Driving License Requirements in Panama

Driving in Panama can be a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the country and its attractions. However, before getting behind the wheel, expats need to be aware of the legal and practical aspects of obtaining and using a driving license in Panama, as well as the differences and options that exist for expats.

This section will provide some information and advice on how to drive safely and legally in Panama, as well as the documentation and procedures required to apply for a driving license in Panama.

Expats who have a valid driving license from their home country can legally drive in Panama for up to 90 days after their arrival, without needing to obtain a Panamanian license. However, they must also carry their passport and immigration card (if applicable) with them at all times, and show them to the authorities if requested. Expats who plan to stay in Panama for more than 90 days, or who have obtained a temporary or permanent residency visa, must apply for a Panamanian license as soon as possible, as their foreign license will no longer be valid for driving in Panama.

The process of applying for a Panamanian license varies depending on the country of origin of the expat. Expats from countries that have a reciprocity agreement with Panama, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European countries, can obtain a Panamanian license without taking a driving test or a written exam, as long as they follow these steps:

• Visit the embassy or consulate of their home country in Panama and obtain a notarized affidavit that certifies the validity and authenticity of their foreign license

• Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama and obtain an apostille or a legalization stamp that validates the affidavit

• Visit the Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) in Panama and submit the following documents: original and copy of passport, original and copy of immigration card, original and copy of foreign license, original and copy of affidavit, original and copy of blood type certificate, original and copy of criminal record, and original and copy of health certificate

• Take a vision and hearing test at the ATTT or at an authorized center

• Pay the fees for the application and the license, which vary depending on the type and duration of the license

• Receive the Panamanian license, which will have the same expiration date as the foreign license

Expats from countries that do not have a reciprocity agreement with Panama, such as China, India, Pakistan, and most African and Middle Eastern countries, must take a driving test and a written exam, in addition to the steps mentioned above, in order to obtain a Panamanian license. The driving test and the written exam are administered only in Spanish, but expats can bring a translator with them. The driving test must be taken in a car provided by the expat, and the written exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on the traffic laws and regulations of Panama

Expats who drive in Panama must follow the traffic rules and regulations of the country, as well as the common sense and courtesy of the road. Some of the most important and relevant rules and regulations for expats are:

• Drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left side
• Wear a seat belt at all times and ensure that all passengers do the same
• Do not use a cell phone or any other device while driving, unless it is hands-free
• Do not drink and drive, as the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%
• Obey the speed limits, which are 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways, 80 km/h (50 mph) on main roads, and 40 km/h (25 mph) on urban roads, unless otherwise indicated
• Respect the traffic signs and signals, such as stop signs, yield signs, red lights, and yellow lines
• Carry the following documents on your person or inside the car at all times: your ID, your valid driving license, vehicle registration, insurance papers, and accident report form
• Report any accidents or incidents to the police and the insurance company as soon as possible, and do not move the car or leave the scene until the authorities arrive

Expats who drive in Panama should also be aware of some of the challenges and risks that they may encounter on the road, such as:

• Traffic congestion, especially in Panama City and during peak hours, which can cause delays, stress, and pollution
• Road conditions, which can vary from well-paved and well-marked highways to poorly-maintained and poorly-lit rural roads, and may be affected by weather, landslides, or floods
• Road hazards, such as potholes, speed bumps, animals, pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcycles, which may appear unexpectedly and require caution and attention
• Road etiquette, which can differ from the expat’s home country, and may involve aggressive, impatient, or careless drivers, who may not respect the rules or the rights of other road users
• Road safety, which can be compromised by the high rate of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, as well as the presence of crime and theft, especially in some areas or at night