The driving license is a personal and non-transferable document that is issued by the Ministry of Transportation in Colombia and that allows you to drive a vehicle throughout the national territory. Here we explain the requirements that you must meet and all the steps to follow to be able to process it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Determine the type of license to take out
Step 1. Find out about the types of licenses that exist
There are several categories and subcategories of driving licenses in Colombia. It is important to know in which category you are going to issue the license so that you can identify the driving course you must take and so that you have all the papers in order with the police and insurance companies.
- There are three major categories of vehicles in Colombia, each with its proper subcategory.
- Category A groups all types of motorcycles. This category is divided into 2 subcategories: A1 and A2. With category A1 you can handle motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of 125 cubic centimeters (c.c.) or less. With the A2 category you can do it with motorcycles with a cylinder capacity greater than 125 c.c.
- Category B includes all private vehicles and is usually the category for everyone who wants to get a license for the first time. Category B1 will allow you to drive all types of cars and trucks. With category B2 you can drive buses or private service trucks and with category B3 you can drive articulated vehicles.
- Category C is also divided into three subcategories and will allow you to drive the same type of vehicle as category B but for public service.
Step 2. Learn about the reasons for suspending a license
Traffic authorities can suspend your license for various reasons.
- If they find that you have lost your physical or mental faculties to drive. For example, if you have lost the ability to see or contract a disease that does not allow you to offer security and guarantee on public roads to other people.
- If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or hallucinogenic substances.
- For breaching the driving license categories. For example, if you are caught driving a public vehicle without having permission to do so or if you provide a public service with a private car.
- For breaking any traffic regulations or relapsing if your license has not been suspended.
- For obtaining the license through fraudulent methods.
Step 3. Find out about the reasons for canceling a license
Traffic authorities can also cancel your license for various reasons.
- If the physical or mental impossibility has become permanent.
- If you repeat offenders while driving under the influence of alcohol or hallucinogenic drugs or violating the category of your license.
- If you are caught driving with a suspended license.
- For the death of the holder.
Method 2 of 3: Meet the requirements required by law
Step 1. Make sure you meet the legal requirements
In Colombia the law requires the following requirements to obtain a driving license.
- You must know how to read and write.
- You must have reached 16 years of age. To drive cargo or public transportation cars, you must be of legal age.
- You must be registered with the Unique National Transit Registry (RUNT). If you are a natural person, you need your identity document and $ 10,100 Colombian pesos to do it before a transit agency. If you are a foreigner in Colombia you need your immigration card or passport
- If you are a legal person, you need the certificate of existence and legal representation with a validity of no more than 30 days.
Step 2. Pass the theory-practical exam
It is important that you find a teaching center duly recognized by the Ministry of Transportation in Colombia.
- Teaching centers usually teach an average of 20 hours of practice and 25 theory classes, along with some classes in simulators. Each center has its own rate.
- Upon passing the required exams at the teaching center, you are given the documentation so that you can present it to the traffic office when issuing the license.
Step 3. Take the medical exams
The physical and mental certificate is carried out and awarded by a Driver Recognition Center (CRC). When you pass all the exams, you will be given the certificate to present at the traffic office.
- The exams will serve to test your far and near visual acuity, the recovery of your eyes when exposed directly to light and the ease of your body to discriminate colors.
- They will also test your bilateral hearing to determine if you are able to hear all kinds of noises at different frequencies.
- You will have to go through psychomotor tests where your ability to coordinate, react when braking and accelerating, your memory and your ability to concentrate will be evaluated.
- Finally, the physical exam will determine your general health, vital signs and if you have any physical deficits that could represent a danger when driving.
Step 4. Present the documents at the transit office
Take the necessary documents to the Specialized Transit and Transport Service (SETT) and avoid doing the procedure through intermediaries.
- You must bring a photocopy of your identity document and a 3X4 photo with a blue background.
- In case you are a minor, you must carry an authenticated authorization where the civil and criminal responsibility of your parents for you is determined.
- Also present the certificate from the driving school and the CRC showing that you have passed the corresponding exams.
- Fill out the license application that is delivered to you at the SETT.
- Go to an authorized bank and pay the application fees.
Method 3 of 3: Check the status of your application
Step 1. Review your application process
When you have completed all the requirements, you can visit the official website of the transport ministry to check the status of your request.
- The transport ministry website will tell you if your license is ready for you to pick it up.
- In the event that you are going to renew your license, you must pass the medical examination again and be in good standing with photo fines, traffic lights, summons and taxes.
Advice
Do your procedures in recognized sites that have the proper official permits, since the issuance of false licenses is a very common practice
Warnings
- The theoretical-practical and medical tests are more rigorous for public service and truck drivers.
- The average cost of the entire procedure is 300 thousand pesos, plus the cost of the driving course that varies depending on the school that teaches it. If you are getting your license for the first time, the cost increases.
- There is the option to renew the license (when it is damaged or expired) or to request a recategorization of the same and each procedure has different costs.
- The Colombian driving license is used to drive in other countries, but only temporarily.
- A foreigner has a permit to drive in Colombia with his license, as long as it is valid.
- If you are going to process a lost license, you must present all the regular documents plus the corresponding complaint. You must also pay the fees to request it.
- If the applicant is over 80 years old, he must renew the license every year.