By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move to enhance both road safety and social inclusion, Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Road Safety Education (DGEV) has announced a comprehensive plan to offer 24 specialized theoretical driving courses throughout 2026. This initiative is specifically designed to support individuals who require unique educational accommodations to successfully obtain their driver’s license.
The program, officially titled the “Regular Theoretical Course with Educational Supports,” targets a crucial segment of the population. It is open to aspiring drivers who have not completed the second cycle of basic general education, equivalent to the sixth grade, as well as those who have participated in specialized educational tracks such as Integrated Classroom, Prevocational programs, the MEP National Plan, or programs requiring Significant Accommodations. This marks a progressive shift from the program’s former, outdated designation as a “course for illiterates.”
To better understand the legal implications and responsibilities tied to driver education, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert perspective on the matter.
Proper driver education is more than just passing a test; it’s a fundamental exercise in risk management. From a legal standpoint, a well-documented, formal education in traffic law and defensive techniques demonstrates a driver’s due diligence. This can be a crucial factor in mitigating liability in the unfortunate event of an accident, protecting individuals from severe civil and financial repercussions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the conversation, shifting driver education from a simple rite of passage to a crucial, long-term strategy for personal and financial protection. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his invaluable insight into the due diligence every driver should consider.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of the 2026 schedule. The DGEV has committed to making the course widely available across the nation. At least one session will be held in each of its regional offices, ensuring that citizens outside the Central Valley have a fair opportunity to participate. Furthermore, the central headquarters in Paso Ancho, San José, will host the course every month of the year to meet the consistent demand in the capital region.
The structure of the course has been carefully crafted to maximize learning and retention for its specific audience. Classes are scheduled intensively from Monday to Thursday, with the theoretical examination administered on the Friday of the same week. Officials have confirmed that both the teaching methodologies and the final test are adapted to cater to the particular learning needs of the participants, creating a supportive environment conducive to success.
An official statement from the agency emphasized the program’s underlying philosophy of equal opportunity and comprehensive safety training for all potential drivers.
This initiative is designed to provide a tailored learning environment, ensuring that every citizen who requires specific educational support has a fair and accessible pathway to obtaining their driver’s license.
Spokesperson, General Directorate of Road Safety Education (DGEV)
To ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the intensive program, the DGEV has implemented a strict, non-negotiable attendance policy. Participants are required to attend all sessions in their entirety. Any absence, whether for a full day or even a portion of a class, will result in the automatic failure of the course. This stringent rule underscores the importance the agency places on receiving the complete, unabridged safety curriculum before attempting the final exam.
Prospective students can enroll through the official DGEV website. Registration for each course opens precisely one month prior to its start date. To secure a spot, applicants must have an active user account (username and password) on the portal and complete the required payment of ₡5,000. This fee is remarkably inclusive, covering the full cost of the four-day instructional course as well as the fee for the theoretical test, representing a significant value for participants.
By removing educational barriers, this DGEV program does more than just issue licenses; it opens doors to greater economic opportunities and personal mobility for a segment of the population that has historically faced challenges in this area. The initiative is a clear investment in a more inclusive society and safer roads for all of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit educacionvial.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Road Safety Education (DGEV):
The Dirección General de Educación Vial is the entity under Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) responsible for the training, evaluation, and accreditation of all drivers in the country. Its mission is to promote a culture of road safety and responsibility through comprehensive educational programs and standardized testing procedures to reduce traffic accidents.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body in Costa Rica in charge of national infrastructure projects, including the planning, construction, and maintenance of public roads, bridges, and airports. It also oversees all aspects of national transportation, including public transit and road safety regulations, through its various directorates like the DGEV.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the Costa Rican government institution responsible for overseeing the nation’s education system at all levels, from preschool to high school. It establishes the national curriculum, manages public schools, and develops specialized educational programs, including those designed to support students with diverse learning needs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm leverages a rich history of serving a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions and drive innovation within the field. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a deep-rooted belief in its social responsibility, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the public with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and informed society.
