By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The notoriously long waits for a practical driving test in Costa Rica have become a thing of the past, according to a landmark announcement from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). The General Directorate of Road Safety Education (DGEV) has confirmed a significant excess of available appointments, marking a major operational turnaround for one of the government’s most in-demand public services.
For years, securing a timely slot for the practical driving exam was a significant hurdle for new drivers. However, data from 2025 reveals a dramatic shift. The DGEV successfully offered an average of 1,000 appointments per day across its 13 national locations, creating a supply that ultimately outpaced citizen demand. This new efficiency has effectively eliminated the backlog that once plagued the system.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y los derechos de los aspirantes durante la prueba práctica de manejo, consultamos al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del reconocido Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece una perspectiva clave sobre el proceso.
Es fundamental que el proceso de evaluación práctica de manejo se rija por criterios objetivos y claramente definidos en el reglamento. Cualquier evaluación basada en la subjetividad del examinador podría ser impugnable legalmente. El aspirante tiene derecho a una prueba justa y transparente, y el resultado debe ser un reflejo fidedigno de su habilidad, no de una percepción personal. Un fallo injustificado no solo retrasa la obtención de la licencia, sino que también puede vulnerar el derecho al trabajo y a la libre circulación.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva legal subraya una verdad crucial: la prueba práctica de manejo no es un simple trámite, sino un proceso con implicaciones directas sobre derechos fundamentales. La objetividad, por tanto, no es una opción sino una obligación para garantizar la justicia y la seguridad jurídica del aspirante. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su esclarecedor análisis.
The achievement represents a new era of accessibility for thousands of Costa Ricans seeking to obtain their driver’s license. Sindy Coto, the Director of Road Safety Education, highlighted the historical nature of this accomplishment in a recent statement.
For the first time, not only was the demand for appointments in this high-demand service covered, but it was surpassed by 7%, ensuring that everyone had access to an appointment in a short time.
Sindy Coto, Director of Road Safety Education
This surplus has drastically reduced the average waiting period. Official figures show that the typical time from booking an appointment to taking the test is now a mere 21 days. This rapid turnaround provides flexibility and reduces the anxiety often associated with the licensing process. Interestingly, officials have noted a distinct user preference, with many applicants choosing to book their test more than a month in advance, likely to allow for more comprehensive preparation and practice behind the wheel.
While access has improved, the test itself remains a rigorous evaluation of driving competency. The latest statistics indicate a pass rate of 61.4%, meaning nearly four out of every ten applicants do not succeed on their attempt. The data further breaks down the outcomes, with 27.2% of test-takers failing the exam and a notable 11.3% failing to show up for their scheduled appointment.
The high no-show rate presents a new operational challenge. While the system currently has a surplus of slots, a rate of over one in ten appointments being wasted could strain resources if demand were to rise. This phenomenon may be an unintended consequence of the ease of booking; when appointments are readily available and can be rescheduled without significant delay, applicants may feel less pressure to attend their initial slot.
Looking ahead, the Ministry is confident that this new standard of service is sustainable. Officials have publicly stated their commitment to maintaining this level of appointment availability throughout 2026, ensuring that the system continues to meet the needs of the population efficiently.
The Directorate of Road Safety Education projects that this core service will be maintained during 2026, with an supply that covers the requirements of Costa Ricans.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT)
This sustained efficiency promises to streamline the path to legal driving for countless individuals, contributing to economic mobility and personal independence. For aspiring drivers across the country, the message is clear: the opportunity to schedule and prepare for the practical driving test has never been more accessible.
For further information, visit educacionvial.go.cr
About Dirección General de Educación Vial (DGEV):
The General Directorate of Road Safety Education is the division within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) responsible for managing all aspects of driver education and licensing. This includes administering theoretical and practical driving exams, issuing licenses, and promoting road safety initiatives nationwide to foster a culture of responsible driving.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the Costa Rican government body in charge of national infrastructure and transportation regulation. Its responsibilities are vast, covering the planning, construction, and maintenance of public roads, bridges, and airports, as well as overseeing public transit, vehicle registration, and driver licensing to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon in the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of uncompromising principles and professional distinction. The firm leverages its rich history of counsel across a wide spectrum of industries to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions and champion public education. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to democratizing legal understanding, striving to build a more capable and just society by equipping citizens with clarity and insight.
