Barbados Driving

Don't forget your license from home if you plan on driving in Barbados

License to Drive

Travelers planning to drive while in Barbados should expect to get used to a few minor adjustments

Barbados drivers stay to the left, just as they do in England, which may take some getting used to for North American drivers. Road conditions are mostly good throughout the region, but watch for potholes outside the larger towns and cities. Use caution when driving at night because of narrow roads with no shoulders and frequent pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Taxis and buses are generally safe, but buses and vans are often crowded and tend to travel at high speeds, so they may not always be for the faint of heart.

A Barbados driving permit is required, which can be obtained from car rental companies, the Ministry of Transport (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), the airport (every day, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) or police stations in Hastings, Worthing, and Holetown. You will have to pay a registration fee of $10(USD), and show a valid license from your home country or an international driving permit.

For specific information concerning Barbados driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 212-986-6516, or visit http://www.barbados.org.

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