Starting March 2, 2026, Costa Rica will implement separate theoretical driving tests for automobile and motorcycle licenses. The change was announced by Sindy Coto, Director of Road Education at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), who stated that until February 27, 2026, the current unified testing system will remain in place.
“We are pleased to announce that, thanks to the commitment and work of this Directorate as well as the Information Technology Advisory (ATI) of COSEVI, from next March 2 we will have differentiated theoretical tests for automobiles and motorcycles. This will allow us to better evaluate the skills, abilities, and basic knowledge required for each vehicle type, which are evidently different for both license classes,” said Coto.
The new approach is based on updated manuals—one for car drivers and another specifically for motorcyclists. These manuals are expected to be available for purchase no later than February 2, 2026.
“The requirements regarding credentials needed to register for the test, its cost as well as modalities (regular and proficiency), special programs (accommodations or support for deaf individuals) will not change. Only from March 2 onward must a person choose whether their theoretical test will be for a car or a motorcycle,” explained Coto.
To ensure an orderly transition, there will be a period during which those who pass the theoretical exam before February 27, 2026 can enroll in either practical test—car or motorcycle—without taking an additional theory exam until December 31, 2026. After this date, if someone has not completed their practical test but passed their theory exam before February 27, their approval applies only to automobile licenses.
“It is essential to have an independent training process; we hope this change significantly contributes to road safety in our country with more conscious drivers who are better prepared and more capable of preventing accidents—especially since motorcycles have high participation in traffic incidents,” concluded Coto.
