• Learner's Licence and Driver's Licence

    Learner's Licence and Driver's Licence

    Before you ever sit behind the wheel on a public road, you need the right paperwork. This set covers how to get your learner's licence, who must supervise you, and the basics of the full driver's licence system.

    Getting your learner's licence

    The learner's licence — officially called a provisional driver's licence — is your legal permission to practise driving on public roads. To obtain one you must be at least 17 years old and pass the Road Code Test at an ITA Examination Depot.

    Documents you need to bring:

    • A medical certificate from a registered doctor confirming you are fit to drive
    • Three certified, identical passport-sized photographs
    • Proof of identity and address
    • Proof of age — birth certificate or national ID

    17Minimum age 1 yearLicence validity 75%Pass mark

    The supervisor rule — cars

    As a learner driver you must never drive alone on a public road. A qualified supervisor must be with you at all times:

    • The supervisor sits in the front passenger seat — no one else may occupy that seat at the same time
    • Must hold a full driver's licence for the class of vehicle you are driving
    • Must be over 21 years of age
    • Must have held their licence for at least three years

    What you must not do on a learner's licence:

    • No alcohol before driving
    • No driving alone — not even briefly
    • No paying passengers in the vehicle
    L plate required: The letter "L" must be clearly displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle whenever a learner is driving.

    The supervisor rule — motorcycles

    Learner motorcyclists have different rules. The supervisor cannot ride with you — they follow on their own motorcycle:

    • Supervisor rides on a separate motorcycle — not alongside in a car
    • Must stay within 6 metres behind you at all times
    • Must have held a motorcycle licence for at least three years
    • You may never carry a pillion passenger while on a learner's licence

    The full driver's licence

    Once you have practised sufficiently, you sit for your full driver's licence examination at the ITA. The examination has three parts:

    • Written test — multiple-choice questions on road signs, signals, and rules
    • Yard test — basic manoeuvres on a test ground
    • Road test — driving on public roads with an examiner

    A full driver's licence is valid for five years and expires on your birthday. Drivers aged 70 or over must provide a medical certificate when renewing.

    International visitors: An international driving permit is valid in Jamaica for twelve months from the date of arrival. Minimum age to apply: 18.

    Demerit points and professional drivers

    Demerit points accumulate for traffic offences and expire after 15 months if they have not led to a suspension:

    • 10–14 speeding points within one year: suspension + speeding-danger training course
    • 20+ speeding points within one year: suspension + training + written test + road test
    • Drink-driving conviction: suspension + awareness training + written test + road test

    Truck and tractor drivers: maximum 7 consecutive driving hours and at least 10 consecutive rest hours in every 24-hour period.

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