Driving licenceChile
Traffic rules
Chile
1. Driving licence
A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.
Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.
Which driving-licence entitlement is needed for an ordinary car in Chile?
In Chile, an ordinary private car generally requires a class B driving licence. A different entitlement may be needed for motorcycles, heavy vehicles, trailers or passenger transport.
Can a visitor drive in Chile using a driving licence issued abroad?
Foreign nationals staying as tourists in Chile may drive during their authorised tourist stay while carrying a valid licence issued under their own country’s laws that is equivalent to Chile’s non-professional class B. A competent court may require an official translation. Other categories, residence status and treaty-based entitlements require their own checks; do not assume the tourist exception covers every vehicle or stay.
Does an International Driving Permit replace the original licence in Chile?
No. An International Driving Permit accompanies the underlying valid driving licence; it does not replace it. Carry both when using an IDP, and check which permit or translation is accepted for your licence and visit.
🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, IDPs and underlying driving licences
