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- Driving license in Chile
19/08/2020, updated 11/08/2025
Driving License Requirements by Immigration Status
Tourists and Visitors
Foreign License Validity: You can drive legally with your foreign driving license while in Chile on tourist status International Driving Permit (IDP): While not mandatory, an IDP is strongly recommended as additional documentation Validity Period: Foreign licenses are valid for the duration of your tourist stay
Residents (Temporary and Permanent)
Chilean License Required: All residents must obtain a Chilean driving license Legal Obligation: Driving with only a foreign license as a resident may void insurance coverage in serious accidents Processing: Must complete full examination process (theory, medical, practical)
License Equivalency Agreements (2025 Update)
Chile has limited driving license exchange agreements with the following countries:
- Spain
- South Korea
- Japan (recent addition)
- Latin American Countries: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Paraguay
Important: License exchange processes vary by country - check with your local Chilean consulate or municipality for specific requirements.
Diplomatic Personnel
Automatic Equivalency: Diplomats can obtain Chilean licenses through simplified equivalency process Special Status: Bypass standard examination requirements
Insurance Risk: Residents driving with foreign licenses risk insurance coverage denial in serious accidents. Insurance companies may use lack of proper Chilean license to avoid paying claims, especially for major accidents involving injuries or fatalities.
On this page, we describe the whole process to perform, as well as some useful tips. This article only address the driving license for people willing to drive a private car. For other license classes, such as bus, trucks… you can consult this page.
Chilean Driving License Examination Process
The Chilean driving license examination consists of four mandatory components:
1. Theoretical Exam (Updated 2024)
New Online System: Chile introduced the "Nexteo" online examination system managed by CONASET Format: Multiple choice questions covering traffic laws, road safety, and driving regulations Scoring: Must achieve passing score to proceed to other examinations Study Resources:
- Official guide: Libro del Nuevo Conductor
- Practice platform: EducacionVial Interactive Exams
- Chile Automobile Club: Municipal Test Practice
- 2025 Practice Tests: PracticaTest Chile
Key Topics:
- Traffic regulations and road signs
- Speed limits and safety distances
- Alcohol and drug regulations
- Seat belt and child safety requirements
- Emergency procedures
2. Medical Examination
Health Assessment: General medical evaluation including blood pressure check Compatibility: Doctor determines if health status is compatible with safe driving Duration: Brief examination typically lasting 10-15 minutes
3. Psychotechnical Exam (Psychomotor Testing)
Reaction Time: Tests response to visual and auditory stimuli Coordination: Evaluates hand-eye and hand-foot coordination Environment Assessment: Measures understanding of driving environment Preparation: Automobile Club of Chile offers practice sessions for members
4. Practical Driving Exam
Two Phases:
- Free Driving: Navigate to predetermined destination without guidance
- Guided Driving: Instructor guides return to starting point
Vehicle Requirement: Must provide your own vehicle with current documentation Duration: 15-20 minutes total Distance: Typically 2-3 kilometers round trip
Key Requirements:
- Know routes to 3-6 designated destinations in your municipality
- Demonstrate safe driving practices
- Pass critical safety checks (seatbelt, door opening, etc.)
Practical Exam Details and Common Pitfalls
Exam Routes by Municipality
Each municipality publishes specific destination routes for practical exams:
Santiago Area Examples:
- Vitacura: Circuit 1 / Circuit 2
- Providencia: Destination list (bottom of page)
- Las Condes: 6 possible destinations
Critical Safety Checks (Common Exam Failures)
Before Starting:
- Ensure instructor fastens seatbelt - you must remind them if they don't
- Adjust mirrors and seat position
- Check that vehicle documentation is current
During Exam:
- Check blind spots before changing lanes
- Maintain safe following distances
- Observe speed limits strictly
- Use turn signals appropriately
When Exiting Vehicle:
- Look for approaching vehicles before opening door - this is a critical safety check
- Open door slowly and safely
Exam Structure
Phase 1 - Free Driving: Navigate independently to designated destination of examiner's choice Phase 2 - Guided Return: Examiner provides directions back to starting point
No Parking Maneuvers: Unlike some countries, Chilean practical exams don't require parallel parking demonstrations
Complete Application Process and Requirements
Step 1: Document Preparation
Basic Requirements:
- Age: Minimum 18 years old
- Identity: Valid Chilean cédula de identidad or foreign resident card
- Residence Proof: Certificate of residence in the municipality where you're applying
- Educational Certification: Equivalent to Chilean 8th grade basic education
Educational Requirements for Foreigners (2025 Update):
- Chilean Studies: Certificate showing completed 8th grade, high school, or higher education in Chile
- Foreign Studies: MINEDUC equivalency exam completion in Chile
- Alternative: Some municipalities may accept foreign education credentials with appropriate translation and legalization
Step 2: Municipality Registration
Advance Scheduling: Most municipalities require advance appointment booking Contact Methods:
- Online through municipal websites
- Phone calls to transit departments
- In-person visits during business hours
Required Documentation:
- Valid Chilean identity document
- Residence certificate
- Educational credentials
- Driving record (hoja de vida del conductor)
- Criminal background check (certificado de antecedentes)
Step 3: Examination Sequence
Mandatory Order:
- Theoretical Exam (must pass to continue)
- Medical and Psychotechnical Exams
- Practical Driving Exam
Costs and Timing (2025)
Total Cost Range: $29,000 - $50,000 Chilean pesos License Validity: 6 years for non-professional licenses (Class B and C) Processing Time: Varies by municipality, typically 2-4 weeks from application to final exam
Retake Policy
First Retake: Usually allowed without additional payment Second Failure: Complete process restart required including full payment Preparation Time: Consider additional study/practice between attempts
Legal Framework and Additional Information
For detailed legal requirements, consult the official Chilean Traffic Law, which includes:
- Medical conditions that may prevent license issuance
- Serious errors that result in practical exam failure
- Complete legal framework for Chilean driving licenses
More information about different license classes available at ChileAtiende.
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving License in Chile
License Requirements and Legal Issues
As long as you are in Chile with a tourist visa, you will not have any problem, as you are legally authorized to drive with your foreign license (of course, considering you have one). Residents with temporary or permanent residence may not face lots or problems, as long as they do not have a serious accident involving injured or deal people. The insurances tolerate a foreign license, they will even refund some material damage if the bill is not too high. You may face issues if the insurance must reimburse hospitalization expenses, pay a pension to a third party… Beyond a certain amount, the legal service of the insurance studies the case to see if they can find a way not to pay… If you don't have a Chilean license while you are supposed to, they have the perfect excuse not to pay.
If you want a driving license in Spain or Korea, you can get one using your Chilean driving license. In the other countries, it will not be possible as there is no equivalency system.
In some countries, the license to drive a car also allows to drive a moto up to a certain category. In Chile, the driving license class B (for a car) indicates "vehicule with 3 or 4 wheels". Therefore, for a moto with 2 wheels, you need a driving license class C.
2025 Process Updates and Changes
Key updates include: New online theoretical exam system (Nexteo) managed by CONASET, updated practice resources including PracticaTest.cl, clarified educational requirements for foreigners, and updated cost ranges ($29,000-$50,000 CLP). Japan was also added to countries with license exchange agreements.
Yes, but requirements are more flexible. You need to demonstrate equivalent to Chilean 8th grade education through: Chilean education certificates, MINEDUC equivalency exams, or translated/legalized foreign credentials (acceptance varies by municipality).
Multiple practice resources available: Official EducacionVial platform, Chile Automobile Club tests, and new 2025-specific practice tests at PracticaTest.cl. The new Nexteo system is managed by CONASET with updated questions focused on current traffic laws.
Do you want to go more in detail?
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