Rules & documents: Bhutan

1. Apply for a learner licence at an RSTA regional office (or online where available) with your CID and a medical certificate.
2. Pass the theory test on traffic rules and road signs.
3. Practise with the learner licence, ideally with an RSTA-approved driving institute.
4. Pass the practical riding test conducted by RSTA.
5. Receive the driving licence and renew it before it expires.

Check the minimum age and the documents list with RSTA before applying.

• Driving licence
• Blue book (registration certificate)
• Valid insurance
• Valid emission test certificate

• New bikes are registered with RSTA; you receive a blue book and number plate.
• Ownership transfer is done at the RSTA office with the seller and buyer, the blue book and CIDs.
• Renew the registration and road-worthiness as RSTA requires.

• Third-party insurance is compulsory for every vehicle on the road.
• Comprehensive cover from a Bhutanese insurer is optional.

• Petrol bikes must pass a periodic emission test at an authorised centre.

• Rider and pillion must wear helmets.
• Keep left and overtake from the right.
• On narrow mountain roads, give way to vehicles coming uphill and use the horn before blind bends.
• Foreign-registered bikes need an entry and route permit; see our cross-border ride guides.

Fines are set by RSTA and the Royal Bhutan Police and are revised periodically. Check RSTA for current amounts.

• Riding without a licence, insurance or emission certificate: fine.
• Drink-riding: fine and possible licence suspension.
• Riding without a helmet: fine.