Americas · driving guide
Driving in Panama.
They drive on the right. Permit required. Here is what a rental desk and a roadside check will actually ask you for.
Drives on the
Right
Permit
Permit required
Typical minimum age
18
Which side of the road does Panama drive on?
Panama drives on the right. If you normally drive on the left, the two things that catch people out are roundabouts and the first turn out of the rental car park — both are worth taking slowly. Cars are usually configured with the driver's seat on the left, so the gear selector will be in your other hand.
Do you need an international driving permit in Panama?
Yes. Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. The permit is carried with your national licence, never instead of it — presenting it alone will fail at a rental desk.
Minimum age to rent a car in Panama
Most rental companies in Panama will not release a vehicle to anyone under 18, and many apply a young-driver surcharge below 25. Age limits are set by the rental company rather than by law, so they vary between firms at the same airport — check the terms on the booking rather than assuming.
What to carry when driving in Panama
Your national driving licence, your international driving permit, the vehicle's rental agreement and insurance documents, and your passport. Keep them together and reachable from the driver's seat — a roadside check goes faster when nothing has to come out of the boot.
Questions about driving in Panama
Which side of the road do they drive on in Panama?
Panama drives on the right. Rental cars are configured accordingly, with the driver's seat on the left.
Do I need an international driving permit in Panama?
Permit required in Panama. Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. The permit is always carried alongside your national licence.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Panama?
Rental companies in Panama generally require drivers to be at least 18, with a surcharge often applied under 25. The limit is set by the company, not by law, so it varies between firms.