Colombian driver's license

CaliRay Contributor

193POSTS

6 years ago

I've been in Colombia for more than 11 years and during that time my U.S. driver license expired. Getting a new one there is quite a bureaucratic nightmare I'd rather avoid. Currently in Texas you must wait two months or more just for an appointment to take the required tests.

I do not have a car or motorcycle because I don't need them. However, I would like to get a license for both car and motorcycle so I can get an international driver's license for my infrequent visits to the U.S.

If it's possible, I'd much prefer to pay the cost necessary to acquire a Colombian license without going to class or taking tests since I have zero plans to use it here.

Several years ago I saw posts that there was someone here in Cali who could manage that. Hector was his name but I can't find anything about him now except the name. If anyone has suggestions how I can achieve my goal I'd appreciate knowing it.

Raymond a.k.a. CaliRay

See also

Driving in Colombia - Guide
Debit card denial in colombian for colombian wife - 4 Replies
Obtaining Drivers License - 59 Replies
Colombian "Family" - 15 Replies
Colombian Citizenship - 34 Replies
Obtaining a Colombian Drivers licence - 10 Replies
Getting a Colombian Passport - 21 Replies

cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

10285POSTS

6 years ago

Top Reasons to Drop the Above Project...

1.聽 You said you don't need to drive on a license in Colombia.

2.聽 The current pandemic makes 迟谤谩尘颈迟别蝉 even more difficult, if not impossible, than in the pre-COVID era.聽

3.聽 An Expat with no drivers license or an expired license has little chance of getting a license in Colombia without an on-road driving test and/or a 'written' test.

cccmedia

Isamoreno59 Member

2POSTS

6 years ago

HELLO I AM INTERESTED IN YOUR聽 QUESTION DID YOU GET A RESPONSE I NEED ONE MYSELF . I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THE PRICE HERE FOR A DRIVER LICENSES

CaliRay Contributor

193POSTS

6 years ago

I have not received any information except for being asked why I want a Colombian driver's license when I don't own a car or moto and have no plans to drive here. I'm still waiting for an answer. The sole reply did say taking written and driving tests would be required since I currently have no valid license from any country.

cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

10285POSTS

6 years ago

Isamoreno59 wrote:
I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THE PRICE HERE FOR A DRIVER LICENSES

Please use polite Internet form by refraining from all-caps posting.

It is considered to be online shouting.

cccmedia
Experts team, expat.com

h2so4 Member

10POSTS

6 years ago

Hello,聽 your contact was probably correct that they could obtain for you a colombian dl without the effort of having to complete the test - a few years ago.

The system has recently (3 years ago) changed and everybody who wants a Colombian dl will have to sit through a 3 week course and complete a 40 question exam.聽 You will also be required to complete a driving assessment component.聽

I did mine in Bucaramanga and it was a lot of fun.聽 The instructors are completely awesome and will do everything they can to assist you.

Take care.

1 member reacted to this post

CaliRay Contributor

193POSTS

6 years ago

Thanks for that. Doing the classes and driving aren't too much to ask.

tubes Active member

41POSTS

6 years ago

If your Spanish is not very good and you have any sight, hearing or reflex difficulties you will find it all very difficult indeed.
Long gone are the days that you just showed a foreign license, paid a driving school and waited.

Neusicle New member

7POSTS

6 years ago

I spent about 1,000,000 cop for my license in Cartagena. Didn't have to write or drive anything. I did have to sit through the classes though. They take roll call with your fingerprints.

1 member reacted to this post

CaliRay Contributor

193POSTS

6 years ago

#10

Can you tell me which driver school you used. I can see if there is one here in Cali. Thanks.

Neusicle New member

7POSTS

6 years ago

#11

I originally went to Rally sucursal Mi vaquita but the coordinator there sent me to CEA Conducar Cartagena because the instructor there speaks English.

1 member reacted to this post

CaliRay Contributor

193POSTS

6 years ago

#12

Thanks for that. CEA Conducar seems to be local to Cartegena but Google also shows one in Santa Marta.

Neusicle New member

7POSTS

6 years ago

#13

I should also mention that I did have to pass a basic physical as well. Wasn't hard. Also, before I started class, I had to register with RUNT which there were additional fees of about 150 mil pesos for notarized photo copies of finger prints, taxi fare, exc.
Even though I didn't take the written test or do road exam, the rest was plenty of running around, waiting in lines,聽 sometimes paying for a spot in line. Two and a half hour classes, most times twice a day(mostly because I didn't have anything else going on).
I look at my Colombian license like a trophy.
I payed some money for it, but i worked hard for it as well.
And it's valid for 10 years

MikeinMedellin Member

2POSTS

6 years ago

#14

Yes, you can sign a declaration or affidavit (as best I recall) stating the length of time you've driven, etc.聽 I did this and did not need to take the driving test.聽 You can use the Colombia driver's license to rent cars in the USA, as ID for a hotel room in the USA etc -- just as if it were a US driver's license.聽 All good.

CaliRay Contributor

193POSTS

6 years ago

#15

Who was responsible for giving you the physical? A person at the driving school? I'm really interested in doing this because driving in the U.S. is essential to daily life where I'm going and the wait to get an appointment just to take the written and driving tests there can be up to three months.

I'd like to get the physical done here asap to see if I can pass it since I recently had cataract surgery on one eye only and I do have some hearing issues. If I can't pass the physical here there's no point in taking the driving course until I can get any problems taken care of.

Except for those two things I'm in pretty good shape for my age.

It's not easy getting old :-)

Neusicle New member

7POSTS

6 years ago

#16

The physical was included with the school tuition. The clinic was located right next to the classroom. Usually the schools are all inclusive with the exception of registering with RUNT, and even some schools will include that as well. Best to do a little research of course.

CaliRay Contributor

193POSTS

6 years ago

#17

Thanks again. Good information.

Marquezdl Active member

58POSTS

4 years ago

#18

Are there any updates to the process of getting a Colombian DL for auto and moto?
I currently have a valid Washington state DL (car & moto) and an international DL
I just was refused car rental:聽 did not realize that either a Colombian Cedula and Colombian passport or US DL and US passport are required.聽 You cannot mix and match.聽 A photocopy and pdf of my passport were not acceptable.聽 I had my Cedula and my US DL. Big surprise to me!

Laker4115 Serial expat

217POSTS

4 years ago

#19

I have not driven in Colombia for many years and have no desire to.聽 All kinds of public transportation is available and it is cheap.聽 If you get in an accident like with a motorcycle and kill someone, life would get very complicated for you.

travisbridges2 Member

17POSTS

4 years ago

#20

Photos of documents will be difficult to excuse. Original docs are mandatory.

travisbridges2 Member

17POSTS

4 years ago

#21

I also take public transportation and it鈥檚 very easy to get around. However, a vehicle at certain times is necessary.
Reckless driving can be a problem anywhere.

Laker4115 Serial expat

217POSTS

4 years ago

#22

I have never had a reason to drive in Colombia for many years.

adamgillen2000 New member

3POSTS

4 years ago

#23

How long ago was that please???

tubes Active member

41POSTS

4 years ago

#24

Getting a Colombian license changed dramatically a few years ago when they closed the loophole that allowed you to show a valid foreign license and pay for a driving school course (without attending). You now have to do the whole driving school course (in Spanish of course).

cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

10285POSTS

4 years ago

#25

The refusal to accept Marquez's documents was probably due to a policy or its enforcement of the individual rental office .. not because of any national rule.

Another reason Expats get refused for car rentals in South America is because they may be using debit cards, not credit cards, since rental agencies may consider it easier to collect damages from an accident if a credit card is accessible.

Marquez is better advised to contact individual rental agencies to learn their requirements, as the experience of individual renters may not be widely applicable.

cccmedia in Departamento Santander

adamgillen2000 New member

3POSTS

4 years ago

#26

Does that include a written or computer test in Spanish???
Can their be an interpreter present???

ChipW Contributor

104POSTS

4 years ago

#27

I'm of the opinion, on the one hand, a foreigner driving a motor vehicle is like putting a big target on your back, and front, and both sides. I don't know about you guys, but that's not something I have any desire to do. On the other hand, in my 8 1/2 years here I've seen only motos and newer passenger cars pulled over by the police. I've yet to see a big bike such as a Harley or other similar bikes and I've not seen any old Willys or similar Jeep-like vehicles pulled over.

cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

10285POSTS

4 years ago

#28

A motorist's main problems in Colombia do not involve being pulled over occasionally by police.聽 I've been pulled over a number of times (previous to The Situation) .. and since my drivers license and paperwork were always in order, I was promptly sent on my way.

The main problems involve (1) the possibility of an accident, which is increased to your detriment if you ride a moto .. and (2) the possibility of being attacked or robbed if you make the mistake of driving intercity at night outside the Coffee Zone.

cccmedia in Bucaramanga

candysamson69 New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

#29

thank you for this information, so let me set up an example.

I have a grocery store 4 blocks away, I want to bring home OJ. a watermelon, a case of water, use for cooking and drinking, milk and a few other items. I can't carry this, so I have to use transportation. Is it better to use an uber to go shopping, leave my leased car parked?

cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

10285POSTS

4 years ago

#30

candysamson69 wrote:
I have a grocery store 4 blocks away, I want to bring home OJ. a watermelon, a case of water, use for cooking and drinking, milk and a few other items. I can't carry this, so I have to use transportation. Is it better to use an uber to go shopping, leave my leased car parked?

Advising you on this question is challenging, since...

We don't know what city you are in.

We don't know anything about the neighborhood except for the distance between a grocery store and your 'casa'.

We don't know what time of day you would be moving the 'mercanc铆as'.

We don't know the street light situation for those four blocks.

We don't know about the parking of your car during shopping.

We don't know why you are leasing a car in Colombia.

We don't know how many people might be on the street at the time of the trips.

---

Consider a third option, bringing airport wheels and a box to the store .. going there during daylight hours .. and reducing the amount of water bottles from a case down to six or eight.

---

Please keep in mind that this thread was posted to discuss drivers licenses.

cccmedia in Bucaramanga

OsageArcher Colombia Expert

1660POSTS

4 years ago

#31

candysamson69 wrote:
thank you for this information, so let me set up an example.

I have a grocery store 4 blocks away, I want to bring home OJ. a watermelon, a case of water, use for cooking and drinking, milk and a few other items. I can't carry this, so I have to use transportation. Is it better to use an uber to go shopping, leave my leased car parked?

Uber for 4 blocks???聽 Walking is good for you, even that short distance.聽 You can get a foldable (plegable) "carro de mercado" or "carro de mercar",聽 they sell them in many stores:

You can also search for "carro canasta", "carreta", "carrito", "carretilla"...

Laker4115 Serial expat

217POSTS

4 years ago

#32

Totally agree with ChipW, you could not pay me to drive in Colombia, particularly dangerous if you look like a gringo.

2 members reacted to this post

candysamson69 New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

#33

Thank you, all the information is appreciated. Here in Miami area, you get to the grocery store, load up for the week, and call an Uber or a Lyft to take you home, even if it's a few blocks away. So often, there's no place to park so you leave your car in the garage. Learning lots from y'alls. TY.

tubes Active member

41POSTS

4 years ago

#34

Here in Colombia taxis are dirt cheap and everywhere. Come out of any big store and you will find a row of taxis waiting to take you and your shopping home.

health at hand Member

14POSTS

4 years ago

#35

I've been driving in Bogota for about 12 years and never had a hint of a problem. I look totally gringo but have never felt out of place or even treated differently.

OsageArcher Colombia Expert

1660POSTS

4 years ago

#36

Colombia's rate of traffic deaths per 100,000 vehicles per year is over 5 times that of the USA (83.3 vs. 14.2).聽 The number of traffic deaths per capita (per 100,000) per year is closer (Colombia 16.8, USA 12.4) - but most people in Colombia do not own a car, whereas in the USA most people do.

Colombians in the USA always are struck by how much easier it is to drive in the USA than in Colombia.聽 In Colombia many traffic rules and laws are simply not followed, and you are likely to share any road with pedestrians, motos, bicyclists, animals and horse-drawn carts, along with people begging and selling stuff at traffic lights, and not to mention the ubiquitous potholes...

The rate of vehicle accidents and deaths is higher even though speed limits (rarely observed unless there are cameras that can fine you) are lower.聽 Where in the USA a residential speed limit might be 30mph, it may be only 30kph (about 18mph) in Colombia.聽 A highway speed limit of 50mph in the USA, might be only 50kph (30mph) in Colombia.

This paper is worth reading even though it is from 1999, about motor vehicle accidents and deaths in Colombia:

"Among males below age 35 in the country, motor vehicle injuries are the second ranking cause of death, after violence."

"The reported risk of death based on kilometers traveled is 18 times the risk in the United States of America and 5 times that of Europe."

ChineduOpara Serial expat

433POSTS

4 years ago

#37

Yup. This is why I don't plan to drive in Colombia. And I'll only get a bicycle if I know my regular routes are be fairly "safe".

ChipW Contributor

104POSTS

4 years ago

#38

@ChineduOpara Here in the Cafetera region cycling is safe and commonly done alone. It's a beautiful area to ride both in the valley and in the mountains. I've visited around 40 pueblos here in the Cafetera region, all by bicycle, and never had any problems other than an occasional flat tire. Lots of people, both men and women, ride alone out on the carretera and on the back roads in the mountains.

1 member reacted to this post

Laker4115 Serial expat

217POSTS

4 years ago

#39

A couple of years ago, my wife's brother was driving in the city of Pereira during the day when a little kid ran in front of his car and was killed.聽 He had to make a substantial payment to the family.聽 I am glad I was not driving and that is why I do not drive there.聽 I have no problem riding a bicycle there during daylight hours.

Marquezdl Active member

58POSTS

4 years ago

#40

Actually Localiza 2 other rental agencies had identical stories.聽聽All 3 stated that about 2 years ago these requirements were implemented due to individuals with false documents stealing rental cars