RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in Mexico

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence, tipo A

Getting your licence in Mexico

Theory test, about 20 questions (Mexico City)In person
Driving test (Mexico City)None
Permanent licence (Mexico City, 2026)MX$1,500
Test languageSpanish

Mexico City figures. Each state sets its own tests and fees, and some also test your driving.

Before you start driving

2
Learner permitNo learner stage in Mexico City.
Medical checkNot in Mexico City. Some states ask for a medical certificate or your blood type.

Required lessons

1
Driving lessonsNot required in Mexico City. Driving schools are optional.

Good to know

8
Minimum age18 for a standard car licence (tipo A). In Mexico City, 16- and 17-year-olds can get a minor's permit (MX$587) after a course at a certified driving school, with a parent's signature. It lasts until they turn 18.
Licence validitySet by each state. In Mexico City, the licence is permanent: no expiry. It's offered until the end of 2026.
Exam languagesSpanish.
If you failMexico City: you can retake the theory test. Book a new appointment.
Automatic or manualNo restriction.
New driversNo probation period in Mexico City. Other states set their own rules.
Already have a licence from abroad?Mexico doesn't exchange foreign licences: you apply for a licence in your state. See the Abroad tab.
Also worth knowing
  • Apply in 2026 if you can: Mexico City's finance secretary said the permanent licence won't be issued after this year.
  • Foreign residents can use their residence card (tarjeta de residente) as ID. The permanent licence covers cars only, not motorcycles.

Step by step

  1. Book the testBook "Evaluación de licencia permanente" on SEMOVI's appointment site. A study guide is there too.
  2. Theory testIn person at SEMOVI: road rules, signs and speed limits. First-time applicants only.
  3. PayPay MX$1,500 through Mexico City's online services (Llave CDMX).
  4. Get your licenceAt your appointment, bring your ID and proof of address in Mexico City or the State of Mexico.

Tips From driving schools and examiners

  • The questions are drawn from a bank of about 200 on Mexico City's mobility law and traffic regulations, so study the whole guide, not just the signs.
  • You have 25 minutes. Answer every question: many who fail leave some blank or miss the pass mark by a single answer.
  • Around 3 in 10 fail, often from nerves or too little study. Give the guide more than one evening.

Based on: Excélsior: Why people fail the permanent licence test (Nov 2024, Spanish) ↗

Official links

SEMOVI: Permanent licence, first-time applicants (Spanish) ↗SSC: Mexico City Traffic Regulations (Reglamento de Tránsito, Spanish) ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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