Whether you can swap your licence for a Maltese one, or have to take a test, depends on the country that issued it.
There is a defined list. It is shorter than people expect.
Can you exchange yours?
Straight exchange
Licences from EU and EEA countries can be exchanged without a test. It is an administrative process rather than an assessment.
Do it within the required window after taking up residence rather than leaving it.
Driving in Malta
Exchange by agreement
Malta has arrangements with a number of non-EU countries, and licences from those can also be exchanged.
If your country is not on the list, no amount of driving experience changes the answer.
Your first month
Theory and practical here
If there is no arrangement, you take the Maltese theory test and practical test like a new driver.
Book early. Test slots are limited and the wait is measured in months rather than weeks.
Hiring instead
Which licences can be exchanged
The full list
- EU member states
- Exchangeable. An EU licence is recognised in Malta for as long as it stays valid in the country that issued it. There is no need to rush.
- EEA: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
- Exchangeable.
- Switzerland
- Exchangeable.
- Australia
- Exchangeable.
- United Kingdom
- Exchangeable, under a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
- United Arab Emirates
- Exchangeable, but only for Maltese or UAE nationals.
- Anywhere else
- Not exchangeable. You may drive on your existing licence for up to twelve months from your last entry into Malta. After that you need a Maltese licence.
Transport Malta states this explicitly, because people assume otherwise. An IDP is a translation of your licence, not a substitute for one, and none of the exchange rules apply to it.
The 185-day rule
An exchange can only happen once you have lived in Malta for at least 185 days out of the twelve months before you apply. This is the requirement that catches new arrivals: you cannot land, register and swap your licence in the same month. Where your residence card was issued after that 185-day period, you will be asked for supporting evidence of continuous residence to bridge the gap.
What to bring
Every application needs a passport photograph, a copy of your Maltese residence permit, evidence of residence in Malta, and your valid original driving licence. Beyond that, the requirements vary by country. The application form differs. Some countries require a legal translation if the licence is not in English, and some require confirmation from the issuing authority. A medical certificate is not usually needed. It is required for an expired licence if you are over 70, or if you hold category C or D entitlements.
Transport Malta will contact the issuing authority to confirm your licence is genuine. That means the process takes more than one visit.
Cash is not accepted by Transport Malta, so check the payment methods before you go. And the Maltese licence you receive inherits the validity and expiry of the licence you hand in, rather than resetting the clock.
Driving licences are regulated by the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations, S.L. 65.18, and administered by Transport Malta. The correct application form for your country, and the current fee, come from them. Check before travelling to an office.