How to Get Driver’s License in Colombia
A lot of expats want to know how to get a driver’s license in Colombia. The rules for obtaining a driver’s license in Colombia have changed since 2017. Even if you know how to drive, have driven in other countries, or hold a foreign driving license, you are still required to take a theoretical and practical test, both of which are more in-depth than what is offered in the US.
In Colombia, a driver’s license is referred to as Pase de Conducción.
The steps to obtaining a license are the same in every city. First, applications are submitted at a local driving school, and once it’s approved and you have passed the tests, you can collect your license from a Tránsito office.
Now that you know the basics of getting a driving license in Colombia, let’s take a look at the process step by step:
Types of Drivers Licenses in Colombia
Colombia offers eight different types of licenses, which include:
- A1 category, which is for motorcycles with 125 c.c. or less
- A2 category, which is for motorcycles and moto-tricycles with more than 125 c.c.
- B1 category, which is for SUVs, cars, minibusses, and vans
- B2 category, which is for vans, buses, and trucks
- B3 category, which is for articulated vehicles or tractor-trailers
- C1 category, which is for commercial, public service cars, 3-wheelers, quad, SUV’s, vans, and minibusses
- C2 category, which is for commercial busses and trucks
- C3 category, which is for commercial articulated vehicles
Driver licenses that come under Category A and B are valid for ten years. For people between the age groups of 60 and 80, it is valid for five years. Lastly, for those above 80, it’s valid for one year. Finally, the ones in Category C are valid for five years.
Colombian Drivers License Requirements
- Age: 16 years old for Category A1, A2, B1, and B2, and 18 years old for B3, C1, C2 and C3
- Visit a driver’s school and pass a theoretical and practical test, approved by the Ministry of Transport (Ministerio de Transporte)
- Pass a medical test
- Get your certificate from Center for Driving Recognition (Centro de Reconocimiento del Conductor (CRC))
Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining a Colombian Driving License
Step #1 Register in the RUNT System
Colombia’s national database is known as RUNT. It manages the information about drivers, as well as their driving history. The cost for getting registered is between 13,000 and 13,700 pesos.
Step #1 Register in the RUNT System
There are dozens of driving schools (Educación Escuelas de Automovilismo) in Colombia where you can take your test. Some of these are listed below:
Prices vary in every school. Back in 2016, the test cost was between 370,000 and 530,000 pesos. Today, it has risen to around 1,065,000 pesos.
Step #3 Take the Classes
To ensure that the person who has applied for the driving license is the one taking the classes, the Ministry of Transport has introduced a biometric security system. The classes and tests are offered in Spanish. There are a total of 20 classes of 25 hours if you have applied for a car license and 15 classes if it’s a motorcycle license.
Once you have completed your course, you have to pass a theoretical and practical test, after which you are given a driving aptitude certificate.
Step #4 Pass the Medical Test
The medical test should be given before the theoretical and practical test since it is valid for 30 days. This test also takes place at the CRC.
Step #5 Get Your Driving License
Once you have passed all the tests, you can visit a Tránsito Office and get your license if your medical exam results and certificates are on the RUNT system.
Colombian Drivers License Requirements
If your license has expired, the good news is that you don’t have to retake the theoretical and practical tests. All you have to do is pass the medical exam and submit the following documents at a driving school:
- Passport photo
- Your previous license
- You can get a certificate of Paz y Salvo from the RUNT system. It states whether you have any outstanding tickets or debts.
- Your ID’s photocopy
- Your aptitude exam certificate
Only some of the driving schools renew the license, and its fee is above 1,000,000 pesos. So, make sure that your medical record is in order and you have sound health. A great way to ensure that you won’t be wasting your money is to get a complete medical checkup, which will cost you less.
Getting Your License After Suspension
Suppose your driving license is suspended for some reason, such as driving under the influence. In that case, you will have to pay a fine, wait for a month or two depending on your offense, and then give the medical exam again to drive a car in Colombia.
In conclusion, Colombia has such an extensive process for giving people a driver’s license because they want to make sure that the person driving is in complete control of their senses, hence the in-depth medical exam.
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