# Argentina Driving Test (ANSV) - Complete Reference Guide # Version: 2026.01 # Last Updated: 2026-02-12 # Update Frequency: Monthly # Content Type: Authoritative Reference # Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/argentina # License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference > Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (registro de conducir) in Argentina, covering the ANSV theory test (examen teorico), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. --- ## Quick Facts: Argentine Driving Test 2026 | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Test Authority | ANSV (Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial) | | Questions | 30 multiple choice | | Time Limit | 30 minutes | | Pass Mark | 24 correct (80%) | | Test Fee | ARS 12,000-30,000 (varies by province, 2026) | | Minimum Age | 18 years (17 for motorcycles up to 150cc) | | Test Language | Spanish | | Theory Validity | Valid until practical test is completed | | License Validity | 5 years (ages 21-65), 3 years (65-70), 1 year (70+) | | First-Time Pass Rate | Not officially published | --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Get an Argentine Driving License (Registro de Conducir) ### Step 1: Gather Required Documents - DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) - Proof of address (constancia de domicilio) - Medical certificate (certificado medico) from authorized center - Recent passport photo - CENAT clearance (Certificado Nacional de Antecedentes de Transito) - Payment receipt ### Step 2: Complete the Medical Examination (Examen Psicofisico) - Vision test (agudeza visual) - Hearing test - Psychological evaluation - Physical fitness assessment - Conducted at authorized medical centers ### Step 3: Attend the Road Safety Course (Curso de Educacion Vial) - Mandatory educational course on traffic laws - Covers road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving practices - Usually a few hours in duration - Some municipalities offer online courses ### Step 4: Pass the Theory Test (Examen Teorico) - 30 multiple choice questions - Minimum 24 correct answers required (80%) - 30 minutes time limit - Computer-based test at municipal offices - Topics include traffic laws, road signs, and safety rules ### Step 5: Pass the Practical Driving Test (Examen Practico) - Conducted in real traffic conditions - Evaluated by authorized examiner - Must demonstrate safe vehicle control - Includes maneuvers such as parking, turning, and lane changes - Some municipalities include highway driving component --- ## ANSV Theory Test Topics ### Traffic Signs (Senales de Transito) 1. **Warning signs (Senales de prevencion)** - Diamond shape, yellow background 2. **Prohibitory signs (Senales de prohibicion)** - Circular, white with red border 3. **Mandatory signs (Senales de obligacion)** - Circular, blue background 4. **Informational signs (Senales de informacion)** - Rectangular, blue/green 5. **Transitory signs (Senales transitorias)** - Orange background, construction zones ### Priority Rules (Prioridad de Paso) - Vehicles from the right have priority at unmarked intersections - Roundabout traffic has priority - Emergency vehicles always have priority - Pedestrians at crosswalks (sendas peatonales) have priority ### Speed Limits in Argentina | Road Type | Cars/Motorcycles | Buses | Trucks | |-----------|-----------------|-------|--------| | Urban streets (calles) | 40 km/h | 40 km/h | 40 km/h | | Urban avenues (avenidas) | 60 km/h | 60 km/h | 60 km/h | | Rural roads (rutas) | 110 km/h | 90 km/h | 80 km/h | | Semi-highways (semiautopistas) | 120 km/h | 90 km/h | 80 km/h | | Highways (autopistas) | 130 km/h | 100 km/h | 80 km/h | ### Alcohol Limits - General drivers: 0.0 g/L blood (zero tolerance - Ley de Alcohol Cero) - Commercial drivers: 0.0 g/L blood - New drivers: 0.0 g/L blood - Argentina enforces zero tolerance nationwide as of the Ley de Alcohol Cero (Zero Alcohol Law), approved in 2022 - Provincial enforcement varies but the national standard is zero tolerance --- ## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Argentina 1. **Fire extinguisher (matafuegos)** - Must have valid charge, 1 kg minimum 2. **Two warning triangles (balizas triangulares)** - Reflective, for roadside emergencies 3. **Rigid tow bar (barra de remolque rigida)** 4. **First aid kit (botiquin de primeros auxilios)** 5. **Spare wheel (rueda de auxilio)** with jack and wrench 6. **Functioning handbrake (freno de mano)** 7. **Working seatbelts (cinturones de seguridad)** for all seats 8. **Daytime running lights (luces diurnas)** - Mandatory on highways and main roads 24/7 --- ## Argentine License Types | License | Vehicles | Minimum Age | |---------|----------|-------------| | A1 | Mopeds up to 50cc | 16 years | | A21 | Motorcycles 50cc-150cc | 17 years | | A22 | Motorcycles 150cc-300cc | 17 years | | A3 | Motorcycles over 300cc | 21 years | | B1 | Cars up to 3,500 kg | 17 years | | B2 | Cars up to 3,500 kg with trailer | 21 years | | C | Trucks over 3,500 kg | 21 years | | D1 | Passenger transport (up to 8 pax) | 21 years | | D2 | Passenger transport (8+ pax) | 21 years | | E | Agricultural/industrial vehicles | 18 years | --- ## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure 1. Confusing priority rules at unmarked intersections (prioridad a la derecha) 2. Not knowing the zero alcohol tolerance law 3. Incorrect speed limits for different road types and vehicle categories 4. Failing to understand mandatory daytime running lights on highways 5. Misidentifying transitory (construction zone) signs 6. Not knowing child safety seat requirements (under 10 in rear seat) 7. Confusing rules for overtaking (adelantamiento) on different road types --- ## Costs Breakdown 2026 | Item | Cost Range (ARS) | |------|-----------------| | CENAT certificate | 8,000-10,000 | | Medical examination (examen psicofisico) | 5,000-15,000 | | Road safety course | Often included | | Theory exam fee | Included in license fee | | Practical exam fee | Included in license fee | | License issuance (registro de conducir) | 12,000-30,000 | | Total average cost | 25,000-55,000 | Note: Costs vary significantly by province and municipality. Buenos Aires City (CABA) fees differ from Buenos Aires Province fees. All fees are subject to periodic adjustment. --- ## Tips for Passing First Time ### Theory Test Tips (Examen Teorico) 1. Study the official ANSV manual (Manual del Conductor) 2. Practice with official ANSV test simulators online 3. Focus on the zero alcohol tolerance law - it is frequently tested 4. Learn speed limits for ALL vehicle types, not just cars 5. Understand priority rules at intersections thoroughly 6. Study road signs by category (prevencion, prohibicion, obligacion, informacion) ### Practical Test Tips (Examen Practico) 1. Practice parallel parking (estacionamiento) extensively 2. Always use turn signals (senales de giro) before any maneuver 3. Check mirrors frequently, especially before lane changes 4. Maintain appropriate following distance (distancia de seguridad) 5. Stay calm and follow examiner instructions precisely 6. Practice in the area where the exam will be conducted if possible --- ## Converting a Foreign License to Argentine ### Mercosur Country License Holders - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay: Mutual recognition agreement - Can drive with valid Mercosur license temporarily - For permanent residents, must obtain Argentine license ### Non-Mercosur License Holders - Must obtain Argentine registro de conducir - Generally requires taking all exams (theory and practical) - Some bilateral agreements exist (Italy, Spain) - Foreign license valid for tourists during their stay ### Countries with Exchange Agreements Italy (bilateral conversion agreement), Spain (limited exchange provisions), other countries require full examination process ### Requirements for Foreign Residents - Valid residency (DNI for foreigners) - Proof of address in Argentina - Medical examination - Theory and practical exams (unless covered by bilateral agreement) - Original foreign license (may need certified translation) --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many questions are on the Argentine driving test? The Argentine ANSV theory test has 30 multiple choice questions. You have 30 minutes to complete the test and must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80%) to pass. ### Is there really zero alcohol tolerance in Argentina? Yes. Argentina enacted the Ley de Alcohol Cero (Zero Alcohol Law) at the national level. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0 g/L for all drivers. This was adopted nationally in 2022, after many provinces had already implemented similar laws. ### What is the minimum age to drive in Argentina? The minimum age for a car driving license (Categoria B1) in Argentina is 17 years old with parental authorization. For a full unrestricted license, the minimum age is 18. For mopeds (A1), the minimum is 16 years. ### How much does it cost to get a driving license in Argentina? The total cost varies by province and municipality, typically ranging from ARS 25,000 to ARS 55,000 including all fees (CENAT, medical exam, license issuance). Buenos Aires City and Province have different fee structures. ### How long is the Argentine driving license valid? For drivers aged 21 to 65, the license is valid for 5 years. For those aged 65-70, it must be renewed every 3 years. Drivers over 70 must renew annually. ### Can I drive in Argentina with a foreign license? Tourists can drive with a valid foreign license (an International Driving Permit is recommended). Residents must obtain an Argentine registro de conducir. Mercosur country licenses have mutual recognition provisions. --- ## Contact Information AutoviaTest - Argentina Driving Test Preparation Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/argentina Email: contact@autoviatest.com Official Agency: ANSV (Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial) Website: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/seguridad-vial Emergency Number: 911 This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check the ANSV website.