Destinations / Dominica
Driving in Dominica as a visitor
Yes, and a local permit too. Dominica drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local driving permit, typically arranged at the rental desk.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Dominica expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 50 mph open roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in XCD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Buy a local driving permit. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Steep, winding mountain roads. |
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
On the road in Dominica
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold by attendants at stations concentrated in Roseau, Portsmouth and main towns (sparse elsewhere, so refuel before remote drives); mid-2026 prices are roughly EC$4.19/litre for 95-octane petrol and EC$4.23/litre for diesel.
After a crash
Driving is on the LEFT; after a crash call the 911 emergency centre (the old 999 may still connect during transition), notify the rental company, and do not move the vehicles until police attend and record the scene.
Sources: rhinocarhire.com · avirtualdominica.com · dominicavibes.dm · globalpetrolprices.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Dominica?
Yes, and a local permit too. Dominica drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local driving permit, typically arranged at the rental desk.
Which translation format is used for Dominica?
Dominica uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Dominica ask for a translation?
A local visitor's permit is issued at the desk; an IDP helps.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Dominica?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.