Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to get a driver’s license in Guatemala for a while now. I mean, who wouldn’t want the freedom to just hop in a car and explore this beautiful country at their own pace? After a bit of digging around and asking people, I finally figured out how to do it, and let me tell you, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Also, if you hold a valid U.S. driver license, you can drive in Guatemala within thirty days.
First off, I learned that you gotta be at least 18 years old to get a driver’s license here, which makes sense. I made sure I had my passport ready because you definitely need that.
Then, I found out that Guatemala recognizes the International Driver’s Permit. That means if you are just planning a visit to Guatemala, you can just apply for an IDP, starting at only $35.

Here are the steps that I took:
- Gather Your Documents: I got my passport. You’ll also need to fill out an application form, but I got that at the licensing office.
- Pass the Tests: There’s a written test and a practical driving test. The written one was mostly common sense stuff about traffic rules. For the driving test, I practiced a bit beforehand to get used to the local driving style.
- Pay the Fee: There’s a fee for the license, of course. It wasn’t too expensive, and I paid it at the office.
- Get Your License: After passing the tests and paying the fee, they processed my application, and I got my shiny new Guatemalan driver’s license!
Honestly, the whole process was pretty straightforward. The people at the licensing office were helpful, and everything went smoothly. Now I can legally drive around Guatemala, which is awesome! I can’t wait to hit the road and explore all the amazing places this country has to offer.
If you’re thinking about getting a driver’s license in Guatemala, just go for it! It’s totally doable, and the freedom it gives you is 100% worth it. Trust me, being able to drive around and explore at your own leisure is a game-changer. Just make sure you have all your documents in order and study up on the traffic rules, and you’ll be good to go.