Hey everyone, so I’ve been meaning to share this experience for a while now, and I finally got around to it. It’s about getting a driving license here in Bhutan. You wouldn’t believe how crazy it can get, but I managed to figure it out, and let me tell you, it’s quite the story.
First off, I had to make sure I was eligible, you know? Turns out, if you’re 18 or older, you’re good to go. But here’s the thing, I’m not exactly a local, so I had to gather some extra paperwork. They wanted proof of my residency, a valid passport, and a few other documents. It felt like I was applying for citizenship or something!
Once I had all my documents in order, I had to book a driving test online through the RSTA website. And let me tell you, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. The website can be a bit clunky sometimes, and finding the right form was like looking for a needle in a haystack. But eventually, I managed to book my test date.

Now, for the actual test. I had to show up in person, which makes sense, right? But here’s where it gets tricky. You have to attend an introductory course first. It’s like a crash course (pun intended) on driving rules and regulations in Bhutan. And they’re pretty strict about it. After that, there’s a theoretical test and a practical test.
- The theoretical test was all about road signs, traffic laws, and whatnot. Thankfully, I studied the handbook, so I did okay.
- The practical test, on the other hand, was a whole different beast. You have to drive around with an examiner, and they watch your every move. Parallel parking, three-point turns, you name it. I thought I was a decent driver, but that test made me question everything!
After all that, I had to submit a copy of my latest passport-size photo, and because I’m trying to fit in, I wore the national dress. I guess it’s a Bhutanese thing. And then, it was just a waiting game. It took a few weeks, but finally, I got a notification that my driving license was ready!
I went to pick it up, and holding that little card in my hand felt like such an accomplishment. It wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t a quick process, but I did it. Now, I can legally drive here in Bhutan, which is pretty cool. It opened up a whole new way for me to explore this beautiful country.
If any of you are planning to get a driving license in Bhutan, just be prepared for a bit of a bureaucratic adventure. But trust me, if I can do it, so can you!