience smoother.

Speed Limits to Follow in the Windward Islands

The crucial fact that you need to know about the island’s speed limits is that they are normally estimated in kilometers every hour, so ensure that you don't go above it and break as far as possible unintentionally. Different areas in the country of the Windward Islands have varying speed limits. A speed tolerance of 50 km/hr is evident in major cities, such as driving in the country’s capital city. An 80 km/hr speed tolerance is observed in rural areas and a 100 km/hr restriction on the country’s motorways.

Observe Seat Belt Laws While Driving in the Windward Islands

Seat belt laws in the country of the Windward Islands are extremely strict. For one, you are expected to always wear your seatbelt when operating a car in the country. This will reduce the possibility of being introduced to potential injuries if you are subjected to a traffic accident. If a body condition prevents you from wearing a seatbelt, traffic enforcers expect these drivers to carry medical consent that will prove their inability to wear one.

Stricter standards are implemented should you decide to drive with a child on the islands’ roads. A child that is below the age of 13 should be protected by a comfortable and appropriate child seat. As per the island’s laws about seat belts, a child who weighs below 9 kg should have his head facing the back windows and be positioned in a security seat at the rear of the vehicle.

Obey the Right of Way in the Windward Islands

In almost all islands of the Caribbean, the left-hand side of the road is considered the correct lane for driving. This detail is very important as it will give you an idea of what to expect about the country’s vehicles and roads. When driving across pedestrians, remember that the right of way is given to people who walk, and you are expected to slow down. When traffic lights are absent, you should drive slowly and be careful with the presence of pedestrians and people who are crossing them.

Also, roundabouts in the country are often well-lit, at least in urban areas. When driving into these traffic circles, remember that those vehicles that are entering them are always given priority, and you should not force your way in. When you are driving in cycle tracks or asphalts in this nation, walkers and cyclists are the ones that are given the option to proceed, and you should wait for the road to clear up before you continue driving.

You Should be at the Legal Age to Drive in the Windward Islands

The legal driving age in the Windward Islands is 18 years old. When you reach this age, you are qualified to take their driving examinations for you to get your own driver’s license. However, car rental companies usually do not follow this age requirement. They want their clients to at least be 21 years of age before they will lend them one of their cars. Other organizations require being 25 years old for you to drive one of their vehicles, especially when you want to rent a luxury car.