Today, I am going to share my experience of applying for a driver’s license in Suriname. It was a bit of an adventure, so buckle up!
Getting Started
First off, I learned that Suriname drives on the left side of the road. I needed to wrap my head around that before anything else. I did some reading and found some tips online about driving on the left, which was a lifesaver.
The Application Process
Since I planned to stay in Suriname for a while, I needed a local driving permit. I found out I had to pay SRD150 for it. The application itself was pretty straightforward. I clicked on the “Start my application” button on some website, filled out the form, and that was that.

Documents Needed
- Valid Driver’s License: I needed my current driver’s license from back home.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): This is basically a translation of your driver’s license into multiple languages.
- Passport with Visa: This proves you’re legally allowed to be in the country.
Luckily, I already had my International Driving Permit sorted out. If you don’t have one, you can apply for it online. It’s quick, and within minutes, you get a digital copy.
Hitting the Road
Once I got my permit, I was ready to explore! I rented a car, which was another thing I had to figure out. I made sure the rental company knew I had all the necessary documents.
Driving Experience
Driving on the left was a bit weird at first, but I got the hang of it. I noticed that the speed limit on highways is 90km/h, so I made sure to keep an eye on that. I also heard that the police can stop you, but I didn’t have any issues. Everyone says the roads and cars are good quality in Suriname, but to get a license is really hard, even for local people.
Final Thoughts
All in all, getting a driver’s license in Suriname wasn’t too complicated. It just required a bit of preparation and understanding of the local rules. I am glad I went through the process because it gave me the freedom to explore this beautiful country at my own pace. I hope my experience helps anyone who wants to get their driver’s license in this country!