~ Espanol ~   Translate to your Language by Clicking on Your Flag  

Driving in Costa Rica is an adventure. Driving in San José is not recommended until you get your bearings (street markings are poor or non-existent downtown) and have a feel for how the Costa Rican drivers behave (or misbehave).

Nationwide the driving conditions are challenging due to potholes, sudden rainstorms, narrow bridges, farm animals and traffic jams. For rental or purchase, 4 wheel drive vehicles are recommended if you will spend very much time in rural or outlying areas. If most of your driving will be in the city or on good highways, then you will appreciate the economy of a compact automobile. For those who live on the beach, an ATV is a good choice for economy, natural air conditioning and road conditions.

You may use your current driver's license for up to 90 days if you are a tourist. After 90 days you must get a Costa Rican driver's license. At present foreigners can obtain a Costa Rican license if the possess a valid U.S. license. All permanent residents and pensionados must have a Costa Rican license to drive in Costa Rica.

It is relatively easy to obtain a license if you meet the requirements. First, go to San Jose's central driver's license office where licenses are issued. You can also obtain a license from the regional offices in Liberia, Limón, Perez Zeldón, San Carlos and San Ramón. If you have a license from your own country, it is only a matter of taking an eye exam, transferring information, paying a small processing fee and you will have your license in an hour.

If you do not have a current license or if your license has expired, you have to take a driver's test and written exam as in the U.S. The first step involves learning the basic traffic laws, road signs and driver's etiquette that are slightly different here. There are several courses through the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation designed to help you learn about driving in Costa Rica and pass the written test. Courses cost about $5.00 and the required test costs a little over $3.00. After passing the written exam, you have to take the driving test. Once you pass both tests you may get your license.

Whether you are renting a car or using your own automobile, always keep the proper documents in your car. Check with your lawyer to see what documents are required. If you are a pensionado and your car has special pensionado plates, the police will occasionally stop you to see if your paperwork is in order.

Be very careful when driving in San José or any other city. Most streets in San José are narrow, one-way and very crowded due to heavy traffic. Names of streets are not on signposts on the street corners as in the United States. Most streets' names are on small blue signs on the sides of buildings. Some streets do not even have signs.

There is some car theft in Costa Rica. To discourage thieves you should always park your car in your garage or public parking lots. If you park on the street make sure there is someone like a guard who can watch your car. Always lock your car and set the alarm system.

When driving in the countryside, drive only during the day, watch out for livestock and be sure to use some kind of map. Do not get off the main paved road unless absolutely necessary during the rainy season if your car does not have four-wheel drive. You may end up getting stuck in the mud. Unfortunately, the only way towards many of Costa Rica's best beaches and mountain resorts is by unpaved roads. So be careful!

Back to Top

©Copyright InCostaRicaGuide.com™ 2006 and Beyond...

All Rights Reserved