How to Get Your Driver's Licence in Jamaica (2026)

Getting a driver's licence in Jamaica follows a clear, fixed sequence: get a provisional (learner's) licence, hold it for six months, then pass four tests in order — reading test, written (Road Code) test, yard test, and road test. This guide walks through every step, what each stage involves, and the fees, based on the rules in force since 1 February 2023.

Key takeaways

You must hold a provisional licence for six months before the full test.
The tests happen in a set order: reading → written (Road Code) → yard → road.
The Road Code Test is free; other government fees apply (provisional J$1,800, examination fee J$3,240).
Minimum age is 17 for a private motor car.

Step 1 — Get your provisional (learner's) licence

Apply and pay the J$1,800 fee at the Tax Office. The provisional licence is valid for one year. You must display a red "L" plate and drive only when supervised by someone who has held a full licence for at least three years. Full details are in the provisional licence guide.

Step 2 — Hold it for six months and prepare

Provisional permits issued from 1 February 2023 must be held for six months before the full test. Use this time to build driving experience and to study for the Road Code Test. Practise free on our Jamaica Road Code practice test and learn the signs in the road signs library.

Step 3 — Pass the four tests in order

Reading test

You must be able to read, so the process begins with a reading test. This confirms you can understand written road signs and instructions.

Written (Road Code) test

The Road Code Test is a free, 20-question multiple-choice exam set by the Island Traffic Authority. You need 15 correct (75%) to pass. It covers traffic signals and signs, and the rules of the road.

Yard test

The yard test checks your vehicle-control skills in a controlled area — manoeuvres such as parking, reversing, and moving off safely.

Road test

Finally, the road test assesses your driving in real traffic. Pass this and you can be issued your full driver's licence.

What it costs

Provisional (learner's) licence — one year: J$1,800
Driver's Licence Examination Fee: J$3,240
Private Driver's Licence: J$5,400
General Driver's Licence: J$7,200

See the full cost and fees breakdown. Fees are paid at Tax Administration Jamaica.

Tips for passing first time

Prepare for the Road Code Test early — do not leave it until the last minute. Aim to score well above 75% in practice.
Practise the yard manoeuvres repeatedly with your supervisor.
Learn the signs by shape and colour so you recognise them instantly.

For a focused study plan, read how to pass the Road Code Test. For the complete overview, see the complete Jamaica driving test guide.

Official sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the order of tests to get a driver's licence in Jamaica?

After holding a provisional licence for six months, you take the tests in this order: reading test, written (Road Code) test, yard test, and road test.

How long does the whole process take?

At minimum, you must hold your provisional licence for six months before the full test, so the process takes at least six months from getting your learner's permit.

How much does it cost to get a driver's licence in Jamaica?

The Road Code Test is free. Government fees include the J$1,800 provisional licence, the J$3,240 examination fee, and the licence itself (J$5,400 private or J$7,200 general).

What is the minimum age to get a driver's licence in Jamaica?

You must be at least 17 for a private motor car, or 21 for public passenger vehicles.

Do I need to pass a written test?

Yes. The written Road Code Test — 20 questions, 15 to pass — is one of the four tests, taken after the reading test and before the yard and road tests.

How to Get Your Driver's Licence in Jamaica (2026)