Malta – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Malta on their home country licence, and for how long?

How long you are permitted to drive on a foreign licence in Malta depends fundamentally on whether that licence was issued by an EU member state or by a country outside the Union. These two situations are handled very differently under Maltese and EU law, and identifying which applies to your situation is the essential starting point.

Licences issued by EU member states are recognised throughout Malta for as long as they remain valid in the country that issued them. Under the EU’s regulatory framework, EU nationals face no restrictions when using their home driving licence in Malta, and they may continue to do so right up until it expires — at which point it can be exchanged for a Maltese equivalent at a modest administrative cost, with no testing required.

Any person holding a licence issued by another EU member state, a European Economic Area (EEA) state — namely Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — or the United Kingdom who establishes normal residence in Malta is entitled to exchange that licence for a Maltese one. This places EU and EEA residents in a particularly favourable position: there is no urgent need to act, and the exchange can be completed at any convenient point once the residency threshold has been satisfied.

Holders of licences issued outside Malta and the European Union are entitled to drive in Malta for a period of no more than twelve months from the date of their most recent entry. This grace window applies whether the individual is a short-term visitor, a newly arrived worker, or someone who has taken up long-term residence. Once those twelve months have elapsed, a valid Maltese licence is legally required to continue driving. This arrangement is comparable to the grace periods applied in many other EU countries, which similarly allow newly resident non-EU nationals a defined window to drive before requiring a local licence.

Tourists visiting Malta for a short period who hold non-EU licences may drive throughout their stay, provided that stay remains under the 12-month threshold. For those settling on the island for work or long-term residence, however, the 12-month countdown begins from the date of arrival and does not pause. It is therefore wise to start the exchange or fresh application process well ahead of time, rather than waiting until the deadline is imminent.

Does Malta have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Malta operates a layered system of licence recognition. The widest tier of recognition flows automatically from EU law and covers all EU and EEA countries, while a further tier of bilateral arrangements extends exchange rights to a select group of non-EU nations.

Holders of licences from any EU member state, any EEA state (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), or the United Kingdom are entitled to exchange their licence for a Maltese equivalent upon establishing normal residence in Malta. No driving test of any kind is required — the entire process is administrative in nature.

Beyond this automatic EU and EEA framework, Malta recognises licences issued in Australia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates for exchange purposes. In the case of the UAE, this arrangement applies only to Maltese or UAE nationals. These bilateral arrangements deliver the same practical benefit as the EU framework: eligible holders can convert their licence without sitting a theory or practical examination.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Malta and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland — encompassing the territory of Gibraltar, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man — has been finalised, signed, and launched. This agreement allows nationals of either jurisdiction to exchange their driving licence without being required to sit a practical test.

If your licence was issued by a country not covered by any of the above arrangements, a direct exchange is not available to you. Applicants from countries without an exchange agreement must pass both a theory test and a practical driving test administered through Transport Malta in order to obtain a Maltese licence. As bilateral agreements can be updated over time, it is always advisable to confirm the current list of eligible countries directly with Transport Malta’s official exchange page before drawing any conclusions about your own eligibility.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Malta?

The exchange process is administered by Transport Malta and follows a clearly defined sequence of steps. Unlike in some countries where the process can be handled remotely, Malta requires applicants to attend a Transport Malta office in person at key stages. The procedure broadly mirrors those used across other EU member states, though the specific documentation requirements reflect Malta’s own legislative framework.

Before beginning, it is essential to verify that you meet the key prerequisite: an exchange can only proceed if you have been resident in Malta for a minimum of 185 days during the twelve months immediately before submitting your application. This mirrors the habitual residence standard applied in other EU countries when processing licence exchanges.

1. Submit your application and supporting documents. Applications, together with all associated correspondence, may be lodged at Transport Malta’s offices in Paola, Ħal Lija, or Gozo. You will be required to present your original foreign driving licence, valid proof of identity, documentary evidence of Maltese residency (such as an identity card or residence card), and — where the identity or residence card was issued after the relevant 185-day period — supporting evidence of continuous residence. Acceptable residency documents include tax returns, utility bills, or tenancy agreements countersigned by a notary.
2. Await licence validation. Once the application and all supporting materials have been received, Transport Malta begins the process of verifying the authenticity and validity of your driving licence. This may involve direct correspondence with the issuing authority in your home country, in keeping with international regulatory practice.
3. Receive your confirmation letter. When the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Unit has confirmed with the relevant authorities that your original licence is genuine and valid, a letter will be issued to you confirming that the exchange may go ahead.
4. Submit final documents and relinquish your original licence. For licences issued in EU or EEA member states, Switzerland, the UAE, or the United Kingdom, you must surrender the original document at this stage. If your original licence has expired and you are over 70 or hold commercial vehicle categories (C or D), a medical certificate will also be required. Transport Malta will notify you if this applies to your situation.
5. Pay the applicable fee. Where the original licence has not yet expired, the new Maltese licence will be issued to match the remaining validity period of the original, at a rate of €7 per year of validity (as of 2025). If the original has expired or is close to expiry, the validity and fee will be calculated according to the applicant’s age. Always verify the current fee schedule with Transport Malta’s website before your appointment, and note that cash payments are not accepted at Transport Malta offices.
6. Receive your Maltese driving licence. Once all conditions have been met, Transport Malta will provide the new licence counterpart at the counter. The photocard licence will subsequently be sent by post or made available for collection once it has been fully processed.

The Maltese driving licence is made up of two components: the photocard driving licence and the counterpart driving licence. The photocard is a credit card-sized document bearing the driver’s photograph, personal details, driving entitlements, and relevant codes. The counterpart is a complementary document carrying the same information alongside additional relevant data.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Malta from scratch?

If your licence was not issued by a country covered by an exchange arrangement, or if your licence cannot be adequately verified or recognised, you will need to pursue a Maltese driving licence through the standard route. This entails obtaining a learner’s permit, completing the requisite training, and passing both a written theory test and a hands-on practical driving test.

To be eligible to apply for a learner’s permit locally, you must be a Malta resident who has lived there for at least 185 days in the preceding year and holds a Maltese ID card or Residence Card. The minimum age for a standard car licence (Category B) is 18, though higher age thresholds apply to certain other vehicle categories.

1. Obtain your Maltese ID or Residence Card. This document is a mandatory prerequisite. Non-EU nationals will require an appropriate residence permit issued by Identità (formerly Identity Malta).
2. Register with a licensed driving school. Enrolment at an approved driving school is a standard requirement. The school will assist you in submitting a learner’s permit application through Transport Malta’s online portal at licenzji-xufiera.gov.mt.
3. Complete the learner’s permit application online. Transport Malta will review your application and photo quality. Once approved, you will also need to visit a medical practitioner, who will complete the online medical form and verify your identification photograph. When both the school and the doctor have fulfilled their respective obligations, you will be prompted to make payment, after which you will receive a confirmation email containing your learner’s permit and student record sheet.
4. Book and pass the theory test. Theory test appointments are made through the Theory Test Centre at National Road, Il-Blata l-Bajda, either by telephoning 21227190 or by visiting maltatheorytest.com. The theory test must be passed before a practical test booking can be made.
5. Complete your driving lessons. During the learner’s permit phase, you must accumulate the required number of hours with an approved instructor. Your school will advise on how many lessons are recommended before attempting the practical test.
6. Book and sit the practical driving test. Practical tests are bookable through the online licensing portal. As of 2024/2025, the fee for a weekday test (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm) is approximately €95, of which €23.25 is payable to Transport Malta; a Saturday test costs approximately €150, including €40 to Transport Malta. Always confirm the current fee structure with your driving school and on Transport Malta’s official website, as fees may be revised.
7. Receive your probationary licence. Newly qualified drivers are issued a probationary driving licence valid for 3 calendar years, subject to the penalty points system. On completion of the probationary period without accumulating 12 or more penalty points, a full 10-year licence is issued upon renewal.

The total time required to obtain a licence from scratch varies considerably depending on lesson progression and test appointment availability, but many applicants complete the process within a few months. Consulting the official portal and your driving school for current booking windows and fee information will help you plan effectively.

How do you renew a driving licence in Malta?

Malta’s licence renewal framework follows a standard schedule, with validity periods and renewal requirements varying based on the holder’s age. The broad structure is comparable to renewal systems elsewhere in the EU, though specific procedures and fees should always be confirmed with Transport Malta prior to making an application.

A standard Maltese driving licence is issued with a 10-year validity period. If the holder is between the ages of 60 and 70 at the time of renewal, the licence is valid until their 70th birthday. For holders aged 70 or above, the licence is issued with a 5-year validity. This graduated approach is standard across the EU, where older drivers are typically required to renew more frequently and, in many cases, to demonstrate ongoing medical fitness.

A full 10-year licence is granted on renewal where no penalty points are recorded, or where points accumulated fall below the 12-point threshold. Drivers who have received penalty points should be aware that the renewal process may be affected — refer to the penalties section below for further detail.

A medical certificate is mandatory at renewal for holders aged over 70 and for those with Category C or D (commercial vehicle) entitlements, regardless of age. This mirrors the approach applied across much of Europe, where fitness-to-drive requirements become progressively more rigorous for older drivers and those operating heavier or passenger-carrying vehicles.

Renewal applications must be submitted at Transport Malta offices in Paola, Ħal Lija, or Gozo. Fees are levied on a per-year-of-validity basis — as of 2025, the indicative rate is €7 per year for standard exchanges, though renewal fees should be confirmed with Transport Malta at the time of application as tariffs are reviewed periodically. Current figures are available on the Transport Malta website or by contacting their offices directly.

Foreign nationals holding a Maltese licence renew under identical conditions to Maltese citizens — there is no separate pathway for expatriates. The distinction arises for those still holding a foreign licence: EU/EEA holders should pursue an exchange rather than a renewal if their original licence has lapsed, while non-EU holders who did not convert within the 12-month grace period must go through the full test process to obtain a new licence.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Malta?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a multilingual translation document designed to accompany your national driving licence. It has no standalone validity — it must be carried together with the valid national licence to which it relates, and it confers no additional driving privileges beyond those already granted by that national licence.

Malta accepts International Driving Permits issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. This Convention is recognised by a large number of countries worldwide. Where you hold a licence from a country whose documentation is not automatically familiar to Maltese authorities, an IDP issued under the 1949 Convention — sometimes referred to as the Geneva Convention IDP — can assist traffic enforcement officers or vehicle hire companies in verifying your driving entitlements quickly and easily.

An IDP is most useful for visitors and short-term travellers. For those relocating to Malta permanently, an IDP does not extend driving rights beyond the 12-month non-EU grace period — IDPs are issued with a one-year validity from the date of issue, and their presence does not provide any means of circumventing the requirement to exchange or obtain a local licence once you have become a resident.

If you are relocating to Malta from a country outside the EU or EEA, it is sensible to obtain an IDP from the designated issuing authority in your home country before you leave. This will allow you to drive from the moment you arrive while your exchange or new licence application is being processed — provided you remain within the 12-month grace period. Visitors whose licences are not immediately legible to Maltese authorities will also find an IDP a practical asset.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Malta?

Malta enforces a penalty points system alongside monetary penalties and the possibility of licence suspension or disqualification. The rules apply equally to foreign nationals and Maltese citizens, and penalties can be issued for a wide range of road traffic violations.

Under the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations, new drivers who pass their driving tests are issued a probationary licence valid for 3 calendar years and subject to the penalty points framework. Since 1 December 2017, all driving licence holders — not just probationary drivers — have been subject to this system. Points are assigned according to the gravity of the offence, and drivers who repeatedly disregard road safety rules accumulate points quickly, which can ultimately lead to a ban from driving.

A driving licence is revoked once a total of 12 or more points have been accumulated. On a first revocation, the holder must surrender their licence to Transport Malta, and may collect it again after two months from the revocation date without being required to retake a driving test. Where a licence is revoked for a third time within any five-year period, the individual may only obtain a new licence by successfully completing both the theory test and the practical driving test from scratch.

Malta also provides a mechanism for reducing accumulated points: any holder of a full or probationary driving licence may have their recorded penalty points reduced by 50% by passing a multiple-choice safety awareness test set by the Authority. The test runs for 45 minutes and comprises 30 multiple-choice questions, with a pass mark of 50%. Only persons with 11 points or fewer are eligible to sit it.

An advance warning system is also in place: when a driver reaches 9 penalty points, a formal letter is issued alerting them that they are approaching the 12-point revocation threshold. This gives drivers an opportunity to adjust their behaviour or take the safety awareness test before losing their licence.

In terms of financial penalties for specific offences, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may result in fines of up to €10,000, a custodial sentence of up to 6 months, and a driving ban of up to 5 years (based on the most recently published figures). Speeding can attract fines of up to €5,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, and disqualification for up to 2 years. These are indicative figures — always verify current penalty levels with Transport Malta or the relevant enforcement authority, as legislation is subject to revision.

Driving without a valid licence — including driving on a foreign licence after the permitted 12-month period has elapsed — constitutes a criminal offence in Malta and may lead to prosecution, fines, and the invalidation of any motor insurance policy. If you are stopped by authorities while driving on an expired entitlement, you may face immediate enforcement action. Do not leave the exchange or application process until after the grace period has already passed.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Malta?

Responsibility for issuing driving licences in Malta rests with the Transport Malta Driver and Vehicle Licensing Unit. Transport Malta serves as the principal regulatory body for all road transport matters on the island, overseeing licence issuance, exchange, renewal, and the administration of the penalty points framework.

Applications and related correspondence may be submitted at Transport Malta’s offices in Paola, Ħal Lija, or Gozo. The Ħal Lija office is the primary hub for driving licence services and the most appropriate first port of call for new residents. Transport Malta’s main website at www.transport.gov.mt hosts all relevant application forms, current fee schedules, and guidance on the exchange and renewal processes.

The dedicated online driving licence portal, licenzji-xufiera.gov.mt, is the platform through which learner’s permit applications are submitted, practical test bookings are made, and penalty point records can be checked. Applicants going through both the standard test route and the exchange process may need to use this portal at various stages of their application.

The Theory Test Centre, situated at National Road, Il-Blata l-Bajda (HMR 9010), manages bookings for the mandatory theory test. Appointments can be made by telephoning 21227190 or through www.maltatheorytest.com. Theory test preparation resources in both English and Maltese are accessible through the official licensing portal.

All driving licence matters in Malta are governed by the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations — S.L. 65.18. For enforcement-related matters, including penalty points issued by road wardens, the Local Enforcement System Agency (LESA) also plays a role. Penalty point records can be checked via both LESA’s website and Transport Malta’s portal. For any licence-related queries, Transport Malta’s main telephone number (2556 0000) and email address ([email protected]) are the most direct points of contact.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Malta immediately after arriving with a non-EU licence?

Yes. Holders of licences issued outside Malta and the European Union are permitted to drive in Malta for a period of no more than twelve months from the date of their most recent entry. No immediate action is required on arrival, but the exchange or licence application process should be initiated well before the twelve-month window closes.

Do I need to retake my driving test in Malta?

This depends on the country that issued your licence. EU nationals may exchange their licence for a Maltese one without sitting any tests. UK licence holders benefit from a Memorandum of Understanding that removes the obligation to sit a practical test. Licences from Australia and Switzerland can likewise be exchanged without testing. If your country of licence issue is not covered by any recognised arrangement, both a theory test and a practical test will be required.

How long does it take to get a Malta driving licence?

For an exchange from an eligible country, the timescale depends on how promptly Transport Malta can verify your original licence with the issuing authority — a process that may take several weeks. For those pursuing a licence through the standard test route, the overall process typically takes a few months, depending on lesson progression and the availability of test appointments. Preparing all documentation in advance and booking early will help minimise delays.

Can I drive in Malta with a US licence?

Yes, for up to 12 months from your last entry into Malta. The United States does not currently have an exchange agreement with Malta, so once that 12-month period has elapsed as a resident, you must apply for a Maltese licence via the full test route — theory test first, followed by a practical driving test. It is advisable to carry an IDP alongside your US licence to assist local authorities or vehicle hire companies with verification.

What happens if I drive in Malta after my 12-month grace period has expired?

Continuing to drive on a foreign non-EU licence beyond the 12-month grace period is unlawful in Malta. You risk prosecution, fines, and potential invalidation of your motor insurance, as many policies cease to apply where the driver is not legally licensed. Begin the exchange or application process before the deadline arrives — not after.

Do I need a medical certificate to exchange my driving licence in Malta?

A medical certificate is required where the original licence has expired and the applicant holds commercial vehicle entitlements (Category C or D) and/or is over 70 years of age. For standard Category B (car) licence holders whose foreign licence is still within its validity period, a medical certificate is not normally required at the exchange stage.

Is the Maltese driving licence valid in other EU countries?

Yes. A Maltese driving licence is recognised as valid in all other EU member states, as well as in countries that are party to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. The sole exception concerns national vehicle categories, which remain valid within Malta only. If you intend to drive outside the EU, check whether an IDP is required for your destination country.

Where do I book a theory test in Malta?

Theory test bookings are handled by the Theory Test Centre at National Road, Il-Blata l-Bajda. Appointments can be made by calling 21227190 or through the website www.maltatheorytest.com. When booking, you must specify the licence category you are applying for, as the test content differs between vehicle types. A pass on the theory test is a prerequisite before any practical test booking can be accepted.