How to Get a Driver's License in Colombia
Summary: Here's a primer on how to get your driver's license in Colombia.
Sometimes when you're new to a country a task like getting your driver's license can make you feel like you're 16 years old again trying to pass your driver's test. Here's an overview of the process of getting your driver's license in Colombia.
Foreigners who wish to drive in Colombia must meet certain requirements. First, they must have a valid driver's license from their home country. If the license is not in Spanish, it should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Spanish translation. The license must be valid for the type of vehicle they intend to drive. Additionally, foreigners who are in Colombia on a tourist visa can use their foreign license for up to 180 days. However, foreigners who have a resident visa or are in the country for more than 180 days must obtain a Colombian driver's license.
To obtain a Colombian driver's license, foreigners must pass a medical exam, a theoretical test, and a practical driving test. They must also provide proof of residency and pay the required fees. The process can be completed at any transit office in the country.
It's important to note that the requirements for driving in Colombia do not vary by city, state, or region. The rules and regulations are set at the national level and apply uniformly across the entire country. However, local traffic laws and regulations may vary, so it's important for foreigners to familiarize themselves with these rules in the areas where they will be driving.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Colombia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Best Places to Live in Colombia
- Real Estate in Colombia
- Guide to Real Estate in Colombia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia
- Cost of Living in Colombia
- Culture Shock in Colombia
- Homeschooling in Colombia
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Colombia
- Educational System in Colombia
- 2024 Guide to Living in Colombia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Colombia