So, I needed to get myself a driver’s license here in Mauritius. I have an international driving license, but to stay here long-term, a local license is a must. Here is the record of what I did.
Figuring Out Where to Start
First things first, I had to figure out where to even apply for this thing. I heard you could either go to a police station in person or do it online. I thought to myself, “Online sounds way easier,” but I am not sure if this is the best choice for me. Then, I decided to visit the local police station.
Gathering My Documents
Before I could apply, I needed to gather a bunch of documents. The main ones were:
- Birth Certificate: I made sure I had the original and two photocopies. They needed the computerized A4 version, not the old handwritten one.
- Proof of Residence: A recent utility bill or a rental agreement would do the trick. I grabbed my latest electricity bill.
- Passport Photos: I got a couple of passport-sized photos taken at a local shop. They always need these for official documents.
- My International Driver’s License: I needed to show them I could already drive, so I brought along my current license.
The Police Station Visit
I went to the police station, feeling pretty prepared. I took a number and waited my turn. The wait wasn’t too bad, maybe around 30 minutes. When my number was called, I went up to the counter and told the officer I wanted to apply for a Mauritian driver’s license.
Filling Out the Forms
The officer gave me a couple of forms to fill out. They were pretty standard, asking for my personal details, address, and driving history. I filled them out carefully, making sure all the information was correct. I also handed over my documents for them to check and make copies.
Paying the Fees
After submitting the forms and documents, I had to pay the application fee. It wasn’t too expensive, just a small amount to process the application. I paid in cash, and they gave me a receipt.
Waiting for Approval
Once everything was submitted and paid for, all I could do was wait. They told me it would take a few weeks to process my application. They said they would contact me when it was ready. Waiting was the hardest part, but at least I knew I had done everything correctly.
Getting the License
Finally, after about three weeks, I got a call from the police station. My license was ready! I went back to the station, showed my ID, and they handed me my brand-new Mauritian driver’s license. I was so relieved and happy to have it in my hands.
So, that’s how I got my driver’s license in Mauritius. It wasn’t too complicated, just a bit of paperwork and some waiting. If you’re planning to stay here long-term, make sure you get your local license sorted out. It’s definitely worth the effort!
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