Driving in Panama is an excellent opportunity to explore this tropical country at your own pace. Although the roads and local driving habits may present challenges, this means of transportation allows access to remote locations you might otherwise miss. This guide covers how to legally drive in Panama and obtain a Panamanian driver's license.
Driving in Panama
Driving in Panama can be challenging. While some roads are in decent condition, others are full of potholes. Local drivers often seem to follow no rules, and you need to be a seer to guess their next move. Traffic can also be frustrating here. Still, driving is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful country. Many stunning nature spots are accessible only by car, and the comfort and freedom of having your vehicle are priceless.
To drive in Panama, tourists can use the driver's licenses issued by their home country. Residents, however, need to obtain a Panamanian document. You can exchange your foreign license for a local one or request a new one from scratch. The process is straightforward and does not take much time.
Tourists can legally drive in Panama for up to 90 days with a valid foreign driver's license. Carrying your passport with you is essential, as the traffic police may ask to review your documents. They will check both your license and the entry stamp on your passport.
If you plan to stay more than 90 days or have a resident status, you must get a local driver's license. You can find the requirements through SETRACEN, the entity responsible for issuing licenses.
The minimum age to drive in Panama is 18. However, 16-year-olds can request a provisional permit that allows them to drive private vehicles and motorcycles between 6 am and 9 pm.
Exchanging a foreign license in Panama
If you have a valid license from your country of origin, you can exchange it for a Panamanian one. To do this, schedule an appointment and prepare the following:
- Residency card (original and copy);
- Passport (original and copy);
- Foreign driver's license;
- Certification of the foreign driver's license, which can be done in the following ways:
- An apostille;
- Certification by your home country's embassy in Panama;
- Certification by your country's issuing authorities, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country and further on certified by the Panama Consulate in your country of origin. The certification must also be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
- Blood test results specifying your blood type and RH factor, if not indicated in your original license. You must get the test at one of the laboratories authorized by Panama's Ministry of Health;
- Vision and hearing tests at one of SETRACEN's locations;
- Medical examination results, if you are over 70;
- Driving expertise exam if you are over 85.
Note that all documents must be translated into Spanish and stamped by an authorized translator in Panama. The request must be addressed to SERTRACEN. The exchange process is usually smooth and quick. Its duration depends on how many people attend the institution on the day of your appointment. You get your new license on the same day.
Good to know:
The validity of your document depends on the length of your stay in the country. Permanent residents must renew their driver's licenses every four years. They can request and pay for renewals online. Then, they collect the new document at SETRACEN after receiving an issuance notification.
Requesting a Panamanian license as an expat
If you do not have a driver's license yet, you can apply for one locally through SETRACEN. This process involves completing 36 hours of lessons (20 hours of theory and 16 hours of practice) with a certified driving school. Theory courses are available in person or online. If you already know how to drive, you only need to complete the theory course and pass the practical exam. On completion, you get a certificate to present to the transport authorities.
To apply for a new license in Panama, you will need:
- Residency card (original and copy);
- Passport (original and copy);
- Certificate of completion for the theory and practice course;
- Blood test results specifying your blood type and RH factor (by a laboratory authorized by Panama's Ministry of Health);
- Vision and hearing tests at one of SETRACEN's locations;
- Theory and practical tests at one of SETRACEN's locations;
- Medical examination results if you are over 70.
Note that you must bring your vehicle for the practical exam at SETRACEN.
Costs of a driver's license in Panama
The cost of renewing your foreign driver's license and obtaining a new one is the same. It varies based on age and gender:
Women:
- Ages 16-54 — $40;
- Ages 55-69 — $36;
- Ages 70 and older — $16.
Men:
- Ages 16-59 — $40;
- Ages 60-69 — $36;
- Ages 70 — $16.
Although Panama is known for its slow pace of life, which extends to governmental institutions, getting a Panamanian driver's license is usually hassle-free and quick. If you want to stay longer than 90 days in the country, be sure to arrange one.
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