Swap your
licence.
Once you're a resident, most countries make you exchange your foreign driving licence within a deadline — miss it and you retake the whole test. Here's who lets you swap directly, who makes you retest, the window you have, and the official authority, for 50 countries.
Country Switch window Test if non-reciprocal Official source
Brazil Direct swap Broadly convertible for most valid foreign licences (no practical test). Reciprocal/simplified list incl. MERCOSUR (AR/UY/PY/CL), PT/ES/FR/DE/IT/BE, JP/KR; US varies by state — check local DETRAN · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowMust convert to CNH once resident (foreign licence invalid after 180 days in Brazil); no fixed grace once residency established Test if non-reciprocalNon-reciprocal: full theory+practical (full CNH process); reciprocal: none/document review or theory only SourceSENATRAN (federal) / state DETRAN →
Costa Rica Direct swap No country list needed — any valid foreign licence homologates directly (no reciprocity requirement); non-Spanish licences need official translation · IDP accepted short-term Switch windowNo fixed statutory deadline; must homologate before the foreign licence expires and while residency/DIMEX (or filed expediente) is valid Test if non-reciprocalnone (no theory or practical; medical certificate required) SourceCOSEVI (Consejo de Seguridad Vial), under MOPT →
Croatia Direct swap All EU/EEA direct; non-EU/third-country also exchangeable (medical cert + translation) generally without a test · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowWithin 1 year of obtaining residency (non-EU); EU/EEA anytime Test if non-reciprocalnone (full driving school retest only if licence expired >6 months) — verify per origin SourceMinistry of the Interior (MUP) →
Czechia Direct swap All EU/EEA: exchange, no test. Non-EU: no test if licence conforms to Vienna 1968/Geneva 1949 template OR issuer has bilateral mutual recognition with CZ; otherwise cannot exchange and must sit full Czech test · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowWithin 3 months of being granted permanent/temporary residence exceeding 1 year (EU licence holders: no deadline, optional) Test if non-reciprocalnone for conforming/bilateral licences; full theory+practical (via driving school) for non-conforming with no bilateral agreement SourceMinistry of Transport (Ministerstvo dopravy) — Drivers Mgmt Dept; apply at any municipal authority with extended powers (obec s rozšířenou působností) →
Ecuador Direct swap Convenio/homologacion countries: Spain, South Korea, Venezuela, Chile (direct swap). All other origins use "canje" — also no driving test, just medical exam + apostilled licence certificate. · IDP accepted short-term Switch windowverify — no fixed day count; tied to holding a visa/residency >180 days. Resulting licence matches visa validity Test if non-reciprocalnone — no theory/practical; only psychosensometric (medical) exam at ANT-authorized school + Spanish literacy SourceAgencia Nacional de Transito (ANT) →
Georgia Direct swap Broad — any country's valid licence (or expired <1yr) can be exchanged without a test; no reciprocity list. Requires apostilled/legalized authenticity notice from issuing country. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNo hard exchange deadline; may drive on foreign/IDP for 12 months after last entry, then must hold a Georgian licence Test if non-reciprocalnone (exchange without test; local test optional) SourceService Agency (LEPL), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia →
Panama Direct swap Broad homologation for most countries with a valid, apostilled licence (EU, US, Canada, most of Latin America); check SERTRACEN list. Non-listed origins retest. · IDP accepted short-term Switch windowImmediately on residency approval — foreign licence invalid once residency card issued / migration process begins. Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (non-reciprocal only); reciprocal exchange = vision+hearing screening only SourceSERTRACEN (on behalf of ATTT) →
Philippines Direct swap No reciprocity system — any valid foreign licence (in English or officially translated) converts without a test, regardless of origin country. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowConvert before the 90-day driving allowance ends (if staying long-term); foreign licence must still be valid at time of conversion. Test if non-reciprocalnone (valid foreign licence → no written/practical exam; medical cert only) SourceLand Transportation Office (LTO) →
South Africa Direct swap No country reciprocity list; any valid foreign licence exchangeable if in an official SA language or officially translated. No driving test. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowWithin 1 year of permanent residence (Western Cape cites 5 years); after that foreign licence deemed invalid Test if non-reciprocalnone (eye test only) SourceDept of Transport / provincial DLTC →
Sri Lanka Direct swap No country-specific list; any valid foreign licence (or IDP) converts. Non-English licences need embassy-certified English translation · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowNo fixed statutory deadline; convert once resident (visa 6+ months needed for full local licence) Test if non-reciprocalnone SourceDepartment of Motor Traffic (DMT), Commissioner General of Motor Traffic →
Turkey Direct swap Any country accepted — no test regardless of origin; requires notarized Turkish translation of licence · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowExchange within ~6 months of residency; while foreign licence remains valid Test if non-reciprocalnone (valid foreign licence exchanged directly; no theory/practical test) SourceNüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (NVI, Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs) →
United Arab Emirates Direct swap ~57 approved origins exchange directly with no test: all major EU/EEA + UK + Switzerland; GCC (SA/KW/BH/OM/QA); JP/KR/CN/HK/TR/AZ/UZ/KG; AU/NZ; CA; USA (incl. Texas + others); ZA. Others must retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowOnce you hold residency + Emirates ID you must drive on a UAE licence — exchange promptly (no formal grace once resident) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (driving school) for non-eligible countries SourceRTA (Dubai) / Ministry of Interior (federal Markhoos initiative); TAMM in Abu Dhabi →
Vietnam Direct swap Broad — any valid national foreign licence converts directly; no reciprocity list, no test · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNo hard deadline; must reside 3+ months first, then convert anytime while licence/visa valid; issued VN licence limited to visa/TRC validity Test if non-reciprocalnone SourceMinistry of Public Security (Police) — took over from Dept. of Transport in 2025 →
Albania Some countries EU/EEA + UK + US + bilateral list (ES, IT, GR, DE, MX, AR, CL, etc.) exchange without test; others (e.g. CO) retest. Verify per country/US-state. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowwithin 12 months of residency Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceDPSHTRR (General Directorate of Road Transport Services) →
Armenia Some countries Vienna Convention 1968 parties exchange without test (most of Europe/CIS/Asia incl. RU, GE, UK, TR, IR, UAE); Canada, Lebanon, USA and other non-1968 countries must retake full exams; US: no exchange (retest) · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowwithin 3 months of obtaining residency/residence permit Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceRoad Police of Armenia (Ճանապարհային ոստիկանություն) →
Australia Some countries Recognised (List A) countries exchange direct, no test: incl. UK, Ireland, most Western EU, Switzerland, Norway, USA, Canada, NZ, Japan, Singapore, Greece, Malta, Croatia. Non-recognised (incl. former EDR: HK, KR, TW, ZA, most CEE) must retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowMust convert within the state's window after becoming permanent resident (e.g. NSW 3 months, VIC 6 months) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceState/territory road authorities (Service NSW, VicRoads, TMR QLD, DoT WA etc.); national policy by Austroads →
Austria Some countries All EU/EEA licences recognised (no exchange needed; C/D lapse after 5yr). Non-EU/EEA: FSG-DV annex states exchange with NO test for all cats (Switzerland, UK, Japan, S.Korea, Serbia, etc.); some (USA, Canada, Australia, NZ) no-test for cat B only; all other origins require driving test. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNon-EU/EEA licence must be converted within 6 months of registering residency in Austria; after that it is no longer valid to drive on. Test if non-reciprocalpractical only (non-annex non-EU origins); full theory+practical may apply case-by-case; none for EEA/annex states SourceLandespolizeidirektion / Bezirkshauptmannschaft (district authority); portal oesterreich.gv.at →
Bulgaria Some countries EU/EEA + Switzerland direct; Vienna Convention countries exchange without test; non-Vienna origins retake exams · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowexchange after 6 months residence; non-EU must exchange within 1 year of residency Test if non-reciprocaltheory+practical exams (no full course) for non-Vienna origins; none for Vienna Convention countries SourceRoad Police (Patna Politsiya), Ministry of Interior →
Canada Some countries Province-specific. Ontario e.g.: all provinces/US states + AU, AT, BE, DK, FR, DE, GB, HU, Isle of Man, JP, NZ, N.Ireland, Ireland, KR, CH, Taiwan exchange without test; others full retest. Other provinces have similar but differing lists. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowOntario: within 60 days of residency; other provinces 30-90 days Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (non-reciprocal origins) SourceProvincial (no federal authority) — e.g. Ontario Ministry of Transportation / DriveTest; ICBC (BC); SAAQ (QC); Service Alberta →
Cyprus Some countries All EU/EEA + Switzerland exchange administratively; bilateral "List 17" incl. CH, NO, IS, LI, US, CA, JP, KR, AU, NZ, ZA, RU, UA, GE, RS, ME, QA, AE, CN, MA, ZW exchange without test; all others retake full exams · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowMust exchange within 6 months of establishing residency (185 days) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceDepartment of Road Transport (Tmima Odikon Metaforon / TOM), Cyprus →
Estonia Some countries All EU/EEA + Switzerland: direct exchange, valid till expiry. 1968 Vienna & 1949 Geneva convention countries (incl. JP, UK, TR, RU): exchange cat A/B without test if documented. Non-convention: full retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNon-EU: within 12 months of residency. EU/EEA/CH: at licence expiry (or by 18 Jan 2033 if >15yr validity) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (non-convention origins) SourceTranspordiamet (Estonian Transport Administration) →
France Some countries All EU/EEA licences valid/exchangeable; non-EU only if bilateral reciprocity agreement (incl. JP, KR, Maghreb, Senegal, Brazil; US varies — ~18 states); others must retest · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNon-EU: within 1 year of residency; EU/EEA: no exchange needed unless expired/lost/offence (~6–18 months) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (code + practical) for non-reciprocal origins SourceANTS / France Titres (Ministère de l'Intérieur) →
Germany Some countries All EU/EEA + Switzerland exchange directly (no test). Others per Anlage 11 FeV bilateral list: full-exchange countries (e.g. JP, KR, CH, Andorra, some CA provinces, some US states, AU states) no test; partial-list countries theory or theory+practical; US varies by state; rest full retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowExchange within 6 months of establishing residence (non-EU); EU/EEA licences valid until expiry but exchange recommended Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (for non-listed origins); theory-only or none for some Anlage 11 countries SourceFahrerlaubnisbehörde / Führerscheinstelle (local); framework by BMDV/BASt →
Greece Some countries All EU/EEA exchange directly with no test. Reciprocal non-EU list: Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, USA, UK. Origins not on the list must take the full Greek driving test. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowWithin 6 months of registering as resident (must exchange to keep driving) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceMinistry of Infrastructure and Transport (via KEP / regional Transport & Communications Dept; gov.gr) →
Ireland Some countries All EU/EEA exchange directly. Recognised states (no test): UK, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, Georgia, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, some Canadian provinces. US and all others: no exchange, full retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowEU/EEA: exchange within 10 years of the licence expiring. Recognised states: exchange within 1 year of the licence's expiry date. Non-recognised: must obtain via test before the 12-month period ends. Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (via learner permit process) SourceRoad Safety Authority (RSA) / National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) →
Italy Some countries All EU/EEA valid until expiry, convert within 2yr if non-standard expiry; non-EU only with bilateral agreement (e.g. CH, JP, KR, TW, MA, and others on MIT list) convert directly; US no direct exchange (retest, save limited govt-mission cases); others retest · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNon-EU reciprocal: convert within 1 year of establishing residency; EU/EEA: drive until expiry (convert within 2yr if licence lacks standard expiry) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (for non-reciprocal / non-EU origins) SourceMotorizzazione Civile / Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti (MIT) →
Japan Some countries ~29 countries/regions test-exempt (most EU, UK, CH, AU, NZ, CA, KR, TW + 7 US states: CO,HI,MD,OH,OR,VA,WA); all others (China, India, most US states) retest · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowno fixed exchange deadline, but IDP/foreign licence only usable up to 1 year after entry; must convert before then Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (50-question knowledge test, 90%/45+ to pass, from Oct 2025) + eyesight SourcePrefectural Police (e.g. Tokyo Metropolitan Police Dept / Driver's Licence Center); National Police Agency →
Malta Some countries All EU/EEA licences exchange freely (or drive indefinitely). Non-EU direct exchange only: Australia, Switzerland, UAE (Maltese/UAE nationals only), and UK/Gibraltar/Jersey/Guernsey/Isle of Man (UK nationals). All other origins must retake theory+practical. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowMust exchange before 12 months of residence; eligible to apply after 185 days resident in the past 12 months. EU licences: no hard deadline (may drive on them). Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceTransport Malta (Land Transport Directorate) →
Mexico Some countries No reciprocity agreements with any country; every foreign resident applies for a state licence from scratch (foreign licence used only as supporting doc). Requirements vary by state. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowverify - set by each state; no single national deadline Test if non-reciprocaltheory only SourceState authority (Secretaría de Movilidad / Tránsito) in state of residence - no national agency →
Netherlands Some countries All EU/EEA + Switzerland exchange directly; designated non-EU countries incl. Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Taiwan, Canada (Alberta/Quebec) etc.; highly skilled migrants / 30% ruling holders exchange any-country licence test-free; all others full retest. US: not designated (retest). · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNon-EU: within 185 days of residency; start exchange before the foreign licence expires (expired non-EU licences cannot be exchanged) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (CBR) for non-designated origins SourceRDW (with CBR for tests); apply via municipality (gemeente) →
New Zealand Some countries ~20 exempt countries convert without tests: AU, UK, IE, CA, US, JP, KR, HK, CH + most Western EU (AT,BE,HR,DK,FI,FR,DE,GR,IT,LU,NL,NO,ES,SE). All others (incl. IN, CN, ZA, most Asia/Africa/S.America) = non-exempt, must retest · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowmust convert before the 12-month (or 18-mo) driving window from last arrival ends to keep driving Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceNZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) →
Peru Some countries Reciprocal-agreement countries exchange with no exam (incl. Spain, South Korea, Chile; verify full list); all others must pass a theory/knowledge exam by class · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowverify — no fixed statutory deadline found; foreign licence must be valid (unexpired) at time of canje Test if non-reciprocaltheory only (knowledge exam by class/category); reciprocal countries exempt SourceMinisterio de Transportes y Comunicaciones (MTC) — canje via gob.pe / regional govt (Lima Class A now via MML since Apr 2026) →
Poland Some countries EU/EEA: direct exchange, no test. 1968 Vienna Convention parties: exchange, no test. Non-Vienna (e.g. US, Geneva-only): theory test required. Others may require full retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowWithin 6 months of taking up residence (non-EU/EEA) Test if non-reciprocaltheory only (for non-Vienna origins) SourceStarostwo / Wydzial Komunikacji (local transport dept); PWPW/gov.pl →
Portugal Some countries All EU/EEA + Switzerland exchange directly; OECD/CPLP bilateral list (UK, US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, S.Korea, Brazil, Israel, Turkey, Chile, Iceland, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Sao Tome) exchange without test; others must retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowEU/EEA: register with IMT within 60 days of residency (exchange only at expiry). OECD/CPLP: exchange within 2 years of establishing residency. Non-agreement: immediate. Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (driving test per category, EUR30 each) SourceInstituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) →
Qatar Some countries GCC + ~35 approved countries (all EU/EEA, UK, US, CA, AU, NZ, JP, KR, SG, CH, HK, MY) exchange without test; others retest · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowMust exchange after obtaining QID (residence permit); driving on foreign/IDP no longer allowed as resident. No fixed statutory grace beyond initial visitor period — verify Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (plus mandatory eye test for all) SourceGeneral Directorate of Traffic, Ministry of Interior (MOI) →
Romania Some countries All EU/EEA recognized directly; non-EU states party to the road-traffic Convention or with bilateral agreement exchange without exam (reciprocity required); some (e.g. China) cat B only + exam; no convention (e.g. Nepal) = cannot exchange, full retest; US: exchange possible · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowexchange after establishing domicile/residence; foreign licence valid ~90 days from entry Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical for non-reciprocal origins; reciprocal = none SourceDRPCIV / DGPCI, Ministry of Internal Affairs →
Saudi Arabia Some countries ~47-48 approved countries exchange directly (all GCC; UK/Ireland+most EU; US; Canada; Australia; NZ; Japan; South Korea; South Africa). Others retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowConvert within ~3 months of residency; licence must be valid (verify exact deadline via Absher/Muroor) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (driving school enrollment for non-approved origins) SourceGeneral Directorate of Traffic (Muroor), Ministry of Interior — via Absher →
Singapore Some countries No exemptions — every foreign licence holder must pass the BTT to convert; no reciprocal countries · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowMust convert before the 12-month period on the foreign licence ends Test if non-reciprocaltheory only (Basic Theory Test); no practical if foreign licence valid SourceSingapore Police Force — Traffic Police →
South Korea Some countries Reciprocal-agreement countries (incl. UK, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Japan, Chile, and select US states) exchange without a road test; US varies by state; non-agreement origins retest. verify exact list · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowNo fixed deadline; ARC holders should exchange as IDP/foreign licence not accepted for long-term residents. verify Test if non-reciprocaltheory only for non-reciprocal (written test); reciprocal-country holders take only a vision/aptitude test SourceKorea Road Traffic Authority (KOROAD) →
Spain Some countries All EU/EEA (incl. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) exchange directly; non-EU only with bilateral convenio (JP, KR, CH, AR, BR, CO, MA, UA, TR, NZ + many LatAm); US/CA/AU no agreement, full retest · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowWithin 6 months of establishing normal residence Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceDGT (Direccion General de Trafico) →
Switzerland Some countries EU/EEA + recognized bilateral list (US, CA, AU, JP, etc.) can exchange directly (test-free for EU/EEA, control-drive for others); all others retest · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowExchange within 12 months of residency; if a control drive is required it must be booked/passed within 3 months of applying/registration Test if non-reciprocalRecognized countries: practical only (Kontrollfahrt). Non-recognized: full theory+practical SourceCantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt / Service des automobiles), coordinated federally by asa/FEDRO →
Taiwan Some countries Bilateral equality/reciprocity basis — many countries on the Highway Bureau's reciprocal-countries table exchange with no road test (form + docs only); US varies by state (selected states reciprocal); non-listed origins retest. Mainland China must sit a written test. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowIf staying over 6 months you must obtain a local licence; IDP validation only covers you until ARC/visa expiry Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (written + road test) for non-reciprocal origins SourceDirectorate General of Highways (Highway Bureau), MOTC — regional Motor Vehicles Offices →
Thailand Some countries No true reciprocity list — any valid foreign licence can be converted, but generally with a written theory test; practical test usually waived for valid foreign licences. IDP/ASEAN & Geneva/Vienna Convention licences accepted for short-term driving. verify country-specific exemptions · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowOnce resident, obtain Thai licence before IDP/short-term validity lapses; no fixed universal grace period — verify at local DLT Test if non-reciprocaltheory only (written computer test ~45/50 to pass); practical usually waived for valid foreign licence, but at DLT discretion SourceDepartment of Land Transport (DLT), Thailand →
United States Some countries Varies by state (no federal system). A few states exchange test-free with select countries only (e.g. Germany, France, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Canada); most states (e.g. NY, California) have no foreign reciprocity — all origins retest. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · mph Switch windowApply within grace period of establishing residency, typically 10-90 days by state (e.g. Texas 90 days) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (most states, non-reciprocal origins); none where a bilateral state agreement applies SourceState DMV/DPS (no federal authority); AAMVA tracks foreign reciprocity →
Uruguay Some countries Only Spain has a live bilateral convenio (direct revalidation, no test). Italy's expired 2019. All others: homologación with exam unless you present an apostilled, Spanish-translated licence-history certificate · IDP accepted short-term Switch windowOnce resident, must homologate to drive legally; homologación only allowed if >1 year remains before the foreign licence expires (otherwise treated as new/renewal) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical unless apostilled Spanish driving-history certificate presented; none for Spain SourceIntendencia (municipal) e.g. Montevideo/Canelones; Congreso de Intendentes →
Argentina Retest all No true licence-swap. MERCOSUR nationals may drive on home licence while circulating, but residents applying for a Licencia Nacional de Conducir go through the standard national process regardless of origin; no reciprocal exchange list. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowUpon establishing residency you must obtain the Argentine Licencia Nacional de Conducir; no direct exchange (verify municipal timeframe) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (plus psychophysical/medical exam) SourceAgencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial (ANSV); licence issued by municipal/provincial Centros de Emisión de Licencias →
Chile Retest all verify · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowUpon becoming resident — no direct swap; apply for Chilean licence to drive legally as resident Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceMunicipalities (Direcciones de Tránsito) under Ministerio de Transportes y Telecomunicaciones (MTT) / CONASET →
Colombia Retest all No reciprocity/direct swap. All residents must obtain a Colombian licence via approved driving school (CEA) + exams; origin country irrelevant. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the right · km/h Switch windowForeign licence becomes invalid for driving once resident (cédula de extranjería issued); must get Colombian licence before driving as a resident. Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (course at CEA: ~25 hrs car B1; written exam + medical CRC/RUNT) SourceMinisterio de Transporte / RUNT (Registro Único Nacional de Tránsito) →
Indonesia Retest all No reciprocity - all origins must take the full test · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowNo fixed conversion window; residents (KITAS/KITAP) must obtain an Indonesian SIM to drive as a resident Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical (plus medical & psychological check) SourceKorlantas POLRI (National Traffic Police), via SATPAS offices →
Malaysia Retest all No exchange for resident foreigners since 19 May 2025 — all must sit full local test. Only diplomats, MM2H holders, and Malaysian citizens with pre-existing foreign licences may still convert. · IDP accepted short-term · They drive on the left · km/h Switch windowNo conversion available; must obtain full Malaysian licence via driving school before foreign-driving allowance lapses (~12 months) Test if non-reciprocalfull theory+practical SourceRoad Transport Department (JPJ / Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan) →
A general guide, not legal advice — exchange rules depend on your specific issuing country/state and change often. "Direct swap" usually covers a reciprocal list (commonly all EU/EEA + select bilateral partners); everyone else may need a theory and/or practical test. Always confirm with the destination's licensing authority before your driving window runs out.
Why the deadline matters
Most countries let a new resident drive on their existing foreign or international licence only for a grace period — often 6 to 12 months from the day you become resident. Exchange within that window and (for a reciprocal country) it's a paperwork swap with no test. Miss it, and your foreign licence is no longer valid to drive on and you must pass the full local theory and practical test from scratch. Check your reciprocity status the week you arrive, not the week it expires.