This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by

Driving in Maldives: the three basics

Drives on the
left

The driver sits on the right and overtakes on the right. Roundabouts turn clockwise.

Your licence
Licence plus an IDP

Your own licence works with an International Driving Permit beside it. Get the permit at home before you fly - no country issues one for another country's licence.

Motorways
Free

There is no motorway charge for a car.

There is no road network between islands in the Maldives, so a licence is of no use to a visitor.

There is nothing to drive. The country is 1,200 islands and transfers are by boat or seaplane.

  • Male and Hulhumale have roads and a bridge between them; every other island is reached by speedboat, ferry or seaplane.
  • Resorts are single islands crossed on foot or by buggy, and they arrange the transfer from the airport as part of the booking.
  • Motorbikes are the main vehicle in Male, which is one of the most densely populated cities on earth.
  • The alcohol limit is zero. Alcohol is prohibited outside resort islands entirely.
  • Plan transfers around daylight. Seaplanes do not fly after dark, which constrains late arrivals into Male.

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Sources (1)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.