Destinations / Trinidad and Tobago
Driving in Trinidad and Tobago as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Trinidad and Tobago accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Trinidad and Tobago expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 (police), 811 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways |
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 | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| 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 TTD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| City zones | Heavy congestion around Port of Spain. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Trinidad and Tobago
At the pump
Subsidised fuel is cheap: octane-95 petrol is about TT$7.75 and diesel about TT$4.41 per litre, sold by the litre at attended NP and UNIPET stations; many stations take cards but keep TT cash for smaller outlets.
After a crash
Call police on 999 (emergency 990 for fire/ambulance); report the accident to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (online or at a station), do not move vehicles when there are injuries, and exchange insurance details.
Sources: newsday.co.tt · globalpetrolprices.com · ttps.gov.tt · idp-usa.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Trinidad and Tobago?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Trinidad and Tobago accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Trinidad and Tobago accept?
Trinidad and Tobago recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Trinidad and Tobago ask for one?
Port of Spain desks accept English licences; an IDP helps non-English drivers.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.