28 Sep 2020

Wallis driving tests caught in legal challenge

12:19 pm on 28 September 2020

Reports from Wallis and Futuna say it is for the time being impossible to obtain a driver's licence because of a legal challenge.

21993192 - male hands on steering wheel on the right with country side view

Photo: 123RF

The territory's broadcaster said according to its sources, driving schools in New Caledonia lodged a complaint as people keep flying to Wallis to get their licence there.

Last year, it was reported that getting a licence in New Caledonia cost $US850 while in Wallis it cost $US270 for non-residents and about $US75 for locals.

Every month, about 50 people from outside Wallis were reported to take the test which was considered easier in part because there are no traffic lights on the island.

The broadcaster said the suspension of the testing regime was temporary.

Both territories are French and people drive on the right hand side of the road.