Do you need an International Driving Permit in Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Trinidad and Tobago

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Trinidad and Tobago

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Trinidad and Tobago, for stays of up to 90 days.

Traffic drives on

The left

Emergency services

police 999, ambulance 811, fire 990

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Trinidad and Tobago, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Trinidad and Tobago

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Trinidad and Tobago?

Up to 1 year. Trinidad and Tobago joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 8 July 1964 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Trinidad and Tobago on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Trinidad and Tobago for up to 90 days." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Trinidad and Tobago's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Trinidad and Tobago drive on?

The left. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts for the first few days, and consider an automatic hire car so you are not also changing gear with the other hand.

What do I dial in an emergency in Trinidad and Tobago?

Reach police on 999, ambulance on 811, fire on 990. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Trinidad and Tobago. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Trinidad and Tobago?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.