Do you need a vehicle?
If you live in the central area, and your job is not far away from your home, a private vehicle is not essential, Uber and the metro could be enough. Most of the expats living in Panama do not have a car, by the way, many Panamanians own a car. Driving in Panama can be not fun, you can often get stuck in traffic for a long time. Owning a car in Panama is generally not expensive.
Buy a car in PanamaRead our complete article How to Get a Vehicle in Panama to get more information. Budget
Regardless if you are paying cash or thinking about financing, it is important to determine how much you can afford before you find the right car. Think of other costs like insurance, and registration fees.
Research
Research the type of car you want based on your budget. Websites like Encuentra24 and MercadoLibre are popular platforms in Panama for browsing both new and used vehicles.
Dealership or private sale?
Look for reputable dealerships in Panama City with a history of good customer service and transparent dealings could be the safest option to buy a car, as well as, a private deal could let you find cheap deals. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, and maybe some of them are selling their cars.
Inspect the Vehicle and make a Test Drive
When buying a second hand-car, always investigate it. You should think about hiring a reliable mechanic who would do a pre-purchase inspection to reveal any possible problems. It costs about $150, but it can raise the chances that future mechanical problems will be avoided. Test drive the car to evaluate its performance, comfort, and handling. Listen to uncommon sounds or vibrations and check all features and functions.
Negotiate the price
Do not hesitate to offer a counter proposal. Haggling is a standard practice in Panama, so you must be willing to haggle with the vendor to get the most favorable price. Normally the price is a few percent higher, so you can easily take it down. Study the market price of the car prior to trading to have an idea of its cost.
How to Get a Driving License in Panama
To get a driving license in Panama, you should go through a series of steps that involve bureaucratic processes, theoretical tests, and practical tests.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a driver’s license in Panama.
Read here our full article about How to Get a Driving License in PanamaTheoretical Training and Diploma
Register in a driving school, accredited by the Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT), and complete the theoretical course on driving regulations. The school will provide you with a book with a total of 100+ questions and the answers that will appear on the written test. You can also exercise with the virtual test here, which contains all the actual questions. The driving school will also provide you with the mandatory diploma that you must show at the ATTT.
Application Process
Once you get the mandatory diploma from the driving school, enroll yourself on the official website here to schedule your driving and written tests. Bring all the required documentation to the ATTT when you do the exam.
Practical Test
Firstly, you have to pass a practical driving test, which assesses your ability to safely operate a vehicle in various traffic situations.
Written Test
Pass a written test based on the theoretical knowledge obtained during your course. This test covers traffic laws, signals, and basic vehicle maintenance. You can do a simulation here.Type of Licenses in Panama:
TypeVehicleABicycleBMotorbikeCCars and trucksDLight trucks up to eight tons and buses up to sixteen passengersEPublic passenger transport vehicleE1 aSelective transportE2 bBuses with up to sixteen passengersE3 cBuses with more than sixteen passengersFUnit trucks of more than eight tons and buses of more than sixteen passengersGCombined trucksHDangerous cargo transport vehiclesIHeavy equipment
Convert a Foreign Driving License in Panama
As a foreigner, you can legally drive in Panama using your own license for the first 90 days you are in the country. After the 90 days, make sure to convert your foreign Driving Licenses to comply with local laws and drive legally while in the country. This comprehensive article gives the details of the process, eligibility, necessary documents, and fees involved, to guide in how to convert your driving license into a Panamanian one.Check it out our complete guide Convert a Foreign Driving License in PanamaEligibility and Initial Considerations
To be eligible for conversion, applicants must:
- Be a legal resident of Panama.
- Possess a valid driving license from their home country.
- Have no outstanding traffic fines or sanctions in Panama.
Foreign drivers can use their national driving license for up to 90 days after entry into Panama. Beyond this period, those intending to stay must convert their license if they wish to continue driving.Required Documentss
The conversion process requires the following documentation:
- Original valid driving license: Your current driver’s license, which must be valid.
- Passport: A copy of your passport, including the entry stamp page.
- Residence Card: A copy of your residence permit in Panama.
- Blood Type Certificate: Required if your license does not include this information.
- Health Certificate: Issued by a doctor recognized in Panama.
- National Translation: In a licensed language other than Spanish, provided by a certified translator based in Panama.
The Conversion Process
- License verification: The verification of your foreign license should be done by the Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT) and could require help by your own country’s authorities.
- Medical Examination: Get a medical certificate from a nearby doctor to certify that you are able to drive. Blood tests are also necessary to know your blood type.
- Submit Documents: Submit all required documents to ATTT for processing.
- Payment of Fees: Pay required modification and licensing fees.
- Obtain a Panama License: Once approved, you will be issued a new Panama driver’s license.
Conclusion
The process of converting your foreign driving license in Panama is a complex one and every step needs to be meticulously planned and understood with respect to the local terms and related costs. By following the guide, expatriates and long-term visitors can ensure compliance with Panamanian laws and the opportunity to drive freely across the nation.
