Roadtown, Tortola - Effective July 1, the Vehicle Licensing Department will no longer renew Visitor’s Temporary Drivers Licences issued to persons who are now employed and operate a motor vehicle in the Territory.

The Road Traffic Act, Cap 218, states: “a Visitor’s Temporary Driver’s Licence is granted for a period not exceeding three months and only to an applicant that is a bona fide visitor to the Territory.”

According to Chief Licensing Officer, Ms. Lorna Christopher, “a bona fide visitor is a person who does not ordinarily reside in the Virgin Islands, a person who does not intend to and has not sought residence in the Territory, or a person who does not intend to and has not sought employment in the Territory.”

“Persons who are not visitors to the Territory and are operating a vehicle on a Temporary Driver’s Licence must apply for a Virgin Islands Driver’s Licence and successfully pass the written test by July 1, 2009,” Ms. Christopher added.  

For more information on the issuance of temporary driver’s licences, contact the Licensing Department at 468-4938 or visit their offices on the second floor of the R. G. Hodge Building.

The Vehicle Licensing Department is responsible for providing efficient and accurate services in vehicle licensing matters and promoting driver safety in compliance with the road traffic legislation of the Territory.