Overview
To drive a land vehicle in the Maldives you must pass a theory test and then a practical driving test. Part of this page rests on news reports and a procedure wiki, because the readable official page gives only the outline of the process. Confirm the details with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation or the Transport Authority.
The government e-services page sets out the order: practise with a licensed driver, display an "L" board on the vehicle, get the study materials from the ministry, prepare, then complete the theory test and the practical test before the licence card is issued.
Exam pattern
| Step | What the official page says |
|---|---|
| Study | Obtain the book with the exam information from the ministry and study it |
| Theory test | Request to take the theory test for driving a land vehicle at the relevant government office |
| Practical test | After passing theory, request to take the driving test for a land vehicle |
The sources read for this page do not give the number of questions, the pass mark, the test language or the format of the practical test.
Who can apply
According to the Wikiprocedure listing, you must be above 18 and provide a filled LL1 form, a copy of your national identity card, and a passport-size photo taken within the last three months.
Fees
The Wikiprocedure listing gives the theory test fee as Rf 100. It is not dated and is not from an official page, so check the fee when you apply.
How to apply
Theory tests in Malé City moved on 6 March 2025 from the Maldives Polytechnic to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, in the Umar Zahir Building in Hulhumalé Phase 1. The Polytechnic had run them from 15 November 2023.
Applicants register through the Safari Information Management System (SIMS), as the news reports spell it and must select the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation as their test centre.
Per Wikiprocedure, the test date and time are on your payment receipt, the process takes two visits, and the average service time is three days.
After the exam
After you pass the theory test you may request the driving test. The official page ends with receiving the licence card once both tests are passed.
Preparation tips
Get the ministry's study book and learn it before booking.
Practise with a licensed driver and display your L board while you learn.
Which tests do I need for a Maldives driving licence?
A theory test and a practical driving test, taken in that order, as described on the government e-services page.