Road travel To drive on the island you must get a local temporary driving licence. The car hire companies will usually assist with this process. You must present a valid UK driving licence. Take care when driving on the roads as there can be potholes and speed bumps.

To drive on the island of Nevis in 2026, you must obtain a Local Driver's License, regardless of whether you have an International Driving Permit (IDP). The procedure is straightforward: you take your valid home driver's license to the Traffic Department in Charlestown (or often your car rental agency can facilitate this on-site). You will need to pay a fee—typically around $25 USD (approx. $67 XCD) for a three-month permit or $100 XCD for a full year. No additional testing is required; the permit is essentially a driving tax and registration. Once you have the local paper license, you must remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road, a remnant of British influence. In 2026, most rental cars are right-hand drive. You should also be aware that Nevis has very few traffic lights and is famous for its "wildlife right-of-way"—goats, donkeys, and monkeys frequently cross the narrow, winding roads. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory, and using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited unless you are using a hands-free system.