How to select the driving licence you need
First of all, consider your needs. Not every driver wants the same thing, and you will find that there are different categories of driving licence Malta depending on your vehicle’s size, weight and type. These govern whether someone can be in control of a motorcycle, van, truck, bus, tractor, small car or big car. Choose your category carefully, and make sure you take note of any additional requirements like a minimum age limit.
Your licence will need to be renewed every 10 years, unless you are over 70 years old, in which case it is renewable every 5 years.
How to find a driving instructor
This depends a lot on personal preference. Some people feel more comfortable with a male or female instructor, for example. There are also practical concerns, like considering the length of the lessons, or the types of car on offer (if you want automatic or manual, for example). The TransportMalta website has a complete list of driving instructors.
Driving lessons
After choosing a school, you can usually expect the instructor to pick you up at a location that suits you. They will take you through everything that you need to know. Don’t worry if you have absolutely no knowledge of driving, your instructor will help you – both with the ins and outs of the theory and practical driving tests, and the important parts of road safety.
Getting a learner’s permit
In order to apply for the Practical Test, it’s necessary to have a Learner’s Permit. According to Maltese law, the legal age to be behind the wheel is 18, and once you’ve got your permit you can practise driving six days a week – not on Sundays or public holidays. When driving, you must have a licensed instructor or trainer in the car with you. In order to qualify, the instructor or trainer must have at least five years of experience in the relevant category of vehicle, as well as insurance covering both the trainer and the trainee. This is important to know if you want to have a private trainer on the side, as well as your official driving lessons.
The theory test
These days, you can take the theory test on a computer. It is a multiple-choice test, and you can study for this with the Highway Code and Theory Test CD, available at the Theory Test Centre in Guardamangia or the TransportMalta office. Again, only those aged 18 can take the test.
The practical test
Before applying for the practical test, check that you have met all the requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old. For some categories of vehicle, you have to be older, so check.
- You have got a Learner’s Permit.
- You have already passed the Theory Test.
- You have completed the whole training programme with your instructor, who has filled out a valid Student Record Sheet.
When you have everything ready, go to the Transport Malta offices to apply for your test. Generally, you will have to wait four to six weeks, although during periods of high demand, you could be waiting longer than normal. You will receive notification of your test date three weeks in advance, so you have a bit of time to prepare yourself for the upcoming challenge.
Getting the driving licence Malta
When you’ve managed to pass everything, the Transport Authority will present you with your brand new driving licence! For the first three years, you will have a probationary licence. Be careful during this time, as you can get penalty points for traffic violations. If you manage to rack up 12 points, you will lose your licence and have to begin the whole process again.
Your driving licence in Malta is made up of two documents, one a photo ID and the other a longer document. You can get both of them from the Land Transport Directorate in Floriana. While you are in Malta, you will have to pay annual fees for your licence.
