Chilean Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Chile -- licencia de conducir theory test format (35 questions, varies by municipality), costs (CLP 30,000-60,000), Ley de Tolerancia Cero 0.03% BAC, TAG toll system, 16 regions, and revisión técnica requirements.
~1,600
Road deaths in Chile (2024 estimate)
Down from 1,745 in 2022 -- CONASET
0.03%
Blood alcohol limit -- Ley Tolerancia Cero
0.00% for professional/commercial drivers
CLP 30-60K
Licence cost (~$30-60 USD)
Varies by municipality and licence class
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
35 multiple-choice questions administered at municipal offices across Chile. Must score approximately 80% (28/35) to pass. Topics include traffic signs, road rules, and the Ley de Tránsito. Format and exact question count may vary slightly by municipality.
CLP 30,000-60,000 (~$30-60 USD) total including medical exam, theory test, practical test, and licence issuance. Fees are set by each municipality. Driving schools charge CLP 150,000-400,000 (~$150-400) separately for lessons but are not mandatory.
Approximately 1,600 fatalities in 2024 (down from 1,745 in 2022). Chile has a rate of approximately 8.5 per 100,000 population -- lower than most Latin American countries but higher than Western Europe.
0.03% BAC for private drivers under the Ley de Tolerancia Cero (Ley Emilia, Ley 20.770). Absolute zero (0.00%) for professional/commercial drivers. Penalties range from licence suspension to imprisonment for causing injury or death while intoxicated.
Santiago''s urban motorways (autopistas urbanas) use the TAG electronic toll system. Vehicles must have a TAG transponder for Costanera Norte, Vespucio Express, Autopista Central, and other concession highways. TAG is also expanding to interurban toll roads including Ruta 5 (Pan-American Highway).
Chile''s road death rate (~8.5/100K) is among the lowest in Latin America. BAC limit (0.03%) is stricter than most of the region. Licence cost (~$30-60) is affordable. No national points system exists yet (proposed). Revisión técnica (vehicle inspection) is mandatory.
Chile Road Safety: 3-Year Trend (2022-2024)
Chile has made significant progress in road safety over the past decade. Fatalities decreased from 1,745 in 2022 to approximately 1,600 in 2024, driven by stricter enforcement of the Ley Emilia (zero tolerance), expanded speed camera networks, and improved urban road design. CONASET continues to implement the National Road Safety Strategy targeting a 50% reduction in fatalities by 2030.
2022→2023
-4.3%
2023→2024
-4.2%
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety, CONASET Chile. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Chilean Theory Test Format#
Written theory test administered at municipal licensing offices (Departamento de Tránsito) across Chile
The Chilean driving theory test (prueba teórica) for Class B consists of approximately 35 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 45 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 80% correctly (~28/35). The exam covers traffic signs (señales de tránsito), right-of-way rules, speed limits, the Ley de Tránsito (Traffic Law 18.290), and road safety. The test is administered at the Departamento de Tránsito of each municipality (municipalidad). The exact format may vary slightly between municipalities. A study guide is available from CONASET. After passing the theory test, candidates must also pass a practical driving test (prueba práctica) and a medical/psychometric exam.
Questions
~35 MCQs
Varies by municipality
Duration
45 Min
~1.3 min per question
Pass Mark
~80%
Approximately 28/35 correct
Test Fee
~CLP 5,000
Included in total municipal fee
What the Theory Test Covers
- Regulatory signs (señales reglamentarias)
- Warning signs (señales de advertencia de peligro)
- Informational signs (señales informativas)
- Traffic lights and road markings
- Pedestrian crossing rules
- Revisión técnica (vehicle inspection) requirements
- Seatbelt and child restraint laws
- Mandatory vehicle documents
- Insurance (SOAP) requirements
- First aid and emergency procedures
- Ley de Tránsito 18.290 key provisions
- Ley Emilia (zero tolerance BAC)
- Speed limit regulations by road type
- Right-of-way and overtaking rules
- Fines and licence suspension criteria
How to Get Your Chilean Driving Licence#
From municipal office to licencia de conducir -- the complete process
Book an Appointment at the Municipalidad
Schedule a visit to your municipality''s Departamento de Tránsito
Many municipalities now offer online booking. Bring your cédula de identidad (ID card) or passport for foreigners with valid visa.
Complete the Medical & Psychometric Exam
Pass the vision, hearing, and psychometric evaluation
Administered at the municipal office or authorized clinic. Tests reaction time, visual acuity, depth perception, and colour vision. Cost included in municipal fee.
Pass the Theory Test (Prueba Teórica)
Take the written multiple-choice exam on traffic rules and signs
~35 questions, 45 minutes, need ~80% correct. Study the CONASET manual. Available in Spanish; some municipalities offer English.
Pass the Practical Test (Prueba Práctica)
Demonstrate driving competency on a course and/or public roads
Evaluated on vehicle control, manoeuvres (parking, hill start, lane change), traffic law compliance, and road awareness.
Pay the Municipal Fee
Pay the total fee for licence processing
CLP 30,000-60,000 depending on municipality and licence class. Includes all tests, medical exam, and licence card.
Receive Your Licencia de Conducir
Collect your plastic card driving licence
Issued same day or within a few business days. Valid for 6 years (Class B, under 65). Must carry while driving.
Chilean Driving Licence Fees#
All-inclusive municipal fees -- CLP 30,000-60,000 (~$30-60 USD) depending on municipality
Fees are set by each municipality (municipalidad) and include the medical exam, theory test, practical test, and licence card. Driving schools are optional but recommended. CLP 30,000-60,000 is approximately $30-60 USD at current exchange rates.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
Class A1 -- Motorcycles up to 400cc
18
years
Class A2 -- Motorcycles any cc
Requires A1 experience
18
years
Class B -- Cars & light vehicles up to 3,500 kg
Most common category
18
years
Class C -- Taxis (max 9 passengers)
Professional licence
20
years
Class D -- Buses & public transport
Professional licence
20
years
Class A3 -- Trucks 3,500-10,000 kg
20
years
Class A4 -- Heavy trucks 10,000-20,000 kg
20
years
Class A5 -- Heavy trucks over 20,000 kg
20
years
Licence Validity Periods
Standard renewal cycle
Medical exam required
Medical exam at each renewal
Additional exams for renewal
Points System (Proposed)
- Chile does not currently have a national demerit points system
- A points-based system has been proposed and debated in Congress
- Currently, serious violations result in licence suspension by judicial order
- Accumulating multiple infractions can trigger a judicial review
- CONASET has recommended implementing a points system as part of road safety reform
Revisión Técnica (Vehicle Inspection)
- All vehicles must pass revisión técnica (annual technical inspection)
- New vehicles: first inspection at 2 years, then annually
- Covers emissions, brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, and safety equipment
- Performed at authorized Plantas de Revisión Técnica
- Driving without a valid revisión técnica sticker results in fines
Chile''s speed limits are set by the Ley de Tránsito (Traffic Law 18.290). In urban areas (zonas urbanas), the general limit is 50 km/h for most streets and 60 km/h on main avenues (avenidas). On rural roads (caminos rurales), the limit is 100 km/h. On motorways and autopistas (highways), the limit is 120 km/h. Near schools and hospitals, limits drop to 30 km/h. Speed enforcement includes both fixed cameras (fotorradares) and mobile speed controls by Carabineros de Chile.
| Road Type | Cars / Light Vehicles | Motorcycles | Trucks / Buses | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban streets | 50 | 50 | 50 | Residential areas |
| Urban avenues (avenidas) | 60 | 60 | 60 | Main urban roads |
| Rural roads (caminos) | 100 | 100 | 90 | Two-lane country roads |
| Motorways (autopistas) | 120 | 120 | 100 | Dual carriageway, controlled access |
| School / Hospital zones | 30 | 30 | 30 | When signposted |
Urban streets
50
Cars
50
Motos
50
Heavy
Residential areas
Urban avenues (avenidas)
60
Cars
60
Motos
60
Heavy
Main urban roads
Rural roads (caminos)
100
Cars
100
Motos
90
Heavy
Two-lane country roads
Motorways (autopistas)
120
Cars
120
Motos
100
Heavy
Dual carriageway, controlled access
School / Hospital zones
30
Cars
30
Motos
30
Heavy
When signposted
Posted signs always take precedence over default limits. Residential streets may have 40 km/h limits. Carabineros enforce speed limits using fixed and mobile radar. Fines increase substantially for exceeding limits by more than 20 km/h.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
As per Ley de Tránsito 18.290 and amendments -- fines in UTM (Unidad Tributaria Mensual)
Chilean traffic fines are measured in UTM (Unidad Tributaria Mensual), a tax unit that adjusts for inflation. As of 2026, 1 UTM is approximately CLP 65,000 (~$65 USD). Infractions are classified as leve (minor), menos grave (less serious), grave (serious), and gravísima (very serious). The Ley Emilia (Ley 20.770) established severe penalties for drunk driving causing death or injury, including mandatory imprisonment. Carabineros de Chile and municipal inspectors enforce traffic laws.
| Violation | Category | Fine (UTM) | Approx. CLP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running a red light | Grave | 1-1.5 | 65,000-97,500 |
| DUI (0.03-0.08% BAC) | Gravísima | 3-10 | 195,000-650,000 |
| DUI (>0.08% BAC) | Gravísima | 5-20 | 325,000-1,300,000 |
| Speeding 20-40 km/h over | Grave | 1-1.5 | 65,000-97,500 |
| Speeding >40 km/h over | Gravísima | 3-5 | 195,000-325,000 |
| Using phone while driving | Grave | 1-1.5 | 65,000-97,500 |
| No seatbelt | Menos grave | 0.5-1 | 32,500-65,000 |
| Driving without licence | Gravísima | 3-5 | 195,000-325,000 |
| No revisión técnica | Grave | 1-1.5 | 65,000-97,500 |
| No SOAP insurance | Grave | 1-1.5 | 65,000-97,500 |
| Illegal parking | Leve | 0.2-0.5 | 13,000-32,500 |
| Hit-and-run (no injury) | Gravísima | 3-7 | 195,000-455,000 |
Running a red light
~65,000-97,500 CLP
DUI (0.03-0.08% BAC)
~195,000-650,000 CLP
DUI (>0.08% BAC)
~325,000-1,300,000 CLP
Speeding 20-40 km/h over
~65,000-97,500 CLP
Speeding >40 km/h over
~195,000-325,000 CLP
Using phone while driving
~65,000-97,500 CLP
No seatbelt
~32,500-65,000 CLP
Driving without licence
~195,000-325,000 CLP
No revisión técnica
~65,000-97,500 CLP
No SOAP insurance
~65,000-97,500 CLP
Illegal parking
~13,000-32,500 CLP
Hit-and-run (no injury)
~195,000-455,000 CLP
Fines shown are from Ley de Tránsito 18.290 and amendments. 1 UTM = approximately CLP 65,000 (~$65 USD) in 2026. Gravísima offences may also include licence suspension (6-24 months) and imprisonment. Ley Emilia mandates minimum 1 year prison for DUI causing death.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and the Ley de Tránsito are heavily tested in the Chilean prueba teórica. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in Chile
Drive on the Right
Chile uses right-hand traffic. Overtake on the left. On multi-lane roads, use the right lane for slower traffic. Roundabouts flow anti-clockwise.
Ley Emilia (Zero Tolerance)
BAC limit of 0.03% for private drivers and 0.00% for professionals. Causing death while intoxicated carries a mandatory minimum 1-year prison sentence under Ley 20.770. Named after Emilia Silva, a child killed by a drunk driver in 2013.
Mandatory Seatbelts
Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants (front and rear). Children under 12 must sit in the rear. Children under 9 must use age-appropriate child restraint systems (sillas infantiles). Infants under 2 must use rear-facing seats.
Revisión Técnica
All vehicles must pass an annual technical inspection (revisión técnica) at authorized plants. New vehicles are exempt for the first 2 years. Inspection covers emissions, brakes, lights, tyres, and safety equipment.
SOAP Insurance
Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes Personales (mandatory personal accident insurance) is required for all vehicles. Covers injury to third parties. Must be current alongside the revisión técnica. No SOAP = vehicle cannot circulate legally.
TAG Electronic Toll
Santiago''s urban motorways use TAG electronic toll collection. Vehicles must have a TAG transponder for Costanera Norte, Vespucio Express, Autopista Central, and others. Non-TAG vehicles using autopistas receive invoices with surcharges. TAG is expanding to interurban highways.
Phone Use Prohibited
Handheld phone use is prohibited while driving. Classified as a ''grave'' infraction. Fine: 1-1.5 UTM (~CLP 65,000-97,500). Hands-free and Bluetooth are permitted. Texting while driving carries the same penalty.
Headlights On
Headlights must be on at all times when driving outside urban areas (carreteras and rural roads). In urban areas, headlights are required from dusk to dawn. Daytime running lights (DRL) satisfy this requirement on newer vehicles.
Documents Required
Must carry: licencia de conducir, cédula de identidad, certificado de revisión técnica, SOAP insurance, and permiso de circulación (circulation permit/road tax). Failure to produce any document results in fines.
Common Road Hazards in Chile
~1,600 road fatalities in 2024 -- know these hazards to stay safe on Chilean roads
Seismic Damage
Chile is one of the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth. Roads, bridges, and tunnels can be damaged or blocked after seismic events. Always check road conditions after significant tremors.
Fog & Rain in Central Chile
Winter months (June-August) bring heavy fog (neblina) and rain to central Chile, especially on Ruta 5 between Santiago and Temuco. Visibility can drop to near zero.
Mountain Roads (Cordillera)
Andean passes like Paso Los Libertadores (Route 60) feature steep gradients, sharp switchbacks, and winter snow/ice. Chains required in winter. Altitude sickness possible above 3,000m.
Desert Roads (Norte Grande)
Northern Chile''s Atacama Desert has long stretches with no services, extreme heat, and sandstorms. Carry extra water, fuel, and supplies. Distance between fuel stops can exceed 200 km.
Stray Animals
Rural roads across Chile, especially in the south (Araucanía, Los Lagos), have frequent animal crossings -- cattle, horses, dogs. Expect animals on the road at dawn and dusk.
Unpaved Rural Roads
Many secondary roads (caminos rurales) outside major highways are unpaved gravel (ripio). Loose gravel reduces traction. 4x4 recommended for Carretera Austral and remote areas.
Chile''s 16 Regions
Driving licence administration is handled by the Departamento de Tránsito of each municipality within these 16 regions
| Region | Capital | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Arica y Parinacota | Arica | 252K |
| Tarapacá | Iquique | 382K |
| Antofagasta | Antofagasta | 691K |
| Atacama | Copiapó | 314K |
| Coquimbo | La Serena | 836K |
| Valparaíso | Valparaíso | 1.9M |
| Metropolitana | Santiago | 8.1M |
| O'Higgins | Rancagua | 991K |
| Maule | Talca | 1.1M |
| Ñuble | Chillán | 511K |
| Biobío | Concepción | 1.6M |
| Araucanía | Temuco | 1.0M |
| Los Ríos | Valdivia | 405K |
| Los Lagos | Puerto Montt | 891K |
| Aysén | Coyhaique | 107K |
| Magallanes | Punta Arenas | 178K |
Arica y Parinacota
Arica · 252K
Tarapacá
Iquique · 382K
Antofagasta
Antofagasta · 691K
Atacama
Copiapó · 314K
Coquimbo
La Serena · 836K
Valparaíso
Valparaíso · 1.9M
Metropolitana
Santiago · 8.1M
O'Higgins
Rancagua · 991K
Maule
Talca · 1.1M
Ñuble
Chillán · 511K
Biobío
Concepción · 1.6M
Araucanía
Temuco · 1.0M
Los Ríos
Valdivia · 405K
Los Lagos
Puerto Montt · 891K
Aysén
Coyhaique · 107K
Magallanes
Punta Arenas · 178K
Chile has 16 administrative regions (regiones). Driving licences are issued by the municipal Departamento de Tránsito in each commune. Fees and exact test formats may vary between municipalities.
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. {number} is the Carabineros de Chile (national police) emergency line.
133
Carabineros de Chile (Police)
132
Bomberos (Fire Department)
131
Ambulance (SAMU)
134
PDI (Investigative Police)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Chile#
Myth: You need to attend a driving school to get a licence in Chile
Fact: Driving schools (escuelas de conducir) are NOT mandatory in Chile. You can learn privately and go directly to the municipal office for your exams. However, driving schools are recommended for preparation, and some municipalities may require them for first-time applicants under 20.
Myth: The BAC limit in Chile is zero for everyone
Fact: The limit is 0.03% BAC for private drivers -- not absolute zero. The term ''Tolerancia Cero'' refers to the strict penalties, not a literal 0.00% limit. Only professional and commercial drivers must maintain 0.00% BAC. A small glass of wine could put you over 0.03%.
Myth: Chile has a demerit points system like Europe
Fact: Chile does NOT currently have a national demerit points system. While it has been proposed and debated in Congress, as of 2026 it has not been implemented. Serious violations are handled through licence suspension by judicial order.
Myth: Foreign driving licences are always valid in Chile
Fact: Tourists can drive in Chile with a valid foreign licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 90 days. After obtaining residency, you must convert to a Chilean licence within 30 days. Some countries have bilateral agreements allowing direct conversion.
Myth: Revisión técnica is just an emissions test
Fact: The revisión técnica is a comprehensive vehicle safety inspection covering brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, steering, bodywork, and emissions. It is much more than just emissions. Vehicles that fail must be repaired and re-inspected.
Myth: You can avoid Santiago toll fees by not having a TAG
Fact: Vehicles without a TAG that use Santiago''s autopistas urbanas are identified by automatic cameras and receive invoices (boletas) with significant surcharges. Not having a TAG does not exempt you from payment -- it makes it more expensive.
Enhanced speed camera network expansion
CONASET and the Ministry of Transport expand the fixed speed camera (fotorradar) network on Ruta 5 and major interurban highways, with automated fine processing.
Updated child restraint requirements
Strengthened enforcement of child seat regulations. Children under 9 must use appropriate restraint systems. Rear-facing seats mandatory for children under 2.
TAG system expansion to interurban highways
The TAG electronic toll system extends beyond Santiago''s urban motorways to key interurban toll roads, including sections of Ruta 5 (Pan-American Highway).
Stricter penalties for repeat DUI offenders
Amendments increase prison sentences and licence suspension periods for repeat drunk driving offenders under the Ley Emilia framework.
Ley Emilia enacted (Ley 20.770)
Named after 9-year-old Emilia Silva Figueroa, killed by a drunk driver. Establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for DUI causing death or serious injury. Lowers the BAC threshold and increases penalties.
Ley de Tolerancia Cero BAC limits
Chile lowers the legal BAC limit to 0.03% for private drivers and 0.00% for professionals, replacing the previous 0.05% threshold.
How Chile Compares Globally#
Chile''s driving regulations compared to other countries -- data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | Chile | Argentina | Brazil | Mexico | Spain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.03% | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Right | Right |
| Highway Speed | 120 | 120 | 110 | 110 | 120 |
| Test Questions | ~35 | ~30 | 30 | Varies | 30 |
| Licence Cost | ~$45 | ~$30 | ~$50 | ~$50 | ~€900 |
| Road Deaths/yr | ~1,600 | 5,400+ | 33,613 | 16,000+ | 1,790 |
| Deaths/100K | ~8.5 | ~11.8 | ~15.5 | ~12.5 | ~3.8 |
Stricter than most Latin American countries. Argentina 0.05%, Brazil 0.00%, Mexico 0.08% (varies), Spain 0.05%.
Same as Argentina and Brazil. Mexico 18. Spain 18. Chile allows 17 with restrictions (accompanied).
Same as Argentina. Brazil 110, Mexico 110, Spain 120 km/h.
Very affordable at ~$45 USD. Argentina ~$30, Brazil ~R$100-300, Mexico ~$50, Spain ~EUR 700-1,200.
~8.5 per 100K -- among the lowest in Latin America. Argentina 5,400+, Brazil 33,000+, Mexico 16,000+, Spain 1,790.
Road deaths: Chile ~1,600 (CONASET 2024 est.), Argentina 5,400+ (ANSV 2023), Brazil 33,613 (DPRF 2023), Mexico 16,000+ (INEGI 2023), Spain 1,790 (DGT 2023). Per-capita rates: Chile ~8.5, Argentina ~11.8, Brazil ~15.5, Mexico ~12.5, Spain ~3.8 per 100K.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- Ley de Tránsito No. 18.290 -- Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional
- Ley 20.770 (Ley Emilia) -- DUI penalties -- Government of Chile
- CONASET -- National Road Safety Commission -- Ministerio de Transportes y Telecomunicaciones
- Carabineros de Chile -- Traffic enforcement data -- Government of Chile
- WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety -- World Health Organization
- Ministerio de Transportes y Telecomunicaciones -- Government of Chile
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from Chilean legislation and CONASET reports
- Cross-verified against Ministry of Transport publications, Carabineros data, and WHO reports
- Municipal variations noted where applicable (fees and test formats vary)
- Page reviewed and fact-checked on {date}
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving licence cost in Chile?
What is the Chilean theory test format?
What is the blood alcohol limit in Chile?
What are the speed limits in Chile?
What are the emergency numbers in Chile?
Can foreigners drive in Chile?
What is the TAG toll system in Chile?
What is revisión técnica in Chile?
Do I need a driving school in Chile?
How long is a Chilean driving licence valid?
What documents must I carry while driving in Chile?
What is the minimum driving age in Chile?
What is Ruta 5 (Pan-American Highway)?
Are child seats required in Chile?
Does Chile have a points system for driving violations?
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Ready to Pass Your Chilean Prueba Teórica?
Practice with real exam-style theory questions covering traffic signs, Ley de Tránsito, speed limits, and road safety. Available in Spanish and English.
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Pawan Priyadarshi
Founder & Chief Engineer
Data sourced from Ley de Tránsito 18.290, Ley 20.770 (Ley Emilia), CONASET, Ministerio de Transportes, Carabineros de Chile, and WHO. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
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