Driving licenceNepal

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Nepal. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


1. Driving licence

A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.

Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.

Which driving-licence entitlement is needed for an ordinary car in Nepal?

You need a valid licence for the particular vehicle category. Check the local vehicle-category table and any conditions on your document; permission to ride a motorcycle or drive a small vehicle does not automatically authorise driving an ordinary car.

🔗 traffic.nepalpolice.gov.np • Traffic Police driver guide: carry licence; foreign recognition/IDP provisions not fully retrieved

Can a visitor drive in Nepal using a driving licence issued abroad?

Check the requirements for your licence and visit. For example, UK Government guidance says a UK licence holder needs both the UK driving licence and a 1968 International Driving Permit to drive in Nepal; the 1949 permit is no longer accepted for that example. Holders of other licences should confirm their applicable requirements before driving.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, driving-document requirements in Nepal

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, IDP must accompany valid licence

Does an International Driving Permit replace the original licence in Nepal?

No. An International Driving Permit accompanies the underlying valid driving licence; it does not replace it. Carry both when using an IDP, and check which permit or translation is accepted for your licence and visit.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, IDP must accompany valid licence

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, driving-document requirements in Nepal