Mexico Driving and Autos: Driving and Driver's License
Drivers operate their vehicles on the right-hand side of the road in Mexico.
Requirements for Locals
Each state in Mexico issues their own driver’s licenses with the process being overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways. Information relating to the license and application process and a directory of license and driving test centers can be found on the ministry’s website: www.setravi.df.gob.mx. The requirements for applying for a new license do vary slightly between states but all states recognize each other's licenses.
There are two different driver’s license categories. A type A license allows the holder to drive any vehicle for personal use, including passenger cars and motorbikes. A type B license is required for professional drivers and is primarily aimed at taxi drivers. Prior to applying for any license, a new applicant must first hold a minors permit, which is valid for 1 to 12 months, depending on the state. The full license must be renewed every three years.
Written and Road Test
Some variation exists between states in the exact requirements for the driving test, although most will require evidence of having attended a driving school that includes both practical- and classroom-based learning. On the day of the driving test some states issue a written theory test, whereas others require attendance at a theory class for a set number of hours. After the class or test, paperwork is issued that allows the applicant to take the practical driving test.
Residence
You must be a Mexican national or have a valid residency visa to obtain a driver’s license.
Age
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a type A or B license to drive a car. The minimum age for a minors permit is 16.
Identification
You must present a valid Mexican ID document for any new application. For a minors permit, the parents must be present to sign.
Fee
There is an issuing fee for a new license, which is paid directly to the driver’s license office at the end of the test. For license renewals the Ministry of Transportation and Highways offers an online payment service.
Other Requirements
A vision test is required in some states. Your blood type must be declared; if this is unknown, you will be asked to take a test at a local clinic.
Requirements for Foreigners
Driving Using a Foreign License
Driver’s licenses issued in other countries may be used in Mexico, but it is recommended to have the license translated into Spanish to ensure police officers can read it if required.
The International Driving Permit, valid for 12 months from the date of issue, is also recognized in Mexico and can be used to drive legally on public roads and to apply for a Mexican license. See below for information on obtaining an International Driving Permit.
Obtaining a Local License
If you have been granted a residency visa, you may also apply for a Mexican driver’s license, which can be held alongside your foreign license. Foreigners must follow the same procedures for locals, listed above, but will be issued a license that is valid for only two years in the first instance. The renewal process is straightforward and can be completed online at any time within 12 months of the expiry date.
In addition to taking the theory and practical tests, some centers will ask for further written confirmation of your status in Mexico. This could include your Mexican visa or residency document, proof of address, and a supporting letter from a Mexican national.
International Driving Permit
Mexico is a member of the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which means that a valid International Driver's Permit (IDP) from a country that is also a member of this Convention can be used, if you do not have a valid Mexican driver’s license. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of entry into Mexico and must be issued from the same country as your original driver’s license.
An IDP includes your name, photo, and basic information in ten languages. When carried together with a foreign license, it can serve as local identification in addition to permitting you to drive. It is valid in over 150 countries. The IDP is only valid when carried in conjunction with a driver’s license issued by your home country.
Australia
If you are an Australian citizen, you must have a valid Australian driver’s license to get an IDP. The local Australian Automobile Association (AAA) office issues IDPs: www.aaa.asn.au/touring/idp.htm.
Canada
To get an IDP in Canada, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license. The Canadian Automobile Association issues IDPs: www.caa.ca/idp.
France
French citizens should contact the Automobile Club Association to get an IDP in France: www.automobile-club.org.
Germany
German citizens with valid EU driver’s licenses may apply for an IDP with the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobile-Club E.V. (ADAC): www.adac.de.
The United Kingdom
If you are a UK citizen, you can get an IDP from your local post office, the RAC (an automotive services company), or the Automobile Association (AA). You must be a resident of the UK, have a full UK driver’s license, and be at least 18 years old. For more information, visit the RAC at www.rac.co.uk, or the AA at www.theaa.com.
The United States
To obtain an IDP in the US, you must be over the age of 18 and have a valid US driver’s license. An IDP can be obtained from any Automobile Association of America (AAA) office or by mail if you are already overseas. For more information, visit the AAA website: www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html.
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