Types of Driver's Licenses and Requirements

In Costa Rica, obtaining a driver's license is managed by the General Directorate of Road Education of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). There are several types of driver's licenses, depending on the type of vehicle to be driven:

• Type A License: For motorcycles. It is divided into subcategories according to the engine displacement of the motorcycle:

  • A1: Motorcycles up to 125 cc.
  • A2: Motorcycles from 126 cc to 500 cc.
  • A3: Motorcycles over 500 cc.

• Type B License: For private cars and light cargo vehicles:

  • B1: Cars and light cargo vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 4 tons.
  • B2: Cargo vehicles up to 8 tons.
  • B3: Heavy cargo vehicles and buses with no weight limit.

• Type C License: For drivers of public transport vehicles:

  • C1: Taxis.
  • C2: Urban collective transport buses.
  • C3: Tourist transport.

• Type D License: For operating special equipment vehicles, such as agricultural or construction machinery.

• Type E License: For transporting hazardous materials.

Requirements for Obtaining a License

The general requirements include:

• Meeting the minimum age requirement according to the type of license:
  • 18 years for Type B1, A1, and A2 licenses.
  • 21 years for Type C and A3 licenses.
• Passing the theoretical road education course.
• Passing the practical driving test.
• Submitting a digital medical certificate.
• Paying the corresponding fees for the license rights.
• Possessing a valid identification card (or a residence document in the case of foreigners) and the payment receipt for the procedure.

Appointments for the theoretical and practical tests can be obtained through the MOPT Road Education website or by calling the number enabled for these procedures. It is important to note that the payment for the test must be made at authorized financial institutions, and it is recommended not to share credentials with third parties to avoid fraud or issues with accessing personal information.