Key takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old to drive a buggy on this tour.
- A valid driving licence held for a minimum of 12 months is required behind the wheel.
- Bring your physical driving licence. Digital copies or photocopies are not accepted.
- Passengers who do not drive need no licence, ID or documents to join the tour.
- Two licence holders may share one buggy and take turns driving throughout the experience.
Minimum age and licence requirements
To drive a buggy on this Lanzarote tour, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. The licence must have been held for a minimum of one year before the tour date. This requirement ensures that drivers have sufficient experience to handle an off-road vehicle safely in the volcanic terrain of northern Lanzarote. If you do not meet the age or licence tenure requirement, you are welcome to join the tour as a passenger and enjoy the scenery from the buggy.
The one-year minimum is a legal and safety standard for off-road driving in the Canary Islands. It applies regardless of your home country or licence type. If your licence was issued very recently, contact the tour operator to confirm your eligibility before booking, as circumstances occasionally allow exceptions for drivers with equivalent experience abroad.
Driving licences from the UK, EU and beyond
UK driving licences are fully accepted for this tour, as are all EU and EEA licences. If you hold a non-EU licence, such as one from the United States, Canada, Australia or other countries, your national licence will be accepted provided it is valid, written in Roman characters and accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is not a licence itself but a translation and verification document issued by your home country's driving authority. You should obtain one before travelling if your licence is not in English or another major European language.
The tour operator checks licences on arrival at Costa Teguise. Bring your original licence document, not a copy. If you are unsure whether your licence requires an IDP, contact your national driving authority before your trip. Most visitors from English-speaking countries do not need an IDP, but those from non-English-speaking nations outside the EU should plan ahead.
Staff verify your driving licence before the tour begins
Original documents versus digital copies
You must bring your physical, original driving licence on the day of the tour. Digital images, screenshots or photocopied versions are not accepted. The tour operator is required to verify the authenticity of your licence before handing you the keys to a buggy, and this verification cannot be completed with photographs or copies. If you have lost your licence, contact your local DVLA, licensing authority or equivalent body to request a replacement before your tour date.
If you also hold an International Driving Permit, bring the original IDP document as well. Many travellers find it helpful to keep both documents in the same small wallet or folder during their Lanzarote holiday to avoid last-minute searching. The check-in process typically takes five to ten minutes, so allow time before your scheduled departure from Costa Teguise.
Identification and passport requirements
In addition to your driving licence, you should carry a valid passport or national ID card. While the tour operator's primary document check focuses on your licence, having a passport or ID card is standard practice for all tourists in the Canary Islands and may be requested during the tour if you interact with other authorities or checkpoints. Your ID serves as proof of identity and nationality, which can be useful if any questions arise about your licence's validity.
Keep your passport or ID card easily accessible but secure during the buggy tour. The volcanic terrain and off-road conditions mean you will be away from Costa Teguise for the full three-hour duration, so it is sensible to have identification with you rather than leaving it at your accommodation.
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You must be at least 18 years old to drive a buggy on this Lanzarote tour.
Swapping drivers during the tour
If two licence holders are on the tour together, driver swapping is permitted. Both passengers must meet the minimum age of 18 and hold a valid licence with at least one year's driving history. The swap typically occurs at a safe stopping point, and the guide will supervise the changeover. This arrangement works well for couples or friends who want to share the driving responsibility and give each other a chance to experience the off-road sections from different perspectives.
Coordinate with your co-driver before the tour begins so the guide knows to expect a swap. Notify the operator at check-in, and they will confirm whether the changeover can take place smoothly given the tour's route and timing. Not all tours include a scheduled stop suitable for changing drivers, so clarification in advance prevents disappointment.
Automatic transmission and first-time off-road driving
The buggies used on this tour are automatic, which makes them accessible to drivers with limited or no off-road experience. You do not need a manual transmission licence, and the automatic gearbox simplifies handling on the rough volcanic roads leading to Peñas del Chache. The guide will give you a brief orientation at the start, covering the basics of accelerating, braking and steering on uneven terrain. Most drivers adapt quickly to the automatic buggy's response, even on their first off-road experience.
Prior off-road driving experience is not required to join this tour as a driver. The volcanic landscape and rocky paths are challenging but manageable in a modern buggy with suspension designed for such conditions. If you feel nervous, the guide is present throughout and can offer real-time advice. Many first-time off-road drivers find the experience exhilarating and report that the automatic transmission removes one layer of complexity, allowing them to focus on the route and enjoy the views of northern Lanzarote.
Passengers without a driving licence
You do not need a driving licence to join this tour as a passenger. If you are accompanying a licensed driver or simply prefer not to drive, you are welcome aboard. Passengers sit as co-drivers in the buggy, enjoying the same views and experience without the responsibility of controlling the vehicle. The guide leads the tour from their own buggy and keeps the group together throughout the three-hour journey to Peñas del Chache and back.
Passengers should still bring a valid passport or ID card for identification purposes. No driving-related documents are necessary, but comfortable clothing, sunscreen and the provided windbreaker and goggles will enhance your comfort during the off-road ride. Families with non-driving members and groups where one person acts as the sole driver often find this arrangement ideal.
