Driving licenceUruguay
Traffic rules
Uruguay
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 A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.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 Uruguay?
You need a valid licence for the particular vehicle category. Check the local vehicle-category table and any conditions on your document; permission to ride a motorcycle or drive a small vehicle does not automatically authorise driving an ordinary car.
Can a visitor drive in Uruguay using a driving licence issued abroad?
Check the requirements for your licence and visit. For example, UK Government guidance permits a UK photocard driving licence for the first 90 days after arrival in Uruguay and requires a Uruguayan licence after that. Paper licences and hire companies can have additional requirements; holders of other licences should confirm their applicable rules.
Does an International Driving Permit replace the original licence in Uruguay?
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
