🗺️ Licence roadmap: from permit to pass
The whole Malta licence journey from learner's permit to probationary licence, with tests, fees and a test-day document checklist.
Getting a driving licence in Malta can look confusing at first, but it follows a clear order. In this lesson you will see the whole path from start to finish, so you always know where you are and what comes next. Feeling nervous is completely normal — knowing the road takes away half of the worry.
The big picture
- Choose a driving school. In Malta lessons are given by an instructor licensed by Transport Malta (TM). Your instructor will also guide you through the paperwork.
- Learner's permit. For category B you must be at least 18. You need your ID card (or residence permit), a photo and a medical/eyesight declaration. Without a permit you cannot drive and cannot sit the theory test.
- Theory lessons and study. Learn the rules, signs, stopping distances and hazard awareness. Use the theory lessons and practice questions on this site.
- Theory test. Computer-based, at the TM Theory Test Centre in Gwardamangia. 35 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 30/35. You can choose English or Maltese. Each category (A, B, C, D) has its own question bank. The first sitting costs about €30.25.
- Practical lessons. Practise with your instructor in traffic, on manoeuvres and hill starts until you feel confident. The number of lessons depends on the person — don't rush.
- Booking the practical test. When your instructor thinks you are ready, they book the test and you receive an appointment letter. Confirm the current fee with TM or your school.
- Practical test. Eyesight check, two "show and tell" vehicle safety questions, special manoeuvres and a road drive of about 30–40 minutes. A single serious or dangerous fault means a fail.
- Probationary licence. After passing you are a new driver for 3 years. Collect 12 penalty points in that time and the licence is revoked. Your alcohol limit is lower: 0.2 g/l (other drivers 0.5 g/l).
Instructor's advice: Pass the theory test early. Once the rules are settled in your head, you can give all your attention to the car and the road during practical lessons.
Theory test – what to know
- 35 questions in 45 minutes — more than a minute per question. Don't rush; read every option.
- You need at least 30 correct, so you can afford at most 5 mistakes.
- Bring your learner's permit and ID card.
- Frequent topics: speed limits (50 km/h built-up, 80 km/h elsewhere), stopping distances, alcohol limits, signs, junction and roundabout priority, yellow lines.
Penalty points and probation
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| New driver (first 3 years) | 12 points within 3 years = licence revoked |
| Full licence | 12 or more points within 12 months = licence revoked |
| Alcohol – new driver | 0.2 g/l blood |
| Alcohol – experienced driver | 0.5 g/l blood (22 µg/100 ml breath) |
Probation is a "test after the test". Phone, speeding and alcohol offences fill your points quickly. Drive by the book for the first three years.
Test-day document checklist
- ID card (or residence permit) – the original, not a photocopy.
- Learner's permit.
- Appointment letter.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them – bring them and wear them.
- Test car: usually your instructor's car – "L" plates, valid insurance and road licence.
- Comfortable flat shoes; not heavy boots or flip-flops.
Arrive at the test centre 15–30 minutes early. A short warm-up drive with your instructor beforehand calms the nerves.
What if you fail?
In 2024 about 54% of practical tests in Malta were failed (around 48% for category B). Failing is very common and not the end of the world. Read the examiner's notes with your instructor, work on those faults and book again. Most learners are much calmer and more successful on the second attempt.
