How to Drive in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands + 10 Road Rules

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What License Do You Need to Drive in the Cook Islands?

First things first, when you want to drive in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and the Cook Islands, you need to ensure you have a valid driver’s license.

Driver’s Licenses for Driving a Car

For renting and driving a car, it is acceptable to drive in the Cook Islands with an overseas license from Australia, Canada, EU Member States, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway or the US. This is subject to the condition that the driver is over 16 years old and has not had their license revoked, suspended, or disqualified.

You can only drive in the Cook Islands on an overseas license for up to six months.

If your overseas license does not meet the above criteria, for instance, if you have a restricted license or a license from a country other than the accepted ones, then you need to obtain a Cook Islands visitor driver’s license.

Information on obtaining a visitor’s driver’s license, as well as clarification on which driver’s licenses are accepted in the Cook Islands, can be found in our comprehensive guide, Can You Drive in the Cook Islands With an Overseas License?

Driver’s Licenses for Riding a Scooter

You can legally ride a scooter in the Cook Islands if your overseas license is valid for riding a motorcycle and meets the same criteria as overseas licenses that are accepted for driving a car (see above). If, however, you are not licensed to ride a motorcycle in your home country, then you need to get a Cook Islands scooter license for visitors.

On Rarotonga, you will need to take your passport and driver’s license to the Police Station in Avarua to complete an application form, sit a theory test, and undergo a practical test. All the details of this process can be found in How to Get a Rarotonga & Cook Islands Scooter License.

On Aitutaki, you need to take your driver’s license to the Police Station in Arutanga, and they will issue you a visitor scooter license in paper form. There is no test required, and the fee is significantly cheaper. This scooter license is also valid on Rarotonga.

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Renting a Car or Scooter

Car and scooter rental is available in abundance on Rarotonga, while Aitutaki has a smaller selection of rental companies. The other outer islands’ vehicle rentals are usually less formal, offered by accommodations.

Car Hire Companies in the Cook Islands

Compare vehicle rental companies in the following:

• 10 Best Car Rentals in the Cook Islands
• 10 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga
• The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki
• The Best Car Rentals in Atiu
• The Cheapest Car Rentals in the Cook Islands

Scooter Hire Companies in the Cook Islands

And compare scooter hire in the following:

• Scooter Hire in Rarotonga: Where to Rent, Cost & More
• Scooter Hire in Aitutaki: Where to Rent, Cost & More
• Scooter Hire in Atiu: Where to Rent, Cost & More

Vehicle rental can usually be delivered to your accommodation free of charge, or will be available to collect from the airport on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Vehicle rental companies on Rarotonga will follow the standard process, which includes a car inspection, collecting your driver’s license details, and offering additional services such as insurance and extra drivers.

Get a full cost breakdown in The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Note that on Rarotonga, it is essential to rent a helmet along with your scooter. Helmet hire is typically an extra daily fee.

Although the legal driving age in the Cook Islands is 16, note that most vehicle rental companies have age restrictions for drivers of either 18 or 21 years old.

Please note that when returning your vehicle, you must fill up the fuel tank; otherwise, you will be charged a premium for fuel. Details on gas stations can be found in the section below.

For more advice on hiring a vehicle in the Cook Islands, head to our full guide, What You Need to Hire a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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Gas Stations in the Cook Islands

When you’re hiring a vehicle, you’ll need to know where to refuel (aside from a few small exceptions where electric vehicles are available).

Gas stations can be found along the main road, Ara Tapu, on Rarotonga. There are also four gas stations on Aitutaki, while the other outer islands usually have just one gas station. Details of which can be found in our guide, Information, Shops & Services in the Cook Islands.

Note that many gas stations in the Cook Islands are full-service stations, meaning a gas station attendant fills your vehicle with fuel for you. Inform the attendant of the amount of money you would like to use for fuel, then pay inside at the counter. If no attendant is available to fill up your gas tank, then it’s usually safe to assume that you do it yourself.

For the most recent fuel prices, check out The Cost of Renting a Car in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

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10 Road Rules in the Cook Islands You Need to Know

While most road rules in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are similar to those in other countries, there are a few differences that many visitors are surprised by or find unfamiliar.

We’ll go through some of the most important road rules for visitors here:

1. Drive on the left side of the road.
2. The maximum speed limit in Avarua and Muri is 30 kph.
3. The maximum speed limit in villages and most of Aitutaki is 40 kph.
4. The maximum speed limit outside of populated areas on Rarotonga is 50 kph.
5. At roundabouts, give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
6. Give way (yield) to oncoming traffic.
7. Motorcyclists must wear a helmet on Rarotonga.
8. Only two people are permitted on a motorcycle/scooter, seated astride, not sideways. Pillion passengers must sit behind the driver.
9. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the side of the road, not the middle.
10. Passengers riding on the back of pick-up trucks need to sit in the bed of the truck, not on the side rails.

As there are also quite a few road hazards that are essential to be aware of, make sure to also check out the 10 Safety Tips for Driving in the Cook Islands. We also have a few extra tips for scooter riders in the 10 Tips for Riding a Scooter in the Cook Islands.