Driving in Costa Rica

You may use your current driver's license for up to 90 days if you are a tourist. After 90 days you must get a Costa Rican driver's license. At present foreigners can obtain a Costa Rican license if the possess a valid U.S. license. All permanent residents and pensionados must have a Costa Rican license to drive in Costa Rica.

It is relatively easy to obtain a license if you meet the requirements. First, go to San Jose's central driver's license office where licenses are issued. It's located one block west of Plaza Víquez on the southwest corner (Ave. 18 and Calle 5, Tel: 227-2188). You can also obtain a license from the regional offices in Liberia, Limón, Perez Zeledón, San Carlos and San Ramón

Good news! The days of long lines to renew a Costa Rican driver's license are over, thanks to new digital equipment which now processes licenses in a few minutes.

If you have a license from your own country, it's only a matter of taking an eye exam, transferring information, paying a small processing fee, having a little-or a lot of- patience and you will have your license in an hour. First, go across the street to one of the businesses with a sign outside saying, "Dictamen or Examen Médico". You will have to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history, read an eye chart and pay about $10 dollars to a doctor to get a "medical certificate." In the past, only people over fifty had to go through this cursory medical exam. Now people of all ages have to take it in order to get a license.

Next, cross the street and go to a window where you show a clerk your driver's license from your country and pay about $15 dollars U.S. You also have to leave your passport or residency card with the clerk. Then go to the next window and wait until your name is called. The employee hands you a piece of paper and you go to have your photo taken for your license at which time your passport or residency card is returned. Finally, you sit and wait for about fifteen minutes to a half hour. When your name is called you go to the counter and receive your Costa Rican license "hot off the presses." It is actually hot from the laminating machine. It is valid for three years. To renew your license, the procedure is similar to the steps described above.

If you don't have a current license or if your license has expired you have to take a driver's test and written exam as in the U.S. The first step involves learning the basic traffic laws, road signs and driver's etiquette that are slightly different here. There are several courses through the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation designed to help you learn about driving in Costa Rica and pass the written test. Courses cost about $5.00 and the required test costs a little over $3.00. After passing the written exam, you have to take the driving test. Once you pass both tests you may get your license. To find out about courses and test sites nearest you call the Ministry at 226-4201, 226-4213, 226-7944, 227-5158 or 228-9297. This is all worthwhile if you plan to live and drive in Costa Rica.

One thing we would like to point out is that in most cases a driver's license is not a valid form of identification as in the U.S. In order to cash checks or identify yourself you need a passport or a cédula. The latter is issued only when you have permanent residency in Costa Rica.

Whether you are renting a car or using your own automobile, always keep the proper documents in your car. Check with your lawyer to see what documents are required. If you are a pensionado and your car has special pensionado plates, the police will occasionally stop you to see if your paperwork is in order. If a policeman should stop you, above all be polite, stay calm, and do not be verbally abusive. Most traffic police are courteous and helpful. However, if you commit a traffic violation, some policemen will try to have you pay for your ticket on the spot. Be advised this is not the standard procedure. If this happens to you, there are two offices where you can complain. You can file your complaints with the Judicial Police (O.I.J.) or with the Legal Department of the Transit Police (227-2188). Finally, if you are involved in a traffic accident, don't move your car and be sure to contact the local traffic police (222-7150, 227-8030) so they can make out a report.

Be very careful when driving in San José or any other city. Most streets in San José are narrow, one way and very crowded due to heavy traffic. Names of streets are not on signposts on the street corners as in the United States. Most streets' names are on small blue signs on the sides of buildings. Some streets don't even have signs. There is some car theft in Costa Rica. To discourage thieves you should always park your car in your garage or public parking lots. If you park on the street make sure there is someone like a guard who can watch your car. Always lock your car and set the alarm system.

When driving in the countryside, drive only during the day, watch out for livestock, and be sure to use some kind of map. Don't get off the main paved road unless absolutely necessary during the rainy season if your car does not have four-wheel drive. You may end up getting stuck in the mud. Unfortunately, the only way to many of Costa Rica's best beaches and mountain resorts is by unpaved roads. So be careful!

While on this subject, let's say a word about potholes or huecosas they are commonly known here. The Costa Rican government tries to keep its paved roads in good shape but can't keep up with the workload. So watch out for potholes and ruts in the pavement. Your car's shocks and suspension system will be grateful.

Driving Times in and around Costa Rica
Driving times from San José are based on 43 km an hour which is about 27 mph.


LOCATION DISTANCE (KM) TIME
Alajuela 18 25 minutes
Atenas 45 1 hour 10 minutes
Cahuita 195 3 hours 15 minutes
Cartago 20 25 minutes
Cañas 182 2 hours 50 minutes
Cd Quesada 100 2 hours 40 minutes
Golfito 330 8 hours 30 minutes
Grecia 43 1 hour
Heredia 12 25 minutes
Jacó 102 2 hours
Liberia 228 3 hours 30 minutes
Limón 153 2 hours 15 minutes
Monteverde 162 4 hours
Nicoya via Liberia 318 4 hours
Parrita via Jacó 243 3 hours 15 minutes
Paso Canoas 349 8 hours
Peñas Blancas 292 4 hours
Playas de Cocos 262 4 hours
Puntarenas 105 1 hour 15 minutes
Quepos via Jacó 268 3 hours 15 minutes
San Isidro de El General 131 3 hours
Tamarindo 301 4 hours 15 minutes
Tilarán 209 3 hours 15 minutes
Volcán Irazú 53 1 hour 40 minutes
Volcán Poas 55 1 hour 30 minutes

For your information there is a new book, "The Essential Road Guide for Costa Rica" by Bill Baker, designed to make driving easier. This book is also available through Costa Rica Books. For more details please see the books we list.