I have a type B European drivers licence with which I'm allowed to drive a car in my home country (i.e. not a motorcycle). Am I allowed to buy/rent a motorcycle in Bolivia and drive it? If not, should I get a motor licence here, or is it also possible to get one (as a tourist) in Bolivia?
asked May 3, 2013 at 14:57
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For those who maybe don't know the European license codes - are you allowed to ride a motorbike in your home country on that license?– GagravarrCommented May 3, 2013 at 15:49
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No, not allowed. I hoped the link to the wiki was clear enough. Apparently not, so I've edited my question to explain the situation better.– Saaru LindestøkkeCommented May 3, 2013 at 15:50
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1How much experience of riding a motorbike do you have, and why don't you have a license to drive on in your home country?– DJClayworthCommented May 3, 2013 at 23:07
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2@ThorstenS. I appreciate your concern, but I don't see how this is relevant to my question. I didn't mention anything like "how safe is it to ride a motorcycle in Bolivia", so please stay on topic. You've answered the question to the extent of your knowledge on this topic, thank you for that. If I have concerns about the road safety in Bolivia I will ask a separate question and this will give you an opportunity to show your knowledge on the safety there, but it's not the time yet.– Saaru LindestøkkeCommented May 5, 2013 at 8:58
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2No, you may only drive what you are licensed to drive, and as you say yourself, this does not include a motorcycle. My brother undertook a similar endeavour to what you planned - renting a motorcycle in Vietnam with no previous experience riding one. He came off it on a mountain road and was very lucky to not go over the side OR under the oncoming truck that had spooked him off it in the first place. He took off all the skin down one side of his body though. If you want to ride a motorbike, learnt to ride a motorbike. No matter which country your in, the law typically requires this much of you– imoatamaCommented May 20, 2014 at 3:11
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2 Answers
You can get an international driving permit from your home country. It is no problem at all to rent motorcycles and cars with that if you have the requirement in your original driving license. While the convention says that you should have your original driving license available I never have done that (could be lost) and I have been never asked for that.
So strictly speaking legally no, it is not possible to drive a motorcycle with only an automobile license. If it is tolerated (some countries do not enforce street traffic very strictly) I do not know, perhaps someone from Bolivia or traveling to it could answer that.
As I have a motorcycle license myself I am sorry to say this, but driving a motorcycle in a third-world country if you have no road experience is asking to get killed. You need to drive carefully even here because you have to get the "sense" how people react because you have no protection against collisions and stupid drivers (the leather gear and helmet only protects against falling down (sometimes deliberately to save your life)).
answered May 3, 2013 at 15:31
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Thank you for your answer. I see you mention renting cars, but I'm mostly interested in riding a motorcycle. From the link you provided it seems I will not be allowed to do so (type B does not allow using a motorcycle if I understand correctly). Could you maybe augment your answer regarding motorcycle riding? Commented May 3, 2013 at 15:35
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OK, now I'm a bit confused.
No problem at all to rent motorcycles and cars with thatconflicts withSo strictly speaking legally no, it is not possible to drive a motorcycle. Which of the two is it? Thank you for the remark on safety, I've thought of that and understand the risks involved. Commented May 3, 2013 at 15:56 -
You need to check to see if your international license permits you to drive a motorcycle. Bolivia, like most other countries, expects you to have a special license to ride a motorcycle.
Here in Bolivia there are check points checking to see if you have the correct paperwork. Being a foreigner they will probably give you more trouble than if you were a native.
To get a Bolivian drivers' license you need to be a resident.
You need a local medical checkup and you have to go to drivers school. You will also need several certificates from several different police stations.
Here is a link for reference: http://www.segip.gob.bo/web/index.php/requisitos-para-obtener-la-licencia-para-conducir
