# Colombia driving license regulation changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-driving-license-regulation-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-18T22:15:58.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The Colombian Ministry of Transport is implementing new regulations for obtaining or recategorizing driving licenses, effective September 14, 2026. The new model introduces a mandatory theoretical exam for first-time applicants and those seeking to change license categories, though existing license renewals remain exempt.

To prevent conflicts of interest, the government is separating the training and evaluation processes. While driving schools (CEA) previously handled both, the new system utilizes Logistics Support Evaluation Centers (CALE) to conduct exams. Legal entities with ties to driving schools are prohibited from registering as CALEs. 

The theoretical exam will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions, including 12 regarding attitudes and 28 covering core driver training topics. Results will be validated through the National Unified Transit Registry (RUNT). This transition is expected to introduce additional steps and costs for applicants, as exam fees will be independent of driving school tuition.

## Claims

- The Ministry of Transport established the new requirement via a circular from the Vice Ministry of Transport. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new driving license requirement will take effect on September 14, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The theoretical exam is mandatory for first-time applicants and those seeking to recategorize their licenses. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Drivers only renewing their existing licenses are exempt from the new theoretical exam. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The theoretical exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. (single source)
- Of the 40 exam questions, 12 relate to attitudes and 28 relate to driver training themes. (single source)
- Logistics Support Evaluation Centers (CALE) are authorized to grade the exams. (single source)
- Transit authorities must verify exam approval through the National Unified Transit Registry (RUNT). (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Colombia to implement new driving license exam requirements

Colombia will require new drivers and those recategorizing licenses to pass a 40-question theoretical exam starting September 14, 2026. License renewals remain exempt from this requirement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-to-implement-new-driving-license-exam-requirements

### 2026-08-14: Colombia introduces new requirements for driving licenses

Colombia will implement mandatory theoretical exams for new drivers and license recategorization starting September 2026, using independent evaluation centers (CALE) to separate training from testing.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-introduces-new-requirements-for-driving-licenses

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Cite as: Colombia driving license regulation changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-driving-license-regulation-changes