What you need to know about getting a Colombian driver's license

A Colombian driver's license is issued by the Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial (ANSV), the national road safety authority. The process requires you to pass a medical exam, a written test on traffic laws, and a practical driving test. You'll need to be at least 16 years old for a motorcycle license or 18 for a car license, and you must have a Colombian identity document (cédula de ciudadanía if you're a citizen, or a foreign ID document if you're not).

The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though the timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need. Most people complete it within four to eight weeks if they prepare well for the written exam, which is often the step where people need a second try.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a medical certificate from an approved doctor before you can take any driving tests.
  • The written test covers Colombian traffic laws and road signs, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The practical driving test happens on a closed course or in light traffic, and the examiner watches how you handle the vehicle and follow instructions.
  • You'll pay separate fees for the medical exam, the written test, and the practical test, with total costs varying by region.
  • Your license is valid for ten years if you're under 70, and three years if you're 70 or older.

Getting your medical certificate

Before you register for any tests, you need a medical certificate from a doctor approved by ANSV. This exam checks your vision, hearing, reflexes, and general health. The doctor will also assess whether you have any conditions that would make driving unsafe—for example, untreated epilepsy or severe hearing loss without correction.

You can find approved medical centers through the ANSV website or by calling your local ANSV office. The exam itself usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between 50,000 and 150,000 Colombian pesos, depending on the clinic. Once you pass, the doctor gives you a certificate valid for one year, so you have that long to complete the rest of the process.

Registering and taking the written test

With your medical certificate in hand, you register at your local ANSV office or through their online system. You'll provide your identity document, the medical certificate, and pay the registration fee (usually around 100,000 to 200,000 pesos). The office will schedule you for the written test, which may be within days or weeks depending on how busy they are.

The written test has 40 questions about Colombian traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to complete it and must score at least 80 percent (32 correct answers) to pass. The test is in Spanish, so if you're not fluent, you may want to study a manual or take practice tests beforehand. If you don't pass, you can retake it after a waiting period—usually a few days to a week.

The practical driving test

Once you pass the written test, ANSV schedules your practical exam. This test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place either on a closed course or on quiet streets with light traffic, depending on your location. The examiner watches how you start the vehicle, use the controls, follow traffic signs, park, and respond to instructions. They're checking whether you can operate the vehicle safely and know the rules of the road.

Common reasons people fail the practical test include hitting cones on the course, not checking mirrors, failing to signal, or not stopping at stop signs. If you don't pass, you can retake it after another waiting period. Many people pass on the first try if they've had some driving experience or lessons beforehand.

Costs and timeline

The total cost of getting a Colombian driver's license breaks down into separate fees: the medical exam (50,000 to 150,000 pesos), registration and written test (100,000 to 200,000 pesos), and the practical test (100,000 to 200,000 pesos). Some regions charge slightly more or less, and prices can change year to year. In total, expect to spend between 250,000 and 550,000 pesos.

The timeline depends on how quickly ANSV can schedule you and whether you pass each test on the first attempt. If you do, you might complete everything in four to six weeks. If you need to retake the written or practical test, add another week or two for each retry. Once you pass all three components, ANSV produces your license, which usually takes another one to two weeks.

Renewing your Colombian driver's license

Your license is valid for ten years if you're under 70 years old, or three years if you're 70 or older. To renew, you return to ANSV with your current license, a new medical certificate, and the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written or practical tests unless ANSV has suspended your license for violations or you've been without a license for more than five years.

The renewal process is faster than getting your first license—usually just a few days to a week. You'll pay a renewal fee (typically 100,000 to 150,000 pesos) plus the cost of the medical exam. If your license has expired, you may face additional requirements or fines, so it's best to start the renewal process a few months before it runs out.

If you're a foreigner living in Colombia

If you're not a Colombian citizen, you can still get a driver's license. You'll need a valid passport, a visa or residence permit showing you're legally in the country, and the same medical certificate and test results as Colombian citizens. Some regions may ask for additional documentation, so contact your local ANSV office to confirm what you need to bring.

The process and costs are the same as for citizens. Your license will be valid for the same periods (ten years or three years depending on age). If your visa or residence status expires before your license does, you may need to renew your license when you renew your immigration status, depending on ANSV's rules in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Colombia with a foreign driver's license?

Yes, you can drive with a valid foreign license for up to 90 days as a tourist. If you're staying longer or have a residence permit, you should get a Colombian license. Some insurance companies and police may ask for a Colombian license even if your foreign one is valid, so it's safer to obtain one if you plan to stay.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it after a waiting period, usually three to seven days depending on your region. There's no limit to how many times you can try, but you'll pay the test fee each time. Many people study more carefully before the second attempt and pass.

Do I need driving lessons to pass the practical test?

It's not required by law, but lessons help. If you already know how to drive, you may pass without formal instruction. If you're new to driving, a few lessons with a professional instructor will teach you what the examiner expects and boost your chances of passing on the first try.

What if my medical certificate expires before I finish all the tests?

You'll need to get a new one. The certificate is valid for one year, so if you take longer than that to complete the written and practical tests, you must return to the doctor for an updated exam before you can continue.

Can I get an international driving permit in Colombia?

An international driving permit is issued in your home country before you travel, not in Colombia. If you need one, you should obtain it before you arrive. A Colombian license alone is recognized in most countries, but an international permit can be useful as a translation and backup document.