International Driving Permit Saint Vincent
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are boater paradises and boast some of the most beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. This chain of 36 emerald-green volcanic islands stretches south towards Grenada, with white sandy beaches and a bay bordered by palm trees, with mega yachts swaying beside the yachts. There are many private islands here, many of which are luxury resorts. Diving is excellent, with coral reefs lined up on many beaches and great snorkeling just a short distance from the coast. Discerning island enthusiasts come to these peaceful and unpretentious islands to savor the classic Caribbean landscape, free from the crowds of cruise ships in busy harbors. This would be the best place for a long-awaited vacation, and the best way to get around here is via car. However, you can’t just hop into the driver’s seat.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
Applying for an IDP
You can apply for an IDP online easily through our website. While filling out the application form, you will need your current national driver’s license information, self photographs, and identity verification. The whole application process will take almost 20 minutes, and after that, you can receive a digital copy of your permit in 2 hours via the email you have provided. You will receive a physical copy of your permit in around 2-30 days, according to your address and delivery mode.
Benefits of an International Driving Permit
Reduces or eliminates the risk of penalties. In many countries, non-resident drivers require an international license to drive legally. If you don’t have it and you’re caught by law enforcement, you risk being fined heavily.
Simplify communication with local governments. This is very useful in foreign language countries, and an international driver’s license presents US driver’s license information in multiple languages. We hope that this will facilitate communication with local governments.
In this case, most major car rental companies require the lessor to present a valid international driver’s license. This also applies to countries where the law does not require foreign drivers to possess this document.
For some people, knowing that doing something illegal can result in fines can be stressful and overwhelming. If you have an international driver’s license overseas, you can rest assured that you comply with the law.
Driving requirements in Saint Vincent
Laws may vary from country to country, but one is the same. An international driver’s license from our website will help you rent and drive a car abroad, regardless of country.
If the traffic police are watching you, show your original driver’s license with your IDP. Also, there is no need to explain the nature of IDP. IDP translates native driver’s licenses into many languages. If traffic police officers from other countries who do not speak your language request your native driver’s license, you can use your IDP to translate for them. However, one-year and two-year plans are also readily available on our website. If you plan an extended stay, you will need a local driver’s license to drive in St. Vincent. Present your driver’s license and two photos of your passport to get them from Kingstown Police Headquarters.
Some car rental companies require you to show your international driver’s license before renting a car. The minimum driving age is 17 years, and the legal minimum for renting a car is 21 years.
When to get a local license
You may drive a car with a temporary driving permit for six months; after that, you should get a local license. The requirements for getting a local driver’s license are an original valid driver’s license from your country of origin, a valid passport to facilitate registration in the Inland Revenue Department’s Database., and a $ 100 fee.
International Driving Permit holders are exempt from holding a St. Vincent and the Grenadines driver’s license if the issuing country has signed an international treaty at the convention. Holders of a valid driver’s license issued in another West Indies Federation country are exempt from the requirement to have a driver’s license issued in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Holders of a foreign international driver’s license must first register their driver’s license with the licensing authority before being allowed to drive in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Inter-American driving permit
An Inter-American driving permit (IADP) is an ID card that gives the owner the right to drive a private car in any foreign country if a valid driver’s license from their own country is attached. Inter-American driving permits are similar to the International Driving Permit (IDP) but unique to North America, Central America, and South American drivers. To qualify for an Inter-American driving permit, you must have a valid driver’s license. The IADP is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention, so it may not be issued in all countries in the Americas. Therefore, most foreign countries only issue IDPs.
Car rental in St Vincent and the Grenadines
You must bring your IDP, passport or ID, debit or credit card for payment, and national driver’s license when renting a car. You should check the car company’s requirements beforehand to prevent delays.
Car rental companies can offer a variety of vehicles depending on your needs. If you check online car booking sites, the number of seats and the size of the car will vary. It is a small vehicle with four chairs. If you’re touring in groups, there may be additionally a 9-seater minivan for huge groups. The automobile kind additionally relies upon the requirements.
Rentals can be booked in St. Vincent, Bequia, and Mustique. Rental automobile rental costs in St. Vincent and Bequia range from $55 to $85. Each day is $300-4000 per month. If your driver’s license has expired, you will need an international driver’s license. The cost of renting a car depends on the length of the car rental, the type of car, the number of seats, and the payment method. Additional charges may apply if other safeguards are required. The legal driving age in St. Vincent is 17, and the minimum age to rent a car is 21 or 25. However, if you are under 25, you may be charged a young driver fee.
Driving and safety
Drive on the right side of the road in Saint Vincent, just like most other countries worldwide. Since you are from a left-handed country like Australia, driving with the right-hand drive won’t be easy. The minimum age to drive is 17 years old, and the minimum age to rent a car is 21.
Drunk driving is the leading cause of road deaths around the world. There will be severe penalties for those who drive while intoxicated. They will charge you a heavy fine if they catch you in a car with a high blood alcohol concentration. You will not be charged a blood alcohol level below the 80mg per 100ml blood limit. The license will be suspended and fined if the patient refuses an alcohol test.
Mandatory seat belts. Seat belts are used to reduce road deaths which experts guarantee will do. Driving is mandatory for safety-conscious travelers. Children under eight years old must sit in the back with seat belts. Anyone found guilty of violating these rules will face serious consequences.
Third-party insurance is recommended and safe. Car insurance varies by car rental company. However, there is additional coverage at an additional cost. If something terrible happens, you can use these insurance plans as a safety measure. If you purchase additional insurance, you should at least choose a plan that protects you against collision damage and partial or total loss from theft.
Driving tips
Road traffic emergencies include flat tires, brake failures, engine failures, accelerator pedal blockages, windshield cracks, fuel shortages, overheating, and other vehicle failures. If any of this happens to you while you’re in the middle of the road, don’t panic. If possible, pick up the car in the middle of the street and move to the curb. To avoid accidents, you should ensure your vehicle is in top condition.
If possible, be sure to carry emergency equipment with you. B. A triangle that signals other vehicles driving behind you. If your car does not return to normal, get in touch with the helpline immediately. 24-hour tourist emergency number: 911 or 999
If the police stop you, do not try to avoid it. Saint Vincent has appropriate penalties for this type of reaction. Instead, you must carefully pull your car to the curb and have your driver’s license, license plate number, and other identification.
Road conditions
Country roads are often not large enough to accommodate two cars, and people (including school children), dogs, goats, and chickens often share lanes with cars, minibusses, and trucks. Outside densely populated areas, roads can be bumpy and punctured. Make sure your rental car has a tire changer and a spare tire. The horn on the left side before entering the countryside blind corners where you will encounter many steep hills and hairpin turns
Top 7 Places to Visit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Bequia
The second largest and most enchanting Bequia in the Grenadines (pronounced “Beck’s Way”) is a popular sailing destination with a rich history of whaling. The lush bougainvillea slopes lead to boat-filled beaches and coves. One of Bequia’s most popular destinations is Port Elizabeth in Admiralty Bay, the island’s main commercial center. A sidewalk runs along the waterfront to the south of the town, past restaurants, and quaint little shops. Visit the Bequia Maritime Museum to learn about the history of the island. A trail at the southern end of Port Elizabeth crosses a slight rise to the beautiful Princess Margaret Beach. Separated from this beach by rock outcrops, Lower Bay is another golden sand beach perfect for snorkeling.
Palm Island
Palm Island is a small paradise. Perm Island Resort & Spa is one of the best beach resorts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the island with many vacation villas named after numerous coconut trees planted by the resort’s former owners. Five white sand beaches line the coast, and enjoy great snorkeling just offshore in the translucent turquoise waters. The island has a small airport, just a short boat ride from Union Island. Besides snorkeling, popular activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, cycling around the island, feasting on fresh seafood at the resort’s restaurant, and sunbathing on beautiful beaches.
Tobago Cays
In the southern part of the Grenadines, Tobago Cays consists of five small uninhabited islands and is now the main feature of the Tobago Cays Marine Park. The coral-protected beaches provide calm, clear water for swimming and snorkeling, and the surrounding coral reef gardens are full of marine life. Snorkelers and divers can find schools of sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas, and coral reefs. A day trip to Tobago cay is one of the most popular in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where many boaters moor, play in the clear waters and sunbathe on the beach.
Las Friere Volcano
One of St. Vincent’s most popular activities is a guided hike to the crater of Las Friere Volcano (not to be confused with Mount Friere in Guadeloupe). At 1,234 meters above sea level, La Soufrière is the highest peak on St. Vincent. It was still active and erupted in 1979, but fortunately, no one died. To reach the crater, you can hike the leeward trails (about 6-8 hours round trip) or the more accessible and popular upwind trails (3-4 hours round trip). Along the way, learn about uniquely adapted plants and animals and see spectacular views of the rainforests, cloud forests, and surrounding landscapes. Once you reach the summit, you will also have the opportunity to explore the crater.
Kingstown
Located on St. Vincent Island (St. Vincent), Kingstown is the capital and major commercial center of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Most tourists consider it a gateway to other islands, but the town exudes the charm of the old-fashioned Caribbean Sea, where you can find some tourist attractions worth visiting. Cobbled streets and colonial buildings enrich the quaint downtown. If you’re thinking about what you should do in Kingstown, St. Vincent, the beautiful church is one of the highlights. Beautiful stained glass decorates the 1820 George dynasty building, St. George’s Anglican Cathedral, and the 1823 Catholic St. Mary’s Cathedral features a Gothic spire and Romanesque columns and arches. The green finger is also the beeline of the St. Vincent Botanical Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the West Indies. A few hour’s walks through these palm-fringed grounds is a good option when looking for something to do in St. Vincent from a cruise ship.
Leeward Highway Drive
The Leeward Highway Scenic Drive is a worthwhile way to explore. This 25-mile (40 km) road winds along a cliff, with a beautiful coastline from Kingstown to Richmond Beach along the protected west coast of St. Vincent. Roads pass through villages, black sand beaches, coconut plantations, and some valuable attractions. Along the way, Calibrock features a carved face dating back to 600 AD. Many travelers also stop at Barrouallie, a small fishing village with a Caribbean stone altar and petroglyphs. The pilot whale hunting tradition is still practiced here. In the distance, you can see Mt. Las Friere, an active volcano and the highest peak on the island. A tour of the Baleine Falls, a 60-foot (18-meter) waterfall at the northwestern tip of St. Vincent, departs from this coastline. Access to the waterfall is by boat or on foot as there is no road to this area.
FAQs
How old do you have to be to drive in St Vincent?
A minimum of 17 years of age must be allowed in the car. The requisite period for the lease of vehicles is 21 years. Vincent & Grenada are also subject to national security regulations.
Can I get an International Driving Permit online for St Vincent?
You can apply for any IDP through our website. You’ll need your current driver’s license details, photographs, and ID for verification.
How long will I wait to get my permit for St Vincent?
The application process is easy and will take barely 20 minutes. Then, you will receive a digital copy of your IDP within 2 hours of application, and a printed copy of your IDP will arrive at your postal address in 2-30 days.
How do I get a driver’s license in St Vincent?
Licenses for drivers: Complete the application form from the licensing bureau, and the application must also contain an official signature. Send a completed application to the licensing officer to obtain the learner’s permit. It must be paid in full by the fee.
What side to drive in Saint Vincent?
Drive on the left side. To drive on the island, you must have a valid local driver’s license, and car rental companies usually support this process.
Is it safe to travel to Saint Vincent?
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are friendly and cozy Caribbean destinations with relatively low overall crime rates. Most of the tourist visits go smoothly.