---
title: How to Get a Driving License in Panama
url: https://www.allaboutpanamacity.com/guides/articles/get-driving-licence-in-panama
summary: Find out how to get a driver's license in Panama, with test tips, documents and various types of license.
date: 2024-04-01
lastmod: 2024-04-02
tags: transportation, living-in-panama
language: en
---


## Introduction

To get a driving license in Panama, you should go through a series of steps that involve bureaucratic processes, theoretical tests, and practical tests.

![Panama Driving Licence](/static/images/articles/licencia-de-conducir.jpg 'Panamanian Driving Licences')

**You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a driver's license in Panama.**

## Theoretical Training and Diploma

Register in a driving school, accredited by the Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT), and complete the theoretical course on driving regulations. The school will provide you with a book with a total of 100+ questions and the answers that will appear on the written test. You can also exercise with the virtual test [here](https://www.daypo.com/examen-teorico-manejo-sertracen-panama-1.html), which contains all the actual questions. The driving school will also provide you with the mandatory diploma that you must show at the ATTT.

## Application Process

Once you get the mandatory diploma from the driving school, enroll yourself on the [official website here](https://www.licencia.com.pa/to) to schedule your driving and written tests. Bring all the required documentation to the ATTT when you do the exam.

### Documentation Required

- Original and copy of immigration card, or permanent resident permit (Cedula E)
- Original and copy of passport
- Blood test, from a certified laboratory that tests the blood type and RH factor, you can find the list of the authorized laboratories [here](https://www.minsa.gob.pa/sites/default/files/general/laboratorios_17-1-22.pdf)
- Diploma from the driving school
- “Paz y Salvo Electrónico Vehicular” if you will use your own vehicle, otherwise you could [rent one](/guides/articles/vehicle-in-panama) to take the test.

## Driving Exam

### Practical Test

Firstly, you have to pass a practical driving test, which assesses your ability to safely operate a vehicle in various traffic situations.

### Written Test

Pass a written test based on the theoretical knowledge obtained during your course. This test covers traffic laws, signals, and basic vehicle maintenance. You can do a simulation [here](https://www.licencia.com.pa/).

### Hearing and Vision Exams:

Pass a hearing and vision test.

### Fees:

Total Cost: \$40 (License: \$20, Hearing and Vision Examination \$20)

## Type of Licenses in Panama:

| Type | Vehicle                                                                       |
| ---- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| A    | Bicycle                                                                       |
| B    | Motorbike                                                                     |
| C    | Cars and trucks                                                               |
| D    | Light trucks up to eight tons and buses up to sixteen passengers              |
| E    | Public passenger transport vehicle                                            |
| E1 a | Selective transport                                                           |
| E2 b | Buses with up to sixteen passengers                                           |
| E3 c | Buses with more than sixteen passengers                                       |
| F    | Unit trucks of more than eight tons and buses of more than sixteen passengers |
| G    | Combined trucks                                                               |
| H    | Dangerous cargo transport vehicles                                            |
| I    | Heavy equipment                                                               |

If you already have a foreign driving license, you can convert it into a Panamanian one following the steps described in our article: [How to convert foreign driving licence in Panama](/guides/articles/convert-to-panama-driving-licence)

Please remember to check with the [ATTT website](http://www.transito.gob.pa/tramite/licencia-de-conducir-por-primera-vez) and the [Sertracen website](https://www.sertracen.com.pa/licencia-de-conducir-primera-vez/#1696263283039-330ff86b-2000) for the most updated information and details about the process.

## Sources & Foot Notes

[1] [ATTT - First Time Driver's License Process](http://www.transito.gob.pa/tramite/licencia-de-conducir-por-primera-vez)  
[2] [Sertracen - First Time Driver's License](https://www.sertracen.com.pa/licencia-de-conducir-primera-vez/#1696263283039-330ff86b-2000)  
[3] [Panama Relocation Tours - Driver's License Requirements in Panama](https://panamarelocationtours.com/drivers-license-requirements-in-panama)  
[4] [Relo Firm - How to Get a Panama Driver's License](https://www.relofirm.com/how_to_get_a_panama_drivers_license/)  
[5] [Sertracen - Renewal Information](https://www.sertracen.com.pa/en/renovacion/)  
[6] [Quijano - Panama Driving License for Permanent Residents](https://quijano.com/panama-driving-license-for-permanent-residents/)  
[7] [Sertracen Official Site](https://www.sertracen.com.pa/)