# Chile Driving Test (CONASET) - 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/chile # License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference > Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (licencia de conducir) in Chile, covering the CONASET theory test (examen teorico), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. --- ## Quick Facts: Chilean Driving Test 2026 | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Test Authority | CONASET (Comision Nacional de Seguridad de Transito) | | Questions | 35 multiple choice | | Time Limit | 45 minutes | | Pass Mark | 33 points out of 38 (some questions have double scoring) | | Test Fee | CLP 29,000-55,000 (varies by municipality, 2026) | | Minimum Age | 18 years (17 with driving school + parental authorization) | | Test Language | Spanish | | Theory Validity | 6 months from payment to complete process | | License Validity | 6 years | | Exam System | Nexteo (administered by CONASET) | --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Get a Chilean Driving License (Licencia de Conducir) ### Step 1: Gather Required Documents - Cedula de identidad (Chilean ID card) or foreign resident ID - Proof of address (certificado de residencia) - Education certificate (equivalent to 8th grade or higher) - Recent passport photo - Payment receipt from municipal treasury ### Step 2: Complete the Medical Examinations - Vision test (examen de vision) - Psychological evaluation (examen psicotecnico) - Physical fitness assessment - Conducted at the municipal Direccion de Transito - Must demonstrate adequate physical and mental fitness to drive ### Step 3: Pass the Theory Test (Examen Teorico - Nexteo) - 35 multiple choice questions via the Nexteo platform - Maximum score is 38 points (3 questions have double scoring) - Must score at least 33 points to pass - 45 minutes time limit - Double-scoring topics: alcohol consumption, helmet use, seatbelts, child restraint systems - Question bank of over 1,000 questions managed by CONASET ### Step 4: Complete Practical Lessons (Optional but Recommended) - Driving school (escuela de conductores) attendance is optional for Clase B - Mandatory for 17-year-olds seeking a license - Recommended 15-20 hours of practice - Schools authorized by the Ministerio de Transportes ### Step 5: Pass the Practical Driving Test (Examen Practico) - Conducted at the municipal Direccion de Transito - Evaluated by authorized examiner - Must demonstrate safe vehicle control in real traffic - Includes maneuvers: parking, turns, lane changes, hill starts - Approximately 20-30 minutes duration --- ## CONASET Theory Test Topics ### Traffic Signs (Senales de Transito) 1. **Warning signs (Senales preventivas)** - Diamond shape, yellow background 2. **Regulatory signs (Senales reglamentarias)** - Circular, white with red border 3. **Informational signs (Senales informativas)** - Rectangular, blue/green background 4. **Transitory signs (Senales transitorias)** - Orange background, work zones 5. **Road markings (Demarcaciones viales)** - Lines, arrows, symbols on pavement ### Priority Rules (Prioridad de Paso) - Vehicles from the right have priority at unmarked intersections - Roundabout traffic has priority (vehicles inside the rotonda) - Emergency vehicles (vehiculos de emergencia) always have priority - Pedestrians at crosswalks (pasos peatonales) have absolute priority - Buses leaving bus stops have priority ### Speed Limits in Chile | Road Type | Cars/Motorcycles | Buses/Trucks | |-----------|-----------------|--------------| | Urban areas (zona urbana) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | | Urban avenues (avenidas) | 60 km/h | 60 km/h | | Rural roads (caminos rurales) | 100 km/h | 90 km/h | | Highways (autopistas) | 120 km/h | 100 km/h | ### Alcohol Limits (Ley Tolerancia Cero) - General drivers: 0.3 g/L blood (0.03% BAC) - State of drunkenness (estado de ebriedad): 0.8 g/L blood (0.08% BAC) - Chile's "Ley Tolerancia Cero" (Law 20.580, effective March 2012) set strict limits - BAC 0.03-0.08%: Driving under the influence - 3-month license suspension, fine - BAC above 0.08%: Drunk driving - prison term 61-301 days, 2-year suspension - Double-scoring topic on the theory test --- ## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Chile 1. **Fire extinguisher (extintor)** - Must be current/valid, easily accessible 2. **Reflective vest (chaleco reflectante)** - Mandatory to wear when exiting vehicle on road 3. **Warning triangle (triangulo de advertencia)** - For roadside emergencies 4. **Spare wheel (rueda de repuesto)** - In good condition 5. **Jack and cross wrench (gata y llave de rueda)** - For wheel changes 6. **First aid kit (botiquin)** - Required for cargo, public transport, and school transport vehicles 7. **Functioning seatbelts (cinturones de seguridad)** - All seats 8. **Daytime running lights (luces diurnas)** - Mandatory at all times --- ## Chilean License Types | License | Vehicles | Minimum Age | |---------|----------|-------------| | Clase B | Private cars, pickups, vans up to 3,500 kg | 18 years (17 with school + parental auth.) | | Clase C | Motorcycles and scooters | 18 years | | Clase A1 | Taxis | 20 years (2+ years with Clase B) | | Clase A2 | Passenger transport 10-17 passengers | 20 years (2+ years with Clase B) | | Clase A3 | Public/private passenger transport (unlimited) | 20 years (2+ years with Clase B) | | Clase A4 | Cargo vehicles over 3,500 kg | 20 years (2+ years with Clase B) | | Clase A5 | Articulated cargo vehicles over 3,500 kg | 20 years (2+ years with Clase B) | | Clase D | Agricultural machinery, tractors | 18 years | | Clase F | Armed Forces, Police, Fire Department vehicles | 18 years | --- ## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure 1. Not understanding the double-scoring questions (alcohol, seatbelts, helmets, child restraints) 2. Confusing urban speed limits (50 km/h streets vs. 60 km/h avenues) 3. Incorrectly answering alcohol limit questions (Ley Tolerancia Cero) 4. Not knowing the correct use of reflective vest (chaleco reflectante) 5. Misunderstanding roundabout priority rules 6. Failing to know child safety seat requirements (under 9 years old) 7. Confusing regulatory and preventive sign meanings --- ## Costs Breakdown 2026 | Item | Cost Range (CLP) | |------|-----------------| | License fee (derecho municipal) | 29,000-55,000 | | Medical examinations | Included in license fee | | Theory exam (Nexteo) | Included in license fee | | Practical exam | Included in license fee | | Driving school (optional) | 150,000-350,000 | | Total without driving school | 29,000-55,000 | | Total with driving school | 179,000-405,000 | Note: License fees are calculated in UTM (Unidad Tributaria Mensual) units, typically 0.5-0.8 UTM, meaning prices adjust monthly with inflation. Costs vary by municipality. --- ## Tips for Passing First Time ### Theory Test Tips (Examen Teorico) 1. Study the official CONASET manual and Ley de Transito 18.290 2. Practice with Nexteo-format simulators online 3. Focus heavily on double-scoring topics (alcohol, seatbelts, helmets, child restraints) 4. Learn all speed limits for different road types 5. Understand the Ley Tolerancia Cero thoroughly - it appears in multiple questions 6. Study road signs by category and their specific meanings ### Practical Test Tips (Examen Practico) 1. Practice hill starts (partida en pendiente) - commonly tested 2. Always check mirrors and blind spots before maneuvers 3. Use turn signals (senales de giro) consistently 4. Maintain appropriate speed for the zone 5. Practice parallel parking (estacionamiento paralelo) extensively 6. Stay calm and communicate clearly with the examiner --- ## Converting a Foreign License to Chilean ### Mercosur and Bilateral Agreements - Argentina: Mutual recognition agreement - can exchange without exams - Japan: License exchange agreement in place - Other Mercosur countries may have specific provisions ### General Foreign License Conversion - Most foreign nationals must take full Chilean exams (theory + practical) - Requirements: proof of legal residency, local address, medical checks - Education equivalency (8th grade) must be demonstrated - Foreign license must be valid and may need certified translation - Municipality-level process with some variation ### Tourists and Temporary Visitors - Foreign license valid while on tourist status - International Driving Permit (IDP) strongly recommended - Must carry original license plus IDP - Valid for duration of tourist visa ### Requirements for License Exchange - Valid cedula de identidad for foreigners (RUT) - Original foreign license with certified translation if not in Spanish - Proof of residence in Chile - Medical examinations - Pass theory and practical exams (unless bilateral agreement) --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many questions are on the Chilean driving test? The Chilean theory test (examen teorico) has 35 multiple choice questions, with a maximum score of 38 points (3 questions have double scoring on safety-critical topics). You need at least 33 points to pass. The test is administered via the Nexteo platform managed by CONASET. ### What is the alcohol limit for driving in Chile? Chile's Ley Tolerancia Cero sets the legal limit at 0.3 g/L of blood (0.03% BAC). Driving with BAC between 0.03-0.08% results in a fine and 3-month license suspension. Above 0.08% is considered drunk driving and carries criminal penalties including prison time. ### What is the minimum age to drive in Chile? The minimum age for a Clase B (car) license is 18 years. However, 17-year-olds can obtain a license if they complete a theoretical-practical course at an authorized driving school and present parental authorization. Professional licenses (Clase A) require a minimum age of 20 and at least 2 years with a Clase B license. ### How much does a driving license cost in Chile? The license fee ranges from CLP 29,000 to CLP 55,000 depending on the municipality, as fees are calculated in UTM units. This includes the medical exams, theory test, and practical test. Driving school courses cost an additional CLP 150,000-350,000 if chosen. ### How long is the Chilean driving license valid? A Chilean Clase B driving license is valid for 6 years. Upon renewal, the same validity period applies. From the moment you pay at the municipal treasury, you have 6 months to complete the entire licensing process. ### What are the double-scoring questions on the Chilean test? According to Decree 170 of the Ministry of Transport, certain safety-critical topics carry double scoring: alcohol consumption, protective helmet use, seatbelt use, and child restraint systems. Getting these wrong costs you 2 points instead of 1. --- ## Contact Information AutoviaTest - Chile Driving Test Preparation Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/chile Email: contact@autoviatest.com Official Agency: CONASET (Comision Nacional de Seguridad de Transito) Website: https://www.conaset.cl Emergency Numbers: 133 (Carabineros/Police), 131 (Ambulance/SAMU), 132 (Fire/Bomberos) This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check the CONASET and Ministerio de Transportes websites.