The Road Traffic Regulations — Licensing of Drivers Part 1

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According to regulations 155 to 167 of the new Road Traffic Act an application for a learner’s permit or driver’s licence shall be made to the Authority.

Learner’s Permit

To apply for a learner’s permit, the applicant must submit:

  1. A medical certificate.
  2. Three identical photographs taken less than six months before the time of application and certified by a Justice of the Peace.
  3. A Government |D displaying date of birth.
  4. Proof of knowledge of the Road Code.

A learner’s permit granted by the Authority will have the following conditions:

  • Except in the case of a motorcycle, the person who is accompanying the learner driver shall sit beside the learner driver in the motor vehicle. No other person shall be seated in the front of the motor vehicle. A person shall not act as driving instructor unless certified by Authority (regulation 168).
  • A learner driver must not operate a motor vehicle for use as public passenger transport, freight carrier or any other commercial purpose.
  • The holder of a learner’s permit to operate a motorcycle must be accompanied by an instructor who is driving on another motorcycle within six metres of the learner.
  • The instructor accompanying the holder of a learner’s permit to operate a motorcycle should have had his/her motorcycle licence for at least three years before engaging in such supervision.
  • The holder of a learner’s permit to operate a motorcycle should never carry a pillion rider.

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The letter “L” must be affixed and clearly displayed on the front and the back of the motor vehicle being driven by the learner.

Driver’s Licence

Applicants of a driver’s licence must submit:

  1. A certificate of competence to the Authority after satisfying the certifying officer by way of theory and practical examination.
  2. Three identical photographs taken no more than six months before the time of application and certified by a Justice of the Peace.
  3. Proof of payment of applicable licensing fees.

International Driver’s Licence

Residents of Jamaica, holding a Jamaican driver’s licence are eligible to apply for an international driving permit which allows persons to drive a motor vehicle in any country which is a part of the 7949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (regulation 157). Applicants for an International permit must submit:

  1. The relevant form
  2. A valid driver’s licence
  3. Two photographs taken less than six months before the time of application and certified by a Justice of the Peace
  4. Applicable fees

Foreigners to Jamaica desirous of obtaining a Jamaican driver’s licence must have a licence from their home country for at least six years to apply.

Special Renewals

A person who applies for the renewal of a licence and who is 70 years or older, must provide the Authority with proof of ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. A medical certificate must be completed by a registered medical practitioner (regulation 163).

For additional information, contact:

Island Traffic Authority
38H Maxfield Avenue
Kingston 10
Tel: 876-754-1900-1/876-754-2590-3
Email: ps@mtw.gov.jm

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