Traffic rulesPanama

The Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT) regulates driver licensing and road-traffic requirements.

Sertracen operates the authorised licensing centres that process applications, validations, renewals and licence cards.

Yes. A valid licence is recognised throughout Panama, subject to its categories, restrictions and current legal status.

The principal framework is the Road Traffic Regulation adopted by Executive Decree No. 640 of 2006, as amended.

Yes. Sertracen provides an online appointment and transaction portal for supported services.

Yes. The Sertracen portal provides a service for checking a driver’s infringement history.

Yes. Additional authorised categories can be added to the same driver record through the licence-extension procedure.

Yes. The licence must be current and must authorise the particular vehicle being driven.

No. Available categories, simulators, practical tracks and appointment schedules differ between branches.

On the current Sertracen page for the service and with the selected branch before attending.

The ordinary minimum age is 18 years.

Yes. A minor aged 16 or 17 can apply for the official provisional driving permit.

The current Sertracen procedure applies to categories A, B and C.

Yes. A parent or legal guardian must submit the required request, accept civil responsibility and remain present during the administrative process.

Yes. A bank guarantee or insurance bond covering third-party damage for B/.25,000 is required.

Until the minor turns 18 or until the earlier expiry established by the bank or insurer.

It expires when the bond, immigration card or authorised period expires, or when the holder turns 18, whichever occurs first.

Yes. A valid theoretical and practical training certificate from an ATTT-authorised provider is required.

Yes. Visual, hearing, theory and practical validations are required.

Yes. A certificate of good physical and mental health is required and is normally valid for six months.

Yes. A negative test for marijuana and cocaine from an authorised laboratory is required and is normally valid for six months.

No. The holder must complete the adult licensing procedure applicable at that time.

A current original personal identity card in good condition.

A current immigration card and the original passport corresponding to the nationality recorded on that card.

Yes, where the current procedure recognises that document.

Yes. Differences can require original supporting documents before the application continues.

Yes. They must be translated and stamped by an interpreter authorised in Panama when required.

Yes. A laboratory result showing blood type and Rh factor is part of the first-issue procedure.

Yes. Applicants complete the visual and auditory validations required by the ATTT.

A current otolaryngologist’s diagnosis and audiometry test can replace the ordinary hearing validation under the stated procedure.

No. The applicant must meet the applicable safety requirements and may use an appropriate vehicle or supporting medical evidence.

Yes. Additional physical or mental-health certification can be required for particular categories, ages or conditions.

Yes. The applicant must present a theoretical and practical training certificate issued by an ATTT-authorised provider.

The current Sertracen procedure gives it a validity of 365 days from issue.

Yes. It must certify competence for the vehicle category being requested.

No. The provider must be authorised by the ATTT.

The applicant may need a new valid certificate before the licence can be issued.

Sertracen states that a started procedure must be completed at the same branch.

Yes.

Yes. The applicant must be paz y salvo with the ATTT.

Yes. A person with 50 or more points cannot complete the issue or extension procedure under the current requirements.

An appointment can be requested, but every required document must remain valid when the procedure is completed.

No. Driving-school, medical and laboratory costs are separate.

No. Sertracen limits such applicants to categories A, B and C.

Visual, auditory, theoretical and practical validations.

Road rules, signs, definitions, safe behaviour and responsibilities under Panama’s traffic regulation.

Yes. It publishes an official collection of theoretical examination questions.

Applicants should follow the current branch instructions because delivery systems and question selection can change.

Many branches provide it, but the applicant should confirm the service before booking.

Yes. Another person cannot complete the tests for the applicant.

A new appointment or repeat attempt is required under the current Sertracen procedure.

Yes. Impersonation or fraudulent documentation can lead to refusal and legal consequences.

Yes. Renewal ordinarily includes visual and auditory validation.

Yes. Extension procedures commonly require both for the new category.

Yes, but memorising answers should not replace understanding the traffic regulation.

No. All validations and document requirements must be completed.

Yes. It must be suitable for every category being tested.

Yes. The vehicle must have current registration markings and be in good condition.

No. The applicant generally brings a suitable vehicle, except where an identified rental service is available at the Panama City practical-validation centre.

Yes, when the school is authorised and the vehicle matches a valid certificate held by the applicant.

Yes. Accompanying persons must remain outside the test area.

The inspector explains the instructions before the test but does not guide the applicant through the execution.

Yes, whenever the vehicle type requires one.

Sertracen states that it must not stall more than two times.

Yes.

Yes. Unsafe weather, risks to the inspector or force majeure can suspend testing.

Bicycles under the category structure in Panama’s traffic regulation.

Motorcycles.

Cars, pickup-style light vehicles and minivans carrying up to nine persons under the category definition.

Light trucks up to eight tonnes and private buses carrying up to 16 passengers.

Selective public passenger transport, such as taxis.

Public-transport buses carrying up to 16 passengers.

Public-transport buses carrying more than 16 passengers.

Single-unit trucks over eight tonnes and buses carrying more than 16 passengers.

Combination trucks.

Vehicles transporting dangerous cargo.

Heavy equipment.

No. The driver must obtain each additional category required for the vehicle and its use.

No. The current procedure reserves E1, E2 and E3 for Panamanian nationals.

At least two years with an active Type C or D licence.

At least two years with an active Type C or D licence.

At least two years with an active Type F licence.

Yes. A negative marijuana and cocaine result from an authorised laboratory is required.

Yes, for the professional and heavy extensions specified by Sertracen.

Yes. The certificate must cover the requested professional or heavy category.

A public-service vehicle with an assigned route must present the required out-of-route permit.

No. Public and commercial vehicles must also comply with permits, insurance, registration and operating rules.

Yes. The current procedure bars completion when the applicant has accumulated 50 or more points.

The standard validity period is four years.

It is valid for two years.

A certificate of good physical and mental health from an internal-medicine or geriatrics specialist, normally no more than six months old.

The driver must complete a practical skills validation for the categories held.

Up to one year before the current licence expires.

Yes, when it is available.

Sertracen may require a waiting period of 72 working hours for infringement verification.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. It ends with the immigration card or after four years, whichever comes first.

Request a duplicate through the Sertracen procedure.

No. It replaces the existing document and normally retains the underlying expiry.

Yes.

No.

It is the procedure for adding another vehicle category to an existing licence.

Yes. Required prior categories and experience must be current and active.

Yes. It must cover the category being added.

Yes.

Yes, under Sertracen’s stated procedure.

No. The driver must first become clear with the ATTT.

Yes. A valid physical foreign licence can be recognised through the official homologation procedure.

Only once, when applying for the first Panamanian licence.

Yes. It must be current, undamaged and meet document-security requirements.

Yes. The issuing authority, consulate, embassy or accepted diplomatic representation must certify validity and provide a certified copy.

Yes, by an authorised interpreter in Panama.

No.

No.

No. Those categories are excluded and are reserved for Panamanian nationals.

No. Validity is limited by immigration status and cannot exceed four years.

Yes.

A total of 50 points or more.

Yes.

Yes. The traffic regulation and court or ATTT procedures can impose suspension or cancellation for specific offences.

No.

No.

No. The licence is personal and non-transferable.

Yes. Alcohol-impaired driving is an offence and can lead to fines, licence action and other sanctions.

No. Impairing drugs or narcotics can lead to criminal and administrative consequences.

Yes, under the applicable enforcement procedure.

No. The official driver history determines legal entitlement.

This FAQ was prepared from current ATTT regulations and Sertracen’s official licensing procedures.

Last reviewed: 4 August 2026.

This website is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with the ATTT, Sertracen, a licensing branch, driving school, medical provider or laboratory.

Official legislation and the current instructions of the competent authority always take precedence.