Disqualification
This is the act of removing a driver's privilege to drive a vehicle on public roads or apply for a provisional (learner) license in Mauritius. A disqualification period has an expiry date.
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In Mauritius, the driving side is on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right.
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What happens to a driving licence?
Important distinctions you need to be aware of.
Suspension
This is the temporary removal of a driver's license to drive a vehicle; it is a penalty coupled with a driver's disqualification. It is very important for a disqualified driver to surrender their driving license to the Court within 5 days. Failure to do so can result in a fine of Rs 10,000 and a 1-year prison sentence.
Cancellation
This is a penalty where the driver loses their license for all types of vehicles. After the disqualification, the driver will need to submit a new application for a provisional (learner) license and retake all the driving tests.
Revocation
This penalty can only be issued by the Licensing Officer from the Traffic Branch. When this officer revokes a license, it is usually for health reasons. When a license is revoked, it is unlikely to be returned. An appeal can be made within 8 days of the revocation to the Magistrate of the District Court of Port Louis (First Division).
Endorsement
This is an order that the details of a conviction or disqualification to which a convicted person is subject are to be added to the offender's driving license (L'encre Rouge).
Licence copies & endorsements
All drivers in Mauritius are authorized to drive with a photocopy of their license. If a driver's license has been endorsed, Section 46 (1) of the Road Traffic Act requires a full-size photocopy showing the latest endorsement if the original is not carried. The fine for non-compliance is Rs 2000.
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Where these issues lead next
There are many instances where your driving license can be suspended or canceled in Mauritius, whether for a Drink and Drive offense, Traffic Law Violations, or other traffic offenses.
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If your licence is suspended
Rehabilitation & part disqualification
Understand the process at a glance.
Mandatory Rehabilitation Course
Important: The rehabilitation course is delivered under the authority of the Commissioner of Police, with MITD currently designated but subject to change at the Commissioner's discretion.
- After your court hearing and penalties, you will receive a letter from the Traffic Branch. With this letter, you must report in person to the Professional Drivers Training Centre, Forest Side (Tel: 664 0048/82). If you do not receive the letter promptly, contact the Traffic Branch Disqualification Office without delay. Enrollment depends strictly on this letter.
- You will then enroll in either the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course or the Traffic Offenders Course, as applicable, and pay an enrollment fee of Rs 1,000.
- This is a one-day theory course, held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- A certificate will be issued three weeks after course completion. At the end of your disqualification period, you must present this certificate in person at the Traffic Branch, Line Barracks, to have your licence reinstated.
- Important: You remain disqualified until your licence is returned to you by the Licensing Officer. Driving during disqualification is a serious offence, and your insurance is inoperative during this period.
- A new rehabilitation course is required for each fresh court conviction.
What is part disqualification / suspension?
When a driver is penalized for various road traffic or drink & drug driving offenses, their license is suspended for a period of time decided by a Court of law. A driver is allowed to submit a request (providing a valid reason) to the Court's Magistrate to be allowed to drive a specific vehicle during the suspension period. The driver can make this request even if they are only licensed to drive one type or class of vehicle.
Example: If you hold only a private car license, the Magistrate may allow you to drive even if the law states that all types of licenses should be canceled. However, the Magistrate may or may not grant the request, even if the reason is legitimate.
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Getting licensed
Driving licence applications
Key reference information.
Driving Licence Application
In the Republic of Mauritius, all driving license applications must be made at the Traffic Branch of the Police headquarters in Port Louis. All applications or subsequent applications are made against a payment of Rs 500.
- Private Car learner applications can be made at the age of 18.
- For a lorry or any other heavy motor vehicle, a learner applicant must have held a valid, competent private car driving license for at least 6 months.
- For any other earth-moving equipment, skid steer, forklift, backhoe, or excavator licenses, the application must be made after obtaining a competent private car driving license for at least 6 months.
Can I use my own car for the private car test?
Yes, a candidate may use their own car for the driving test, provided they pay for a special one-day insurance cover. They must also be accompanied by a person who has held a valid Private Car driving license for two years or more. The Road Traffic Act does not stipulate that a candidate must go through a driving school to attempt the test. The same applies to all other license types.
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