Sao Tome and Principe Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Sao Tome and Principe Driving Licence : Obtaining a driving licence in Sao Tome and Principe allows you to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads. Here is an overview of driving licences in Sao Tome and Principe:

Types of Driving Licences

  • Learner’s licence – Allows you to learn how to drive with an experienced driver present. Valid for 6 months. Minimum age is 17 years.
  • Provisional licence – Allows you to drive unsupervised once you pass the theory and practical tests. Valid for 2 years. Minimum age is 18 years.
  • Full licence – Issued once you pass the probationary period on a provisional licence. Valid for 5 years. Minimum age is 20 years.

Governing Body

The National Institute of Roads (INSTR) is the governing body responsible for issuing driving licences in Sao Tome and Principe.

Minimum Age Requirements

  • 17 years for a learner’s licence
  • 18 years for a provisional licence
  • 20 years for a full licence

Documents Required

To apply for a driving licence you’ll need:

  • Application form
  • Medical certificate
  • Eyesight test certificate
  • ID document (Citizen Card or Passport)
  • 2 Passport photos
  • Proof of residence
  • Traffic register certificate
  • Fee payment

Steps to Getting a Licence

  1. Get a learner’s permit
  2. Enroll in a driving school
  3. Pass the theory test
  4. Pass the practical road test
  5. Obtain provisional licence
  6. Complete probationary period
  7. Get full licence

Getting Your First Driving Licence in Sao Tome and Principe

Here are the steps to apply for your first driving licence in Sao Tome and Principe:

1. Meet the Minimum Age Requirement

You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a learner’s permit in Sao Tome and Principe.

2. Pass the Medical Examination

Get a medical certificate from an approved physician stating you are fit to drive.

3. Pass the Eyesight Test

Get an eyesight certificate from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You must have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes.

4. Complete the Learner’s Permit Application

  • Get an application form from the INSTR office or download online.
  • Complete the form with your personal details and 2 passport photos.
  • Submit the application along with the medical certificate, eyesight certificate, ID document, proof of residence, traffic register certificate and fee.

5. Pass the Traffic Laws and Signals Knowledge Test

You’ll need to pass a computerized multiple choice test on traffic laws, signals, rules and regulations. Study the driver’s handbook to prepare.

6. Get Your Learner’s Permit

Once approved, you’ll be issued a plastic laminated learner’s permit valid for 6 months.

7. Enroll in a Driving School

Complete at least 20 hours of practice driving with a licensed driving school instructor.

8. Pass the Road Test

Take a practical road test with an INSTR examiner to receive your provisional licence.

Renewing Your Driving Licence in Sao Tome and Principe

Driving licences must be renewed every 5 years in Sao Tome and Principe. Here is how to renew your licence:

When to Renew

Licences expire 5 years after the date of issue. You can renew up to 6 months before expiry.

Where to Renew

Apply in person at any INSTR office. Bring the required documents.

Documents Required

  • Completed application form
  • Current driving licence
  • Medical certificate
  • Eyesight certificate
  • 2 Passport photos
  • ID document
  • Proof of residence
  • Traffic register certificate
  • Fee payment

Renewal Process

  • Submit the renewal application with required documents at the INSTR office
  • Undertake an eyesight test
  • Get your new licence printed with updated photo and validity period

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Driving Licence

If your driving licence is lost, stolen or damaged, you must replace it within 30 days. Follow these steps:

Reporting the Loss

File a report with the police documenting the loss or theft. Get a copy of the police report.

Application for Replacement

Visit an INSTR office and fill out an application for replacement. Provide identification documents, police report, eyesight certificate and fee.

Replacement Licence Issued

INSTR will verify your records and print a new driving licence card. The replacement has the same number and expiration as your previous licence.

Changing Your Address on Driving Licence

If you change residence, you must update the address on your driving licence within 30 days. Here’s how:

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form
  • Current driving licence
  • Proof of new residence (utility bill, lease etc)
  • ID document
  • 2 Passport photos
  • Fee payment

Process

  • Visit an INSTR office and submit the application with above documents
  • INSTR will verify details and print an updated licence with new address
  • Old licence must be surrendered when collecting the updated one

Transferring Your Foreign Driving Licence

If you become a resident of Sao Tome and Principe, you can drive for up to 90 days on your foreign licence. To continue driving after that, you must transfer to a local driving licence by:

  • Providing your foreign driving licence
  • Passing an eyesight test
  • Paying applicable fees
  • Passing a practical driving test (if required)

Licences issued from Portugal or former Portuguese territories may be transferred directly without testing. Other foreign licences are eligible for transfer on a case by case basis.

Taking the Driving Test in Sao Tome and Principe

To qualify for your provisional licence, you’ll need to pass a driving test. Here are some tips:

Booking the Test

Book your test appointment at an INSTR testing centre online or in person. Bring your learner’s permit and fee.

Vehicle Requirements

The test must be taken in a registered vehicle that is roadworthy with valid insurance. The examiner will inspect the vehicle.

Testing Process

The driving test consists of:

  • An eyesight check
  • Safety questions
  • Driving skills assessment

You’ll be scored on areas like observance of traffic laws, control of the vehicle, reversing and parking.

Passing Criteria

You must score at least 80% to pass the Sao Tome and Principe driving test.

If You Fail

You can retest after 3 working days. After 3 failures, you must wait 6 months before retesting.

Traffic Fines and Penalties in Sao Tome and Principe

Driving violations in Sao Tome and Principe can result in fines, penalties and suspension or revocation of your licence. Common offences include:

Speeding

  • Exceeding limit by 10 km/h – STD 30,000 fine
  • Exceeding limit by 20 km/h – STD 75,000 fine + 3 month suspension

Drunk Driving

  • BAC 0.05% to 0.08% – STD 250,000 fine + 6 month suspension
  • BAC above 0.08% – STD 500,000 fine + 1 year suspension

Reckless Driving

  • STD 200,000 fine + licence suspension up to 1 year

Running a Red Light

  • STD 100,000 fine

Driving Without Licence

  • STD 150,000 fine
  • Vehicle impounded until licensed driver picks it up

Parking Violations

  • STD 20,000 fine
  • Illegally parked vehicle may be towed

FAQs on Sao Tome and Principe Driving Licence

Q1. How do I schedule my driving test in Sao Tome and Principe?

You can book driving test appointments online at instr.st or in person at any INSTR testing centre. Bring your learner’s permit and fee payment. Tests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q2. What vehicles can be used for the driving test?

You must provide a registered roadworthy vehicle with valid insurance. It must have working seatbelts, brakes, lights and indicators. The examiner will inspect the test vehicle.

Q3. What is the minimum age to get a driver’s licence in Sao Tome and Principe?

The minimum age is 17 years for a learner’s permit, 18 years for a provisional licence and 20 years for a full driver’s licence.