Getting a driving licence outside Tonga

Hi, Does anyone know if you can get a driving licence for Tonga before you go - a visitor licence that would be. Have a full clean NZ driving licence and would like to pick up a hire car from the airport when we arrive. Have heard it can be a time consuming business getting a licence in the capitol and this would save the initial taxi fare in as well.

In most of these places, your home drivers licence is sufficient, in which case you don't need a local one.
Check this first.

Cheers,
Peter

One can drive in Tonga with an O/S licence but if the Police wish to get really narky, they can and will fine you. All visitors are meant to obtain a Tongan Overseas Drivers Licence within 48hrs of arrival, if one plans on driving. The rental car companies WILL NOT do this for - I have seen this advice posted elsewhere. It costs TOP60.00 and can be obtained from the
Land and Traffic Department
Ministry of Transport
Bypass Road
Vaololoa
http://www.transport.gov.to/Article.aspx?Id=658

The website is pretty simple and rather unintuitive but when you search "Overseas Drivers", you'll find the above information.

I personally have never bothered to get one and have been pulled over a couple of times for speeding (unintentionally; there is NO tolerance) - speed limit is 40km in town and 60-70km the further out one gets - but have gotten off each time. One time it was on the way to the airport so he decided it was too hard and let me go: I was only 5kms over that time but he behaved as if I was driving 50km over the limit. I lived there for a year once and didn't bother then either. I'm not encouraging you to break the law, I'm just giving you an informed history of my experience.
Good luck

"this would save the initial taxi fare in as well." There are a couple of rental car places at the airport eg Avis but I can't remember who else. Why don't you book your car and just pick it up from the airport?
I have booked through a company called "Sunshine Rental Cars" who don't have an office at the airport but for TOP20.00 will bring the car to the airport for you. If you wish to drop it back to the airport, it will cost you another TOP20.00 on top of your rental amount. Their cars were basic but clean, had A/C and the staff were very friendly and professional. PH: +676 23 848 Mobile: +676 77 19615 or +676 88 15780 Email: ilaitoli@yahoo.co.nz
Also, don't expect to get a full tank of petrol on pickup. Ensure that you make a record of the fuel amount and return it with the same.
On a personal note, I wouldn't hire through Avis in Tonga due to the lack of ethics of the Tongan franchise owner but then that's just my opinion.
Hope this helps.

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