BajaNomad - MEXICAN DRIVER"S LICENSE

MEXICAN DRIVER"S LICENSE

Udo - 6-22-2010 at 06:29 PM

Where in Baja may one obtain a driver's license, and if in TJ, Ensenada or Mexicali, directions, por favor.

Bob and Susan - 6-22-2010 at 06:31 PM

we got ours at the santa rosalia police station

Riom - 6-22-2010 at 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Where in Baja may one obtain a driver's license, and if in TJ, Ensenada or Mexicali, directions, por favor.

I've written an article about the driver's license application process in San Felipe and it should be fairly similar in the other cities in BCN (but not BCS):

http://www.sanfelipelife.com/post/How-to-get-a-Baja-Californ...

It's the state offices (big blue GobBC sign) you go to (not the municipality). Sorry I can't find anything that gives the correct addresses in the cities you listed.

Rob

gnukid - 6-22-2010 at 06:59 PM

You will need to go to the centro de transito in the region and you should have a recent blood type test usually done in Mexico or at least communicated in Spanish, a form of identification, passport, US drivers license. Depending on the region other aspects vary, such as time period of license and test. In many regions of the mainland the license is for life and there is no test.

In TJ there is an office here, Constitución y Calle 8va. 1226 Zona Centro but I have never been there nor do I know they provide licenses.

You can call or write them here:
http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Dependencias/SSPM/policia_transito...

Howard - 6-22-2010 at 08:44 PM

I just got my license in Loreto a few months ago. I think it ran around 425 pesos for 3 years. I got it at the police station. In addition to what gnukid said, I also had to provide a utility bill and copies of my FM3. The real stumper came when they asked me my height and they wanted it in centimeters. Just walked over to the wall where I guess they do line-ups for the bad guys and they had it marked just like at 7-11’s in the states but it was in Centimeters.

In addition, a slight variation to a California license, they put on the license if you want to be an organ donor and if there are any exceptions to what organ you do not want to donate. They also put your blood type on the license. Also, the determined my hair color was “cano” and I cannot find out the meaning for that.

I was in and out of there with no tests in 45 minutes with an actual license, not a temporary. When she asked me what type of license I would like I told her for a car but for all I know if I asked for a truckers license, she might of given that to me as well.

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 6-23-2010 at 03:12 AM

Hola, what would the benefit of having a driver's license from mexico be and what is the difference and benefits between a car and a trucker's license ?

WOW ! the possibilities of a lifetime license without any further testing ? can you imagine driving a car or truck at a very ripe old age ? i believe california is giving less time and more testing on licenses of older drivers.

BIEN SALUD, MRS. RAT

Osprey - 6-23-2010 at 06:30 AM

I think most offices issue (men) chauffeur's licenses. The custom is that men will drive heavy equipment or pull trailers. If you're pulling any kind of trailer (boat, etc) I think you need the chauffeur's type. The fee is twice as great as a regular driver's license.

bajabound2005 - 6-23-2010 at 07:12 AM

in ensenada at the new gov't building on the Reforma (south side of Ensenada)

shari - 6-23-2010 at 08:51 AM

Here in the boonies, the "License Machine" comes around every few months to the Delegacion. I just got mine renewed a few days ago and asked about foreigners. The guy told me that if you live here, you need to have a mexican drivers license and foreigners can get them with an FM3. Later, an american I suggested do this, went in and they only asked for his passport...go figure! Anyway...3 years ago I had to write a wicked test in spanish, 3 pages and a real challenge so that has changed I guess...no test. Just present your documents, tell them your blood type, pay your money, they take your photo and VOILA..a drivers license. You can ask in your village when the license people will visit your town.

But as Osprey mentioned...it is VERY IMPORTANT if you tow a trailer or boat to have your chauffeurs license or you could get a fine...insurance invalid etc...as you do need this designation to tow anything. It is a good source of ID and I suggest everyone who lives here to get one.

oladulce - 6-23-2010 at 09:57 AM

Is there any conflict with driving on a Mexican license with US plates as far as Mexican law is concerned?

[Edited on 6-23-2010 by oladulce]

longlegsinlapaz - 6-23-2010 at 11:38 AM

Oladulce, the rule is:

USA Licence Plates = USA DL
Mexican plates = Mexican DL

Bajatripper - 6-23-2010 at 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard

Also, the determined my hair color was “cano” and I cannot find out the meaning for that.

"cano" would be gray. The original color seems to lose its significance and the focus is on those pesky white hairs that gradually take over with age.

DENNIS - 6-23-2010 at 11:50 AM

And..if you really want to confuse them, get one of these:

http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpc.html

Udo - 6-23-2010 at 03:59 PM

My sincerest appreciations

to all who have helped.
My intention for getting a Mexican DL was just in case I ran into CdC gauntlet/rip-off/extortion system. I think that a Mexican DL will confuse the cops, and I don't think they can confiscate it like they will with a US DL.

Thanks to riom for the information he thoughtfully put together and I'll folow bajabound2005 directions in Ensenada when I'm there in a couple of weeks.

Udo

[Edited on 6-23-2010 by Udo]

ncampion - 6-23-2010 at 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard

Also, the determined my hair color was “cano” and I cannot find out the meaning for that.

"cano" would be gray. The original color seems to lose its significance and the focus is on those pesky white hairs that gradually take over with age.

Howard, I think in your case, that could mean "NONE"

Just kidding, buddy.

Riom - 6-23-2010 at 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Thanks to riom for the information he thoughtfully put together and I'll folow bajabound2005 directions in Ensenada when I'm there in a couple of weeks.

I'll be very interested to hear how the process in Ensenada differs from San Felipe. In theory it should be the same (same state) but I doubt it...

Rob

Cano

Howard - 6-23-2010 at 05:45 PM

I was hoping that it meant the color of my hair was Sliver, I was distinguished looking and very handsome. As long as I am on a roll here, I also thought it meant well endowed.

[Edited on 6-24-2010 by Howard]

fishabductor - 6-26-2010 at 01:06 PM

I just got my MX license last week in san Jose del cabo, and they require a blood test, a examination, proof of residency, a powerbill, a copy of my passport, and a copy of my RFC tax #... and it was $480 pesos I believe

Howard - 6-26-2010 at 02:15 PM

In Loreto, no blood test, they just took your word for it, no examination and no copy of the tax bill needed.

backninedan - 6-26-2010 at 03:51 PM

I got mine in loreto and they insisted on a blood test, go figure.

k-rico - 6-26-2010 at 04:03 PM

My wife stopped by the TJ office and asked what I need. They said two copies of my FM3 and I need to take a written test.

The new old Ford Condominium has Mex plates so I need to get one.

OK. What does a green curb mean? A white curb?

What's the minimum distance in meters you can park from a corner?

Speed limit in km/hr in school zones? Urban zones?

What's the maximum distance in meters you can drive in reverse?

I have a list of 32 rules that I may be asked about.

This should be fun.

[Edited on 6-26-2010 by k-rico]

Riom - 6-26-2010 at 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
I have a list of 32 rules that I may be asked about.

That's useful, San Felipe has a handout of some example questions but no actual list of what to learn. There isn't a "driver's handbook" offered like many US states.

You also get asked the meaning of various road signs, and they're so tiny on the screen that it's hard to make them out (maybe that part is an eye test). I've taken similar tests in several countries but this was the hardest.

No road test in Tijuana? It's needed in San Felipe.

Rob

fishabductor - 6-26-2010 at 07:51 PM

when I took my exam... I sat there looking distressed, the girl in the office asked if i needed any help. I was thinking in translation. So I said SI, so she grabbed the exam and did it hereself. I got a 100%. That was last week :lol:

vandenberg - 6-26-2010 at 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishabductor
when I took my exam... I sat there looking distressed, the girl in the office asked if i needed any help. I was thinking in translation. So I said SI, so she grabbed the exam and did it hereself. I got a 100%. That was last week :lol:

That happened to a guy I know here in Loreto.
Told the cop he didn't read Spanish and the cop filled out the questionnaire, had him sign it and pay the fee, and that was it.

Udo - 6-26-2010 at 08:40 PM

That is what I hope will happen at the Ensenada DMV.

RnR - 6-27-2010 at 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico

OK. What does a green curb mean? A white curb?

What's the minimum distance in meters you can park from a corner?

Speed limit in km/hr in school zones? Urban zones?

What's the maximum distance in meters you can drive in reverse?

I have a list of 32 rules that I may be asked about.

How about sharing "The List"?

I've been traveling to BCS for many years and can only answer one of the above questions. It's OK to park where the curb is white.

How about the answer to one of the big unknowns: Are right turns on red allowed?? (Or is it only OK with Mx plates on the vehicle and only after you blow the horn repeatedly at the car waiting for the light!)

k-rico - 6-27-2010 at 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RnR

How about sharing "The List"?

I've been traveling to BCS for many years and can only answer one of the above questions. It's OK to park where the curb is white.

How about the answer to one of the big unknowns: Are right turns on red allowed?? (Or is it only OK with Mx plates on the vehicle and only after you blow the horn repeatedly at the car waiting for the light!)

Actually a white curb means: "subida y bajada de pasaje" - picking up and dropping off passengers, parking there is a no-no. Green curb is a 2 hour limit. Then there's yellow and blue curb rules too.

I'll see if I can get the sheet scanned. Here's some info, it's for BC not BCS:

http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/portal/doctos/triptico_lice...

http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/portal/faq/licencias.jsp

Here's the BCS website: http://www.bcs.gob.mx/

[Edited on 6-28-2010 by k-rico]

Riom - 6-28-2010 at 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RnR
I've been traveling to BCS for many years and can only answer one of the above questions. It's OK to park where the curb is white.

Wrong (it's a bus stop). Strangely I wrote about these colors last week when I came across the rules, although I didn't think there'd be much interest:
http://www.sanfelipelife.com/post/Parking-Restriction-Color-...

Rob

RnR - 6-28-2010 at 09:04 AM

Oops!

Guess I've been lucky with the white curbs. I was just following the example of the La Paz locals. Our town has no curbs so there is nothing to paint and parking is where you find it. This is a classic example of the country folks coming to the city. Any help is appreciated.

"The List" may help in de-bunking some of the long standing Baja myths.

Cyanide41 - 7-1-2011 at 04:14 PM

So, sorry to dig up a dead post, but I guess it's better than starting a new one with the same questions. So.... Where exactly is the TJ office?

baja1943 - 7-2-2011 at 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cyanide41
So, sorry to dig up a dead post, but I guess it's better than starting a new one with the same questions. So.... Where exactly is the TJ office?

In Chula Vista.

woody with a view - 7-2-2011 at 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico

What's the maximum distance in meters you can drive in reverse?

[Edited on 6-26-2010 by k-rico]

until you run outta fuel or hit something? :light:

seriously, is there a law on this subject????