Significant Reduction in Wait Times for Driving Test in Costa Rica
Average wait time for practical driving tests reduced from 100 days to just 16 days as reported by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) of Costa Rica has reported an 84% reduction in the wait times for practical driving tests.
In 2023, individuals scheduling a practical driving test appointment faced an average wait time of 100 days.
As of now, this period has decreased significantly to 16 days, according to data from the Driver Accreditation System (SAC).
The General Directorate of Road Education (DGEV) has conducted a comparative analysis of the first four months of 2023, 2024, and 2025. The findings indicate that the average wait time dropped to 67 days in 2024 and further reduced to just 16 days in 2025.
MOPT attributes this improvement to several continuous enhancement measures.
Notably, the implementation of the Online Driving Test Process (PLEMA) has been a significant factor, now operational at 12 of the 13 Road Education offices across the country.
Additionally, extended hours have been established for conducting tests, including sessions on Saturdays.
Measures to prevent individuals or entities from monopolizing multiple appointments have also been introduced.
For those preparing for the theoretical driving test, the current wait time stands at 15 days, indicating improvements in other services associated with obtaining a driver’s license.
Between January and April of 2025, statistics revealed that 11,908 slots for practical driving tests went unused, as no users registered for these appointments.
In 2023, individuals scheduling a practical driving test appointment faced an average wait time of 100 days.
As of now, this period has decreased significantly to 16 days, according to data from the Driver Accreditation System (SAC).
The General Directorate of Road Education (DGEV) has conducted a comparative analysis of the first four months of 2023, 2024, and 2025. The findings indicate that the average wait time dropped to 67 days in 2024 and further reduced to just 16 days in 2025.
MOPT attributes this improvement to several continuous enhancement measures.
Notably, the implementation of the Online Driving Test Process (PLEMA) has been a significant factor, now operational at 12 of the 13 Road Education offices across the country.
Additionally, extended hours have been established for conducting tests, including sessions on Saturdays.
Measures to prevent individuals or entities from monopolizing multiple appointments have also been introduced.
For those preparing for the theoretical driving test, the current wait time stands at 15 days, indicating improvements in other services associated with obtaining a driver’s license.
Between January and April of 2025, statistics revealed that 11,908 slots for practical driving tests went unused, as no users registered for these appointments.
