Driving on the left in Malta and Gozo: licenses and ferries

Two things shape driving for Americans in Malta. First, traffic runs on the left, with right-hand-drive cars. Second, a US license only works for a limited time once you live there, and it cannot be swapped for a Maltese one. If you live on Gozo, or visit it often, a third piece matters: the Gozo Channel car ferry between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr, which has its own ticketing logic. This guide covers all three from Transport Malta, the State Department, the Maltese regulations and Gozo Channel's own pages.

Your US license in Malta

### The 12-month rule

Transport Malta's foreign licence page lets holders of licences issued outside the EU drive in Malta for up to 12 months from the date of their last entry. The legal basis is the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 65.18.

For residents, this is a deadline, not a renewable allowance. Plan your switch to a Maltese licence inside your first year, and keep your US license valid while you use it.

### No direct exchange

Transport Malta lists the licences it can exchange for a Maltese licence without tests: those from EU and EEA countries and Switzerland, and a few others under specific arrangements, such as the United Kingdom under a memorandum of understanding. The United States is not on the list. US license holders who become resident obtain a Maltese licence through the standard process:

1. a theory test;
2. a learner permit and lessons with a licensed instructor;
3. a practical test, applied for on Transport Malta's form DRV 022 with the theory certificate and the instructor's record sheet;
4. licence issue after you pass.

Transport Malta lists the practical test fee at €23.25 on weekdays and €40 on Saturdays.

### International Driving Permits

The State Department's driving abroad guidance says only two US organisations are authorised to issue International Driving Permits: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. An IDP translates your license; it is not a license on its own. USA.gov warns against buying "international licenses" from other websites. Get one before you leave if a rental company asks for it.

Driving on the left

Malta keeps left, with the steering wheel on the right. A few habits help American drivers:

• Lane position. Keep the driver's side toward the centre line.
• Turns. Left turns are short and right turns cross traffic.
• Roundabouts. Traffic circulates clockwise. Look right as you approach.
• Manual cars. The gear lever sits on your left. If you are not used to it, ask for an automatic.
• Narrow streets. Old town centres, including parts of Valletta and Mdina, restrict car access.

The State Department's guidance on driving abroad advises checking local rules, carrying insurance and driving defensively. Spend your first days on quieter roads before Sliema, St Julian's or Valletta at rush hour.

The Gozo Channel car ferry

### Route and service

Gozo Channel operates a 24-hour service, all year round, between Ċirkewwa in northern Malta and Mġarr in Gozo, subject to weather and operating conditions. All ferries carry foot passengers and vehicles. The current schedule describes a crossing of about 25 minutes.

### No reservations

Gozo Channel does not operate a reservations system. Boarding is first come, first served, so allow time at busy periods.

### How tickets work

The ferry's ticketing runs in one direction:

• You pay and validate in Gozo, at Mġarr, before the return or start journey.
• Drivers board at Ċirkewwa without validating a ticket.
• Standard vehicle and driver tickets are sold online or at the Mġarr vehicle ticket booths only.
• A standard ticket covers one round trip and is valid for six months from purchase.

Every passenger must hold a valid ticket or boarding pass. Gozo Channel explains that this is required under the Merchant Shipping Act for an accurate headcount, so even free travellers collect a free ticket at the booths.

### Car and driver fares

Gozo Channel's car and driver page lists, for vehicles up to 5.3 metres:

• €15.70 standard fare;
• €8.15 subsidised fare for Gozitan permanent residents with a valid identity card;
• €11.05 for senior citizen permanent residents;
• €6.95 for Gozitan senior citizen permanent residents;
• €12.80 standard night fare, leaving Mġarr after 8 pm and before the first morning trip, November to March.

Vehicles over 5.3 metres up to 5.5 metres pay €20.70 at the standard rate.

### Foot passengers

The passenger fare page lists €4.65 standard, €4.05 at night in the winter window, €1.15 for Gozo residents and for children aged 3 to 12, and free travel for senior permanent residents with a valid ID. Child tickets are bought only at the Gozo booths.

### What "permanent resident" means here

Resident and senior fares depend on presenting a valid identity card. Gozitan fares are for permanent residents of Gozo. If you live on Gozo with a Maltese residence card, ask at the booths which fare applies before you rely on it.

### Other vehicles

Gozo Channel's fares index has separate categories for motorcycle and driver (two wheels only), bicycles, towed trailers up to 5 metres, and vehicles from 5.5 to 14 metres, with a subsidised rate in that size band for Gozo resident drivers. Check the right category before you move furniture or tow a trailer across.

Infants travel free, but adults must ask for the free infant ticket at the Mġarr booths and validate it before the journey.

Commuting between the islands

People who live on one island and work on the other use the ferry daily. The government's services portal lists a Daily Commuter Travel Card and a Gozo Channel Family Pass among its Gozo services. Ask about them if you will cross often.

Weather matters. Gozo Channel's service runs subject to favourable weather and operating conditions, so build slack into plans that depend on a crossing, especially in winter.

If you live on Gozo, know that Gozo General Hospital in Victoria is the island's only hospital and is open 24/7. It is linked to Mater Dei Hospital on the main island by 24/7 air and land ambulance services for emergency and specialised care, so you do not need to drive to the ferry in an emergency. Call 112.

Insurance and registration

If you buy a car, Transport Malta handles registration and licensing. Insurers may want a Maltese licence for a long-term policy, which is another reason to start the licensing process early.

Checklist

1. Note your last entry date; the 12 months start there.
2. Get an IDP from AAA or AATA before leaving, if needed.
3. Book the Maltese theory test early.
4. On the ferry, pay and validate at Mġarr.
5. Carry your ID card for resident fares.

Common questions

How long can I drive in Malta on a US license? Up to 12 months from your last entry into Malta, according to Transport Malta. After that, residents need a Maltese licence.

Can I exchange my US license in Malta? No. The United States is not on Transport Malta's exchange list, so residents take the theory and practical tests.

Do I need to book the Gozo ferry? No. Gozo Channel has no reservations system and boards on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are validated at Mġarr in Gozo.

How much is the Gozo ferry for a car? Gozo Channel lists €15.70 for a standard car and driver round trip, for vehicles up to 5.3 metres, and €8.15 for Gozitan permanent residents.