What you need to know about Colombian driver's licenses

A Colombian driver's license is issued by the Ministry of Transportation (Ministerio de Transporte) through regional transit authorities called COMETRs (Concejos de Ministros de Transporte). The process involves a medical exam, a written test on traffic rules, and a practical driving test. You must be at least 16 years old to drive a motorcycle, 18 to drive a car, and 24 to drive a bus or truck. The license is valid for three years if you are under 60, and one year if you are 60 or older.

If you are a foreign resident, you can use your home country's license for up to 90 days. After that, you need a Colombian license. If you are a Colombian citizen or permanent resident, you go through the full process. The entire procedure typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though this varies by region and how quickly you schedule your tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a medical exam, written test on Colombian traffic laws, and a practical driving test to receive a Colombian driver's license.
  • The license is issued by regional transit authorities (COMETRs), not a single national office, so you explore in the city or department where you live or work.
  • Foreign visitors can drive on their home country's license for up to 90 days; after that, a Colombian license is required.
  • The license costs vary by region and type (motorcycle, car, truck, bus), but typically range from 200,000 to 500,000 Colombian pesos.
  • You will need your national ID (cédula), proof of residence, medical records, and proof of payment to begin the process.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you go to the COMETР office. You will need your national ID card (cédula de ciudadanía if you are Colombian, or cédula de extranjería if you are a foreign resident). You also need proof of residence — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address. Some regions accept a letter from your employer or landlord instead.

You will need a medical exam from a doctor approved by the transit authority. Not all doctors can perform this exam; the COMETР office can tell you which clinics in your area are authorized. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and reflexes. You will also need to show proof that you have paid the license fee, which varies by region and license type. Finally, bring your original documents plus one photocopy of each.

The medical exam and written test

The medical exam is straightforward and takes about 30 minutes. A doctor will test your eyesight (you must see at least 20/40 in each eye), check your hearing, measure your blood pressure, and ask about any medical conditions that affect driving. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the exam. The doctor will note this on your medical certificate, and you must wear them whenever you drive.

After you pass the medical exam, you schedule the written test. This test covers Colombian traffic signs, speed limits, right-of-way rules, and what to do in an accident. The test is usually 30 to 40 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the official manual published by the Ministry of Transportation, which is available online and at COMETР offices. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test.

The practical driving test

Once you pass the written test, you schedule the practical driving test. An examiner will ride with you in a car and watch how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the engine, parking, turning, stopping at traffic lights, and merging. The test usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes and covers a route in your city. You must use a car registered in Colombia and bring the vehicle's documents (tarjeta de propiedad) and proof of insurance.

The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect technique. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, not checking mirrors, running a red light, or not signaling turns. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by region but is usually one to two weeks. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Where to explore and how long it takes

You explore at the COMETР office in the city or department where you live or work. Find the office nearest you by searching "COMETР [your city]" online or calling the Ministry of Transportation's general line. Each office has different hours and may require you to book an appointment in advance. Some regions now allow you to schedule appointments online; others require you to show up in person.

The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests. The medical exam can usually be done within a few days. The written test is often available within one to two weeks. The practical test may take another one to two weeks to schedule. Once you pass all three, the license is printed and ready within three to five business days. In total, plan for four to six weeks from your first visit to holding your license.

License types and what they allow you to drive

Colombian licenses are categorized by the type of vehicle you can drive. An A1 license allows you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc and is available at age 16. An A2 license is for motorcycles between 125cc and 400cc, available at 18. An A license is for any motorcycle and requires you to be 24. A B license is for cars and light trucks up to 3,500kg, available at 18. A C license is for trucks and vans over 3,500kg, available at 21. A D license is for buses and requires you to be 24.

You can hold multiple license categories. Many people start with a B license for cars and later add an A2 or A license for motorcycles. Each category requires its own test, though you only take the written test once. If you already have a B license and want to add a motorcycle category, you only need the medical exam and practical test for the new category.

Renewing your license before it expires

Your license expires after three years (or one year if you are 60 or older). You can renew it starting 90 days before the expiration date. Renewal is simpler than getting a new license: you need a new medical exam and a payment, but you do not retake the written or practical tests. You can renew at any COMETР office, not just the one where you originally got your license.

If your license expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by police without a valid license, you may face a fine and your vehicle may be impounded. Renewal usually takes one to two weeks from the time you submit your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my US or European driver's license to drive in Colombia?

Yes, for the first 90 days. After that, you need a Colombian license. If you are a tourist, your home country's license is enough for short visits. If you are moving to Colombia or staying longer than 90 days, start the process for a Colombian license before your 90 days are up.

What happens if I fail the practical driving test?

You can retake it after a waiting period, usually one to two weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you may need to pay a fee each time. Many people pass on the second or third attempt.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license in another country?

Yes. Colombia does not recognize foreign licenses as proof that you know Colombian traffic laws. Everyone takes the written test, regardless of driving experience elsewhere. You still need the medical exam and practical test.

How much does a Colombian driver's license cost?

The cost varies by region and license type, but typically ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 Colombian pesos. The medical exam is usually an additional 50,000 to 150,000 pesos. Ask your local COMETР office for the exact fee in your area.

Can I drive a motorcycle with a car license?

No. You need a separate A1, A2, or A license to ride a motorcycle. A B license (car license) does not allow you to ride motorcycles. If you want to ride, you must pass the tests for the appropriate motorcycle category.