In Chile, after three years of pandemic, many drivers face the renewal of their driver’s licenses, since the term of validity of the old licenses comes to an end this year. This procedure had been put aside due to the confinement by COVID-19, but now it is mandatory for thousands of drivers who must present their records and meet the requirements to renew their licenses.
The renewal process of the driver’s license It is carried out in the Office of the Transit Directorate of the corresponding municipality. Some locations are first-come, first-served, while others allow you to book an appointment. It is important to note that the cost varies according to the type of license, Class B being the most requested, with an approximate cost of 30,000 to 40,000 Chilean pesos.
To access the renewal of the driver’s license, certain requirements must be met. If this is the first time you have obtained the license in Chile, you must be over 18 years of age (exceptionally it can be delivered at 17 years of age), have a valid identity card and a certificate of completed basic education. Applicants must take theoretical-practical exams on traffic laws, as well as psychotechnical and vision medical exams. For renewal, the previous license must be presented, the reflexes and vision tests must be met, and in the case of professionals, a theory test must be taken.
However, there are diseases that may prevent the renewal of the driver’s license, as established in the Regulations for the Granting of Driver’s Licenses in Chile. These include diseases that affect compromised consciousness, involuntary movements that prevent acting quickly and accurately, anatomical or functional defects that make driving difficult, respiratory failure that requires oxygen, and permanent grade III and IV heart failure.
However, applicants may avoid rejection by disease submitting a medical report certifying your ability to drive under your responsibility. It is important to note that those drivers who do not carry their license when inspected by the Chilean carabineros could face sanctions, such as fines ranging between 31,000 and 62,000 Chilean pesos.