How can I get a Colombian Drivers License?

I'm currently living in Bogota, have a student visa and will have my shiny new Cedulla on Monday. I'm not planning to do a lot of driving in Colombia but I've lost my Australian license and will be needing to drive prior to going home. (at the World cup in South Africa).

I can drive, so I would prefer to do as few lessons and tests as possible.
My spanish is serviceable but not great.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

By adnar on Nov 20, 2009, 10:07 in Friendly Talkzone.

pedro says on Nov 20, 2009, 10:24:

Go to any driving school or driving tramites office. There is probably a cluster of them all around the "Transito".

There are very few documents required. You used to need your blood type certificate, but that may not even be required now. A copy of your cedula. Fork over about 150k and come back in 5 days or so. You may or may not be required to pass a quick check of your senses, depending on the office. There is no practical test of driving competency. Search previous posts as I may be forgetting something.

They have recently introduced RUNT (national registration), and the IT implementation was a complete clusterfuck and paralysed all vehicle transfers etc. So you may need to check if licenses are being issued right at this point in time.

Edited to add: You need passport sized photos too, of course.

"Pedro: Pease stop sounding like a pompous and arrogant ass." -- darloup

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Loggi says on Nov 20, 2009, 10:43:

I have just done this. 240,000 pesos and everything but the few tests are done for you

Live for the moments you can't put into words

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adnar says on Nov 20, 2009, 11:08:

Thanks pedro.

Loggi, you did what? What Pedro posted or something different?

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Loggi says on Nov 20, 2009, 11:14:

I paid the 120 and the man made all the arrangements and handled all the paper work. He made an appointment and met me there for the test.
The tests are in the same office and comprised an eye exam, ear exam, coordination test and 3 minutes with a doctor. This took about 45 minutes and he delivered my license 5 days later and collected the other 120

Now I understand Colombian drivers

Live for the moments you can't put into words

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Atrevido says on Nov 20, 2009, 13:26:

It´s my understanding that the rules are changing and you will no longer be able to have the driving school get your licence for after taking a course. I also understand that those of us with licenses issued a while back which have no expiration date will in fact have to get a new licence in the future.

https://sites.google.com/site/colombianaturesite/nature-images

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adnar says on Nov 20, 2009, 14:07:

So I should do it next week?

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Atrevido says on Nov 20, 2009, 16:00:

I would swing by a driving school and have them explain the timeline for the changes (and what they are).

https://sites.google.com/site/colombianaturesite/nature-images

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excavator59 says on Nov 20, 2009, 17:12:

I think most Colombians win them in a Raffle!

Life is like a Pubic Hair on a Toilet Seat (Sooner or Later you get Pissed Off)

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excavator59 says on Nov 22, 2009, 13:00:

Yes,El Expatriado that would be correct je-je.

Life is like a Pubic Hair on a Toilet Seat (Sooner or Later you get Pissed Off)

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adnar says on Nov 27, 2009, 09:34:

Hey guys, thanks for your help. Does anyone have a specific school they can reccomend? A local friend gave me this link: http://www.conducircolombia.com/EscuelasColombia/ but the 4 I went to don't exist. I live up by Pepe Sierra but not fussed if I have to travel a bit.. thanks.

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SiV says on Nov 27, 2009, 12:47:

Cut it out the back of a packet of Chococrispis?

Stultórum númere infinitum est.

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