Argentine Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your licencia de conducir in Argentina — ANSV theory test format (30-40 questions, varies by province), costs ARS 5,000-15,000, BAC 0.05% (0.00% for motorcycles/novice in some provinces), scoring system (puntos), VTV vehicle inspection, 23 provinces + CABA, and driving on the right.
~5,400
Road deaths in Argentina (2024)
Approximately 12 per 100,000 inhabitants — ANSV
0.05%
Blood alcohol limit (general)
0.00% for motorcycles and novice drivers in some provinces
ARS 5K-15K
Licence cost (varies by province)
Theory + practical exam + licence issuance
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
30-40 multiple-choice questions (varies by province). Topics include traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and Argentine traffic law (Ley 24.449 and Ley 26.363). Pass mark typically 70-80%. Computer-based in most jurisdictions. Some provinces include specific local regulations.
Government fees range from ARS 5,000 to ARS 15,000 depending on the province, covering theory exam, practical driving test, psychophysical aptitude certificate, and licence issuance. CABA and Buenos Aires Province tend to be at the higher end. Additional costs may include driving school (optional but recommended).
Approximately 5,400 fatalities in 2024 (~12 per 100,000 inhabitants). Motorcyclists and pedestrians account for a large share of fatalities. Weekend nights and national holidays are peak accident periods. Argentina has one of the highest road death rates in Latin America.
General limit: 0.05% BAC (0.5 g/L blood). Professional/commercial drivers: 0.00%. Motorcyclists: 0.00% nationwide. Novice drivers (first year): 0.00% in several provinces including Buenos Aires and CABA. Penalties include licence suspension 1-5 years and vehicle impoundment.
Argentina uses a points-based scoring system (sistema de puntos). Each licence starts with 20 points. Violations deduct points. Reaching zero results in licence suspension. Points are restored after violation-free periods. Serious violations (DUI, hit-and-run) can result in immediate suspension.
Argentina's road death rate (~12/100K) is higher than Chile (~9/100K) and Spain (~3.7/100K), but lower than Brazil (~18/100K). The 0.05% BAC limit aligns with most European countries. Licence costs are among the lowest in South America. Provincial variation in test format and requirements is significant.
Argentina Road Safety: 3-Year Trend (2022-2024)
Argentina's road safety record has shown modest improvement in recent years, driven by ANSV campaigns, increased enforcement of alcohol testing (alcoholemia controls), and expansion of speed cameras (fotomultas). However, motorcycle fatalities continue to rise as motorcycle ownership grows rapidly, particularly in the provinces.
2022→2023
-3.4%
2023→2024
-3.6%
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety, ANSV Argentina. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Argentine Theory Test Format#
Computer-based theory test administered at municipal licensing centres across Argentina
The Argentine driving theory test varies by province and municipality but typically consists of 30-40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, vehicle safety, and the Ley Nacional de Transito (24.449). In CABA, the test is 30 questions with a 45-minute time limit. Most jurisdictions require 70-80% correct answers to pass. The test is computer-based in major cities, though some smaller municipalities may still use paper-based exams. Content follows ANSV national guidelines, but each province may add local regulations.
Questions
30-40 MCQs
Varies by province
Duration
30-45 Min
Depends on jurisdiction
Pass Mark
70-80%
Varies by province
Test Fee
ARS 2,000-5,000
Included in licence cost
What the Theory Test Covers
- Traffic signs, signals & road markings
- Right-of-way rules at intersections
- Speed limits by road type and zone
- Ley 24.449 national traffic regulations
- Pedestrian and cyclist priority rules
- VTV (Verificacion Tecnica Vehicular) requirements
- Mandatory safety equipment (matafuego, balizas)
- Seatbelt and child restraint laws
- Vehicle documentation requirements
- Environmental and emissions rules
- Accident procedures and insurance
- Alcohol and drug driving penalties
- Scoring system (sistema de puntos)
- Highway and autopista rules
- Emergency vehicle priority
How to Get Your Argentine Driving Licence#
From medical check to licencia de conducir — the complete process
Get the Psychophysical Aptitude Certificate
Visit an authorized medical centre for a driving fitness check
Includes vision test, hearing test, reflexes, and mental aptitude assessment. Required for all new licences and renewals. Cost varies by municipality.
Complete a Road Safety Course
Attend a mandatory road safety course (curso de educacion vial)
Mandatory ANSV-approved course covering traffic laws, defensive driving, and road safety awareness. Typically 1-2 hours. Some municipalities offer this online.
Pass the Theory Test
Take the multiple-choice theory exam at the municipal licensing centre
30-40 questions depending on province. Covers traffic laws, signs, speed limits, and Ley 24.449. Need 70-80% to pass. Computer-based in most cities.
Pass the Practical Driving Test
Demonstrate driving skills on a closed course and/or public roads
Closed-course test includes parking, manoeuvring, and signalling. Some jurisdictions also include a road driving component. Must bring a vehicle with valid VTV and insurance.
Submit Documentation
Present required documents: DNI, medical certificate, proof of address
Required: DNI (national identity document), psychophysical certificate, proof of residence (within the municipality), blood type certificate.
Receive Your Licencia de Conducir
Collect your driving licence — credit-card format with photo and chip
Licence issued same day in many municipalities. Valid for 5 years (age 21-65), 3 years (under 21), or 1-3 years (over 65). PVC card with security features.
Argentine Driving Licence Fees#
Total cost ARS 5,000-15,000 — varies significantly by province and municipality
Fees vary significantly by province and municipality. CABA and Buenos Aires Province are generally more expensive. Driving school is optional but strongly recommended for first-time drivers. Prices quoted are approximate for 2026 and subject to inflation adjustments.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
A1 — Motorcycles up to 150cc
From age 16 with parental consent
16
years
A2 — Motorcycles 150cc-300cc
Age 17, 2 years with A1
17
years
A3 — Motorcycles over 300cc
Age 21 minimum
21
years
B1 — Cars up to 3,500 kg
Standard car licence
17
years
B2 — Cars + light trailer
Includes trailer up to 750 kg
17
years
C — Trucks over 3,500 kg
Commercial vehicle licence
21
years
D1 — Minibuses up to 8 passengers
Passenger transport
21
years
D2 — Buses over 8 passengers
Professional passenger transport
21
years
E — Articulated vehicles
Semi-trailers and road trains
21
years
Licence Validity Periods
Shorter validity for young drivers
Standard validity period
Standard validity period
Medical review required more frequently
Scoring System (Sistema de Puntos)
- Each licence starts with 20 points
- Minor violations deduct 1-3 points
- Serious violations deduct 5-10 points
- DUI or hit-and-run: immediate suspension
- Points restored after 2 years without violations
Key Topics to Study
- Ley 24.449 (National Traffic Law) and amendments
- Speed limits: urban, rural, highway (autopista)
- Alcohol limits and penalties for DUI
- Mandatory vehicle equipment (matafuego, balizas, chaleco)
- VTV (vehicle technical inspection) requirements
Argentina's speed limits are set by national law (Ley 24.449) but provinces can set lower limits. In urban areas, the general limit is 40 km/h on residential streets and 60 km/h on avenues (avenidas). On rural routes (rutas nacionales/provinciales), limits are 80 km/h for standard roads and 110 km/h for semi-autopistas. Autopistas (motorways) allow up to 120-130 km/h depending on signage. In school zones (zonas escolares), the limit is 20 km/h. Trucks and buses have lower limits on all road types.
| Road Type | Cars / Light Vehicles | Motorcycles | Trucks / Buses | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban — residential street | 40 | 40 | 40 | Calles residenciales |
| Urban — avenue (avenida) | 60 | 60 | 60 | Avenidas with multiple lanes |
| Rural route (ruta) | 110 | 110 | 80 | Rutas nacionales/provinciales |
| Semi-autopista | 110 | 110 | 90 | Divided road, no median barrier |
| Autopista (motorway) | 130 | 130 | 100 | Full access-controlled motorway |
Urban — residential street
40
Cars
40
Motos
40
Heavy
Calles residenciales
Urban — avenue (avenida)
60
Cars
60
Motos
60
Heavy
Avenidas with multiple lanes
Rural route (ruta)
110
Cars
110
Motos
80
Heavy
Rutas nacionales/provinciales
Semi-autopista
110
Cars
110
Motos
90
Heavy
Divided road, no median barrier
Autopista (motorway)
130
Cars
130
Motos
100
Heavy
Full access-controlled motorway
Speed limits may be lower in specific zones: school zones 20 km/h, near hospitals 30 km/h. Posted signs always take precedence over general limits. Provinces may set stricter limits. Rain or fog conditions require reduced speed. Fines double for speeding in school zones.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
As per Ley 24.449 and provincial regulations — fines in Unidades Fijas (UF) converted to ARS
Argentine traffic fines are calculated in Unidades Fijas (UF), a standard unit that is periodically updated to account for inflation. The value of one UF varies by jurisdiction. Fines range from minor (parking violations) to severe (DUI, excessive speeding, hit-and-run). In addition to monetary fines, violations can result in licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, and deduction of points from the scoring system. Repeat offenders face progressively harsher penalties.
| Violation | Car Fine (ARS) | Motorcycle Fine (ARS) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running red light | 30,000-60,000 | 20,000-40,000 | 5 |
| DUI — BAC >0.05% | 60,000-150,000 | 60,000-150,000 | Suspended |
| DUI — BAC >0.10% | 150,000-300,000 | 150,000-300,000 | Suspended |
| Speeding 20-40 km/h over | 20,000-50,000 | 15,000-40,000 | 3 |
| Speeding >40 km/h over | 50,000-120,000 | 40,000-100,000 | 5-10 |
| Using phone while driving | 15,000-30,000 | 15,000-30,000 | 3 |
| No seatbelt | 10,000-20,000 | — | 2 |
| No helmet (motorcycle) | — | 15,000-30,000 | 3 |
| Expired VTV | 15,000-40,000 | 10,000-25,000 | 2 |
| Driving without licence | 50,000-100,000 | 30,000-60,000 | — |
| Wrong-way driving | 40,000-80,000 | 30,000-60,000 | 5 |
| No insurance | 40,000-100,000 | 30,000-80,000 | — |
Running red light
Points: 5
DUI — BAC >0.05%
Points: Suspended
DUI — BAC >0.10%
Points: Suspended
Speeding 20-40 km/h over
Points: 3
Speeding >40 km/h over
Points: 5-10
Using phone while driving
Points: 3
No seatbelt
Points: 2
No helmet (motorcycle)
Points: 3
Expired VTV
Points: 2
Driving without licence
Points: —
Wrong-way driving
Points: 5
No insurance
Points: —
Fines are approximate and vary by province. Amounts are calculated in Unidades Fijas (UF) and converted to ARS at current rates. Fines double in school zones and during national holiday periods. Repeat offenders within 12 months face double penalties. Vehicle impoundment applies for DUI, no licence, and no insurance.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and the scoring system are commonly tested in the Argentine theory exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in Argentina
Drive on the Right
Argentina uses right-hand traffic. Overtake on the left only. On multi-lane roads, keep right except when overtaking. At roundabouts (rotondas), vehicles already in the roundabout have priority.
Alcohol Limits
General BAC limit 0.05% (0.5 g/L). Zero tolerance (0.00%) for motorcyclists, professional drivers, and novice drivers in several provinces. Breathalyzer (alcoholemia) checkpoints are common, especially on weekends and holidays.
Mandatory Equipment
All vehicles must carry: fire extinguisher (matafuego), warning triangles (balizas portatiles), reflective vest (chaleco reflectante), first aid kit, spare tyre with jack, and tow rope. Motorcyclists must wear approved helmets.
VTV Vehicle Inspection
Verificacion Tecnica Vehicular (VTV) is mandatory annually for vehicles over 3 years old (2 years in some provinces). Covers brakes, lights, emissions, tyres, and structural integrity. Driving without valid VTV results in fines and possible impoundment.
Compulsory Insurance
Third-party liability insurance (seguro contra terceros) is mandatory for all vehicles. Minimum coverage includes bodily injury and property damage. Driving without insurance results in fines and vehicle impoundment.
Daytime Running Lights
Headlights must be on at all times on rural routes (rutas) and autopistas, even during daylight. In urban areas, headlights required from sunset to sunrise and during poor visibility conditions.
Phone Use Prohibited
Handheld phone use prohibited while driving. Only hands-free systems permitted. Fine of ARS 15,000-30,000 plus 3 points deducted. Applies to all vehicles including motorcycles.
Seatbelt & Child Seats
Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants (front and rear). Children under 10 must ride in the back seat. Children under 4 (or under 15 kg) require appropriate child safety seats (sillas de retencion infantil).
Peajes (Tolls)
Major autopistas and some rutas have toll booths (peajes). Payment options: cash, prepaid cards (TelePase), and electronic systems. TelePase automatic electronic toll is increasingly mandatory on major routes.
Common Road Hazards in Argentina
~5,400 road fatalities in 2024 — know these hazards to stay safe on Argentine roads
Rural Route Risks
Two-lane rutas with heavy truck traffic, no shoulders, and long straight stretches that induce drowsiness. Head-on collisions are a major cause of rural fatalities.
Urban Motorcycle Traffic
Rapidly growing motorcycle fleet in cities — lane splitting, weaving, and running red lights are common. Motorcyclists account for a significant share of urban fatalities.
Flooding (Inundaciones)
Buenos Aires and other cities experience sudden flooding during heavy rains. Streets can flood rapidly, hiding potholes and debris. Do not drive through standing water.
Potholes (Baches)
Road surface quality varies widely. Provincial routes and urban streets often have significant potholes, especially after rainy seasons. Watch for unmarked road damage.
Animals on Roads
Loose livestock (cattle, horses) on rural routes, particularly in Patagonia and the Pampas. Wildlife crossings are poorly signed. Collisions with animals can be fatal.
Fog on Autopistas
Dense fog (niebla) common on autopistas and rutas in the Pampas region, especially autumn and winter mornings. Multiple-vehicle pileups occur. Reduce speed significantly.
Argentina's Provinces & CABA
Driving licence administration varies by province — each of the 23 provinces and CABA has its own licensing authority
| Province / City | Type | Capital | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| CABA | City | Buenos Aires | 3.1M |
| Buenos Aires | Province | La Plata | 17.5M |
| Cordoba | Province | Cordoba | 3.8M |
| Santa Fe | Province | Santa Fe | 3.5M |
| Mendoza | Province | Mendoza | 2.0M |
| Tucuman | Province | San Miguel de Tucuman | 1.7M |
| Entre Rios | Province | Parana | 1.4M |
| Salta | Province | Salta | 1.4M |
| Misiones | Province | Posadas | 1.3M |
| Chaco | Province | Resistencia | 1.2M |
CABA
Buenos Aires · 3.1M
Buenos Aires
La Plata · 17.5M
Cordoba
Cordoba · 3.8M
Santa Fe
Santa Fe · 3.5M
Mendoza
Mendoza · 2.0M
Tucuman
San Miguel de Tucuman · 1.7M
Entre Rios
Parana · 1.4M
Salta
Salta · 1.4M
Misiones
Posadas · 1.3M
Chaco
Resistencia · 1.2M
Argentina has 23 provinces plus the Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires (CABA). Each jurisdiction administers its own driving licence tests, though content follows ANSV national guidelines. Test availability, fees, and specific requirements vary by municipality.
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. {number} is the general emergency number.
911
General Emergency (Emergencias)
107
Ambulance / Medical (SAME)
100
Fire Department (Bomberos)
101
Police (Policia)
103
Civil Defence (Defensa Civil)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Argentina#
Myth: You can drive anywhere in Argentina with any provincial licence
Fact: While an Argentine licencia de conducir is valid nationwide, you must obtain it from the municipality where you have legal residence (domicilio). You cannot get a licence from a different province just because it may be easier. The ANSV maintains a national registry (RENALIC) to prevent this.
Myth: The theory test is the same in every province
Fact: While all theory tests follow ANSV national guidelines and cover Ley 24.449, the number of questions (30-40), pass mark (70-80%), and inclusion of local regulations varies by province and municipality. CABA, Buenos Aires Province, Cordoba, and other jurisdictions each have their own format.
Myth: You only need VTV for old vehicles
Fact: VTV (Verificacion Tecnica Vehicular) is mandatory for vehicles starting from 2-3 years old (varies by province). New vehicles are exempt only for the first 2-3 years. After that, annual inspection is required. Driving without valid VTV results in fines and potential vehicle impoundment.
Myth: The blood alcohol limit is the same for everyone
Fact: The general limit is 0.05% BAC (0.5 g/L), but motorcyclists face 0.00% nationwide. Professional/commercial drivers also have 0.00%. Several provinces (including Buenos Aires and CABA) impose 0.00% on novice drivers in their first year. Penalties increase progressively with BAC level.
Myth: Driving school is mandatory to get a licence
Fact: Driving school (escuela de manejo) is NOT mandatory in Argentina — you can take the practical test without having attended one. However, the mandatory road safety course (curso de educacion vial) IS required. Driving school is strongly recommended for first-time drivers.
Myth: Speed cameras (fotomultas) are illegal in Argentina
Fact: Speed cameras and red-light cameras are fully legal and increasingly widespread, particularly in Buenos Aires, CABA, Cordoba, Rosario, and on national autopistas. The ANSV supports their deployment. Fines arrive by mail or electronically. Unpaid fotomultas can prevent licence renewal.
Recent Changes to Argentine Driving Laws#
Key regulatory updates affecting drivers in Argentina
Digital driving licence expansion
More provinces adopt the licencia digital (Mi Argentina app), allowing drivers to present their digital licence alongside or instead of the physical card during traffic stops.
ANSV strengthens alcohol enforcement
Expanded alcoholemia control programme with more breathalyzer checkpoints on national routes and during holiday periods. Stricter penalties for refusing breath tests.
Electronic toll (TelePase) expansion
TelePase electronic toll system becomes increasingly mandatory on major autopistas. Integration with fotomulta system for automated fine collection.
VTV modernisation programme
New VTV plants opened across provinces. Modernised inspection equipment and procedures. Tighter emissions testing aligned with Euro 5 standards for newer vehicles.
National scoring system updates
Refinement of the sistema de puntos with better integration across provinces. RENALIC national registry improvements to track violations across jurisdictions.
Ley 27.449 road safety reforms
Post-pandemic road safety reforms including stricter penalties for distracted driving, improved pedestrian protection zones, and mandatory road safety education in schools.
How Argentina Compares Globally#
Argentina's driving regulations compared to neighbouring and reference countries — data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | Argentina | Brazil | Chile | Mexico | Spain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.04–0.08% | 0.05% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 17 | 18 | 18 | 15–18 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Right | Right |
| Highway Speed | 130 | 110–120 | 120 | 110 | 120 |
| Test Questions | 30–40 | 30 | 35 | 20–40 | 30 |
| Licence Cost | ARS 5–15K | R$2–3K | CLP 50K | MXN 500–2K | €800–1.2K |
| Road Deaths/yr | ~5,400 | ~37,000 | ~1,700 | ~16,000 | ~1,800 |
| Deaths/100K | ~12 | ~18 | ~9 | ~12 | ~3.7 |
Same as Chile and most of Europe. Brazil has zero tolerance (0.00%). Mexico varies by state (0.04-0.08%). Spain 0.05%.
Chile 18, Brazil 18, Mexico 15-18 (varies), Spain 18. Argentina allows 16 for motorcycles with parental consent.
Up to 130 km/h on some autopistas. Brazil 110-120, Chile 120, Mexico 110, Spain 120 km/h.
Among the lowest in the region. Brazil ~R$2,000-3,000, Chile ~CLP 50,000, Spain EUR 800-1,200 with driving school.
~12 per 100K. Brazil ~37,000 (~18/100K), Chile ~1,700 (~9/100K), Mexico ~16,000 (~12/100K), Spain ~1,800 (~3.7/100K).
Road deaths: Argentina ~5,400 (ANSV 2024), Brazil ~37,000 (ONSV 2023), Chile ~1,700 (CONASET 2023), Mexico ~16,000 (INEGI 2023), Spain ~1,800 (DGT 2023). Per-capita rates: Brazil ~18, Argentina ~12, Mexico ~12, Chile ~9, Spain ~3.7 per 100K.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- Ley Nacional de Transito 24.449 — Congreso de la Nacion Argentina
- Ley 26.363 — ANSV creation and road safety — Congreso de la Nacion Argentina
- ANSV — Road safety statistics and regulations — Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial
- WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety — World Health Organization
- DNRPA — Vehicle registration data — Direccion Nacional de los Registros de la Propiedad del Automotor
- Provincial licensing authority regulations — Various provincial governments
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from Argentine national legislation and ANSV publications
- Cross-verified against provincial regulations, WHO reports, and DNRPA data
- Provincial variations noted where applicable (fees, test format, BAC limits)
- 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 Argentina?
What is the Argentine theory test format?
What is the blood alcohol limit in Argentina?
What are the speed limits in Argentina?
What are the emergency numbers in Argentina?
Do I need a VTV for my vehicle?
What is the minimum driving age in Argentina?
Is driving school mandatory in Argentina?
What documents do I need to carry while driving?
Can foreigners drive in Argentina?
How does the scoring system (puntos) work?
What mandatory equipment must I carry in my vehicle?
What is TelePase and how does it work?
How are speed cameras (fotomultas) handled?
What is the Ruta 40?
Cite This Page
Use the following citations when referencing this article in academic papers, journalism, or reports.
APA 7th Edition
MLA 9th Edition
Chicago 17th Edition
Ready to Pass Your Argentine Driving Test?
Practice with official theory questions covering Ley 24.449, traffic signs, speed limits, and the scoring system. Available in Spanish and English.
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Pawan Priyadarshi
Founder & Chief Engineer
Data sourced from Argentine national legislation (Ley 24.449, Ley 26.363), ANSV, DNRPA, provincial regulations, and WHO. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
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