Do you need a driver's license to drive a UTV on the tour?
Yes. To drive a UTV (side-by-side) on a RAID CARAIBES SSV tour, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid standard car driver's license. You also need to pass the driving ability check held on arrival at Camp Can-Am in Las Terrenas.
The same requirements apply to all three packages: the Discovery Raid (7 days), the Grand Raid (10 days) and the Expedition Raid (13 days).
| Requirement | To drive on the tour |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 minimum, no fixed maximum age |
| License | Valid standard car driver's license |
| Skill | Safety briefing, then a driving ability check on arrival |
| Gear | Helmet mandatory for driver and passenger; driver gear provided by the team |
| Health | Good general fitness; not recommended during pregnancy or with serious back or heart problems or other medical contraindications |
| Security deposit | 4,000 USD per driver, before departure, returned at the end if there is no damage or amount due |
No maximum age does not mean everyone drives: fitness, behavior and passing the check come first. The team may refuse to let a participant drive if their skill or behavior is not suitable. Documents are checked on arrival, so bring your driver's license.
Why is there a driving check on arrival?
The driving check confirms you can handle this type of machine safely before you hit the trails. The 2026 Can-Am Maverick R X RC puts out 240 hp from its Rotax 999T turbo engine, far more than a typical tourist buggy.
The briefing before the check covers the machine, safety rules, communication within the group and how each stage works. Beginners are accepted once the team has approved their driving. Our UTV tour for beginners guide walks through that first day.
Is a US or Canadian driver's license valid in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, for a limited time. According to the Dominican transport authority INTRANT, as reported by Diario Libre, foreigners may drive on their home-country license during the first 90 days of their stay; after that they must switch to a Dominican license, depending on their residency status. Some governments give their citizens stricter guidance.
| License | What the official source says | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign (general rule) | Valid for the first 90 days of your stay | INTRANT, via Diario Libre, Jun 26, 2024 |
| Canadian | Valid for up to 30 days; you must also carry an International Driving Permit | Government of Canada, May 26, 2026 |
| US | Check the State Department's Dominican Republic page before you travel; an IDP is an inexpensive extra | — |
| French | Valid for up to 3 months | French Foreign Ministry, Oct 15, 2026 |
Dominican Law 63-17 on mobility, land transport, traffic and road safety requires every driver to hold a license for the category of vehicle they drive.
Do you need an International Driving Permit?
For a Canadian license, yes: the Government of Canada says you must carry one. For other licenses it is a cheap precaution: an IDP is an official translation of your license, carried alongside it, never instead of it.
- United States: AAA is one of two organizations authorized by the US Department of State to issue IDPs; the permit fee is 20 USD.
- Canada: IDPs are issued by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and are valid for one year.
- Avoid unofficial websites: request your IDP only from the authorized body in the country that issued your license.
- Insurance: the Government of Canada warns that your travel insurance may not cover an accident if you were driving without the proper license.
Coming from Canada? Flights, prices and entry rules are in our guide to a side-by-side tour in the Dominican Republic from Canada.
Can you join the tour without a driver's license?
Yes, as a passenger. The professional-driver passenger experience lets you enjoy the whole tour without driving: a RAID CARAIBES SSV professional driver takes the wheel for you. It is guaranteed on every departure, at the same price as a standard driver: 5,900 USD for the Discovery Raid, 7,900 USD for the Grand Raid and 9,900 USD for the Expedition Raid.
- Setup: 1 professional driver and 1 passenger maximum per UTV.
- Included: lodging, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, transfers, driver gear, photos and support.
- Riding with your partner or a friend: a companion can also ride in their driver's UTV with the private buggy option, charged once per vehicle (+ 1,500 USD, 2,500 USD or 3,500 USD depending on the package). The companion does not pay a second full package. If they want to take the wheel, the team must approve their driving skill, within the tour's requirements.
All options are listed on Pricing and options.
What driving rules should you know in the Dominican Republic?
Drive defensively: the Government of Canada notes that accidents are frequent and drivers often speed, while France's Foreign Ministry says roads are generally in good condition but road safety is very poor. This advice mainly matters if you drive before or after the tour, since scheduled transfers between the airport and Camp Can-Am are handled by our team.
- At night: avoid driving after dark unless you have to.
- Rainy season: water builds up on roads and makes driving harder.
- Accidents: serious accidents are treated as criminal investigations; a driver involved in an accident causing severe injury is taken into police custody until the investigation is complete, and penalties can include prison.
- ATV and buggy rentals: France's Foreign Ministry notes that ATV accidents are common and advises making sure you know how to ride before renting, and buying the optional insurance offered.
- Hire a driver: Canada suggests considering a licensed professional driver for road travel.
What insurance should you have to drive a UTV?
Insurance is included in our tours, but we recommend additional personal liability coverage for serious accidents. Damage or breakage caused by the driver remains their responsibility and may be deducted from the security deposit (4,000 USD per driver).
We also recommend travel insurance covering cancellation, trip interruption, medical costs and evacuation, especially as the 50% booking deposit is non-refundable. Check that your policy covers driving a recreational motor vehicle such as a UTV.
How should you prepare your request?
In your request, say whether you want to drive or ride as a passenger, your experience level, the country that issued your license and the number of drivers and companions. Then check the upcoming departures and our guide on how to get to Las Terrenas, and send your request: we will reply with availability, inclusions and booking steps.
Sources
- Diario Libre, Foreigners also need a valid license to drive in the DR, Jun 26, 2024 (Spanish)
- Dominican National Police, text of Law 63-17 on mobility, land transport, traffic and road safety (PDF, Spanish)
- Government of Canada, Travel advice: Dominican Republic (driving), updated May 26, 2026
- Government of Canada, International Driving Permit, modified May 28, 2026
- AAA, International Driving Permit, accessed Oct 18, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Dominican Republic: useful information (driver's license, French), updated Oct 15, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Dominican Republic: safety (transport risks, French), updated Oct 15, 2026
- BRP, 2026 Can-Am Maverick R X RC spec sheet (PDF)