Malta is a small island, just 27 km long and 14.5 km wide, so getting around may seem quick and easy on paper. In reality, driving can be a challenge. The country is known for heavy traffic, frequent accidents, and regular congestion. If you're planning to move to Malta, this article covers everything you need to know about driving there.
Practical information on driving in Malta
The number of vehicles per capita in Malta is among the highest in the world.
As a former British colony, Malta follows left-hand driving, and roundabouts are a common feature. Road signs are similar to those used in the United Kingdom. Â
Rent a car in Malta upon your arrival is quite affordable. As you would anywhere else, always pay attention to the terms of your car rental agreement and carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle before leaving the car rental agency.
Driving rules in Malta
For a comprehensive overview of Malta's traffic regulations, visit the  In general, here's what you need to know:
- You must be at least 18 years old to be allowed to drive in Malta.
- Any car parked on double yellow lines can be towed away.
- There are no parking meters in Malta, but some public parking spaces (theoretically free) are monitored by a parking attendant. They will ask for a tip, though it is not mandatory.
- Yield the right-of-way to vehicles on your right when entering a roundabout.
- In Malta, drivers typically overtake on the right. However, be cautious as some drivers do not see anything wrong with overtaking on the left.
- Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory both in the front and back.
- In the event of a collision, do not move your vehicle until the police arrive, unless it poses a danger to you or other motorists. Try to take some pictures of the accident as evidence.
- Some gas stations are open 24/7. Some do not accept card payments, so make sure to always have cash on you.
- The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h elsewhere. Rules may vary depending on the road you are driving on, so always pay attention to the road signs.
- It is forbidden to honk in residential areas between 11 PM and 6 AM the next morning. This rule is not enforced, as you will likely notice.
- The use of a mobile phone, even with a hands-free kit, is prohibited while driving. Any violation of this law is subject to heavy penalties.
- To ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, Maltese authorities have installed speed cameras.
- A maximum blood alcohol level of 35 µg per 100 ml of breath or 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood is allowed. Of course, it is strictly forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violating this law can result in your driving license being suspended.
- You are required to turn on your vehicle's headlights when driving through a tunnel, even during the day.
- Vehicles going downhill must give way to those going uphill.
The roads in Malta have greatly improved in recent years, largely thanks to financial aid from the European Union. However, given the volume of traffic and the climate, maintenance can be challenging. Always watch out for potholes and bumps.
Important:
Public and school buses have priority on the road. Allow buses to merge into traffic after picking up passengers.
Driving in Valletta
Valletta is now equipped with a surveillance system capable of recording the number of vehicles entering the capital. This system aims to collect the tax based on the number of hours each vehicle is parked.
There are three types of parking in Valletta:
- White parking spaces are public and can be used for 24 hours per vehicle;
- Green parking spaces are reserved for residents only;
- Blue parking spaces are open to the public from 8 AM to 6 PM. From 6 PM to 8 AM, blue parking spaces are reserved for residents.
However, it is advisable to park in the immediate vicinity of Valletta, for example, in the public parking next to Floriana's football ground or in the MCP car park in Floriana.
Exchanging your driving license in Malta
Foreign nationals holding a driving license issued outside the European Union are allowed to drive in Malta with their national driving license for a maximum of 12 months from their last entry date into the country.
European Union (EU) nationals can continue driving with their national license. They also have the right to exchange their driving license for a Maltese license. This also applies to nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Australia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom.
To exchange your EU/EEA/Swiss/Australian/UAE/UK license for a Maltese license, you must have resided in Malta for at least 185 days during the previous year. The Maltese driving license is valid for 10 years, up to your 70th birthday if you are between 60 and 70 years old, and 5 years if you are 70 or older.
The application must be made at the Transport Malta offices located in Paola, Ħal Lija, or Gozo. The following documents must be provided:
- A driving license exchange application form (different forms exist depending on your country of origin, which you can find );
- A passport-sized color photo;
- A copy of your Maltese residence permit;
- And a copy of your foreign driving license (front and back).
If your residence card does not indicate that you have resided in Malta for the minimum period of 185 days, you can also prove your residence through your Maltese income tax returns, FS3 end-of-year forms, a Jobsplus engagement form registering an employee with an employer, a rental contract, a property purchase contract, or a letter from the educational institution in the case of international students.
This process incurs a fee. To find out current requirements and fees, consult the .
Obtaining a driving license in Malta
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a driving license in Malta. Drivers under the age of 70 can renew their driving license every 10 years, while those over 70 must do so every 5 years.
Here's how to proceed if you prefer to obtain your driving license once in Malta:
Find an instructor by contacting a driving school or a licensed instructor who meets the specific qualifications set by .
You will then need to apply for a learner's permit by following these steps:
- Pay the application fee (€23.25);
- Undergo a medical fitness check;
- Provide a copy of your ID card;
- Provide a recent passport-sized photo;
- Submit the application approved by your instructor.
You must then pass a theory test, which lasts about 45 minutes. To obtain the pass certificate, you must correctly answer at least 30 out of 35 multiple-choice questions. You can take the practical test once the training is completed and you have passed the theory test.
For the practical test, you must have your learner's permit, have obtained your theory test pass certificate, provide your personalized form issued by the driving school, submit the application form, and pay the fees depending on the day of the week of your test (€23.25 for weekdays and €40 for Saturdays).
Finally, if you pass the practical test, you will receive your provisional driving license. It is valid for three years and will then be exchanged for a full driving license. This will be valid for ten years, provided you have not lost your points during this probationary period. The provisional driving license is revoked if, during the three-year probationary period, you lose 12 points or more.
Good to know:
The learner's permit is valid for three years and is renewable. It allows you to drive from Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays, only in the company of your instructor.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
