23rd January, 2020 TONGAN Since Road User Safety is one of the Ministry’s obligations, that includes our Land Transport Division issuing of driving license. Below mentioned are ways to get your driving license.
- To apply for a driving license, the applicant should be 18 years old if you are applying for a light vehicle but if you are applying for a heavy plant machineries (bulldozer, heavy trucks etc) you should be 21 years older and above according to our Road Traffic Act.
Learners License
- To apply for a driving license, everyone must go through their Learners, which is free of charge.
- To get a Learner’s License, you should provide 1 passport size photo together with your birth certificate (National ID or Passport can also be used)
- Learner drivers are given 3 months probation plus our road rule book to study. Within these 3 months, Learner drivers can sit their theory test. Drivers should pass 97% or more in their test in order to move on.
- If you fail to pass 97% of your theory test, you will re-sit the test until you pass. An extension of your 3 months will be re-issued if you have not passed your test.
- Learner drivers are not allowed to take passengers and must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver with a valid driving license.
- Learner drivers should make their own label as shown below and attach it to their license plate.
Practical Test
- Two officers from the Ministry will conduct the practical test. This is to find out if you understand what you put into your theory test.
- If you make more that 3 mistakes on your practical test, you will have to re-sit your theory test.
Full License and Renewal of License
When you pass your theory and practical test, you will pay $100.00 for your full license which will be valid for 12 months ONLY (1 year) before you can renew your license and pick any of the categories below.
- Full License for 1 year ……………………….. $60.00
- Full License for 3 year ……………………….. $150.00
- Full License for 5 year ……………………….. $240.00
Visitors Driving License
- Overseas visitors will not go through the above process. They will get their full license under these two categories.
– Temporary License $40.00
– Full License $60.00
Please note, the Ministry does not issue driving license for any other reason but for the safety of our road users. We do not issue license to be used as an ID for identification purposes (banking etc) and applicants must be 18 years old and above.
Way forward for the Ministry – Land Transport
- Revising of our Traffic Act emphasizing on the use of seatbelts and to stop drivers from using their mobile phones while driving.
- A designated site for practical tests.
- Driving training for women to get commercial driving license
- Training for the use of heavy plant machineries e.g. bulldozer, loader, excavator etc.
ENDS
Issued by the: MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE, ‘Alaivahamama’o Bypass Road, Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Tonga. Tel: +(676) 7401500 Fax. +(676) 25440 email: support@moi.gov.to