How to Get a Learner’s License in Jamaica: Requirements, Process, and FAQs

Do you fantasize about owning your own car while you wait in the pouring rain or boiling sun on a bus or a taxi? Picture being able to take a road trip just because you feel like it and arriving and leaving a function on your time. That is the freedom and convenience of having a driver’s license and a car. However, you have one problem: you can’t drive.

Your learner’s license is the first step to becoming a driver in Jamaica. A learner’s license, also known as a provisional driver’s license, signifies you’re allowed to operate a motor vehicle under the conditions in the Road Code Act. Without a learner’s license, you won’t be able to learn how to drive.

If you dream about driving to freedom, you’ll need your learner’s license. Here is everything you need to know about getting a learner’s license in Jamaica.

Understanding the Road Traffic Act

All drivers and aspiring drivers need to know and understand the Road Traffic Act. It’s a comprehensive document outlining road rules and regulations and the consequences of disobeying them.

Even though you’re not on the road yet, you should familiarize yourself with the Road Traffic Act because there are key provisions related to learner drivers.

You can find the full Road Traffic Act online on the Transport Authority website, but here are some provisions to keep in mind as an aspiring driver:

• You can’t operate a vehicle without another person with a valid driver’s license in the front seat.
• You have to carry your learner’s license when you’re driving.
• The car you drive must show that you’re a learner. Most vehicles have a red “L” on the front and back.
• You’re not allowed to drive any motor vehicle that’s not licensed as a private car. Therefore, you can’t learn to drive in a red or green plated vehicle.
• The person teaching you how to drive must have their license for at least 3 years.
• If you fail to follow the provisions of the learner’s license, you’ll be fined $800.

Requirements for Obtaining a Learner’s License

Once you’re at least 17 years old, you can start the process to obtain your learner’s license.

To obtain your driver’s license, you need:

• The provisional driver’s license application form. You can get this from your nearest Island Traffic Authority (ITA) Examination Depot, ITA Office, or the tax office.
• Three signed passport-sized pictures, no more than six months old, can be obtained from a Justice of the Peace.
• Tax Registration Number (TRN)
• National Identification includes your passport, national voter’s ID, or birth certificate.
• Signed medical certificate. You should be able to get the blank form from the ITA.

The Application Process for a Learner’s License

Once you have gathered your necessary documents, you must set a date for your road code test at the ITA Examaniation Depot.

• There is no cost for doing the road code test or any resits.
• As soon as you are given your date and time, mark your calendars and make sure you show up on time.
• When the time comes, show up with your completed application forms, signed pictures, other required documents, and a pen.
• After you complete your test, you’ll be ushered into a waiting area where you await your results.

If you pass the road code test, you’ll be given a sealed envelope to take to the tax office. Do not open the envelope under any circumstances. At the tax office, you’ll be required to pay $1800, and then you’ll be provided with your learner’s license. You can pay this fee with a card or cash.

Congratulations, you now have your learner’s license and can learn how to drive!

If you were unsuccessful on your road code test, the ITA Examination Depot will schedule you for a resit free of charge.

Preparing for the Learner’s Test

Your learner’s test, formally known as your road code test, is a multiple-choice examination that evaluates your knowledge of road rules, signs, and basic road safety.

• We recommend getting the latest version of The Jamaican Driver's Guide Road Code Edition to prepare for this test. You can get it at a bookstore or pharmacy.
• Read the entire book and test yourself using the questions and answers found at the back of the book.
• You can expect questions about identifying road signs, rules of the road, and road safety.

AutoSmart Insurance for New Drivers

Now that you’ve obtained your learner’s license and are dedicated to learning how to be a safe driver, we have no doubts you’ll be a licensed driver soon. As a licensed driver, you’ll be thinking about what car you want to drive. However, the insurance carrier you go with is arguably even more important. Picking the right insurance can help you drive with peace of mind and help you save money. We are proud of young drivers who obtain their licenses and purchase their cars. That’s no easy feat, so AutoSmart offers special coverage for new drivers.

Choose us as your insurance provider if you want personalized support with a team that cares and understands your needs as a new driver. AutoSmart is designed with you in mind. You will get fast quotes, fast coverage and fast claim processing. We know you’re busy, so we offer convenient business hours and round-the-clock access to information.

Autosmart also has several insurance packages for you to choose from:

We offer:

• Comprehensive insurance
• Third-party only
• Third-party, fire, and theft

Our insurance packages are personalized, so please fill out this form so we can access you and provide you with a quote.

Obtaining a learner’s license is the first step to becoming a driver and accessing the freedom that comes with driving. While the process may seem overwhelming, it is a breeze once you gather your documents and prepare for your test. Once you’re a driver, the insurance company you choose can make or break your driving experience. Don’t start out driving with unsympathetic insurance providers, high premiums that punish you for being a new driver, or the wrong coverage. Contact AutoSmart for comprehensive insurance solutions personalized to your needs. Good luck, new driver; we’re rooting for you!

For more information on property insurance, browse our newsroom.

Suggested reading: A Closer Look at the New Road Traffic Act Jamaica 2023 and Other Road Traffic Regulations

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Learner’s Licenses in Jamaica || FAQs