Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Crossing columbian/ecuador/peru border without drivers license Crossing columbian/ecuador/peru border without drivers license
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree6Likes
  • 2 Post By NewbRider
  • 2 Post By mika
  • 1 Post By chris
  • 1 Post By markharf

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Dec 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 26
Crossing columbian/ecuador/peru border without drivers license
Hi guys,

Long story short I had a major screw-up while preparing for our trip and ignored rule #1. Checking the expiry dates of all my paperwork! I tried to renew my drivers license in time but I missed it by one day unfortunately. I didnt think too much of it though as I know we have a friend meeting us in peru in January and im confident that you don't need a drivers license to buy a motorcycle in colombia.

I just read up on crossing the Colombia-Ecuador border and there seems to be mixed info on requiring a driver license. Peru seems even more strict about requiring a drivers license. Would anyone be able to give some up to date info on the requirements for crossing the border?

I do have an International driver license but I know it holds no real value.. I can also easily obtain a copy of my renewed license so I'm wondering if that would be enough?

My fiance is travelling with me and will be riding a motorcycle as well so I'm assuming that we can always register both bikes under her name and get her to obtain a temporary permit for each border crossing?

I tried searching the forum for any up to date info but feel free to direct me if there is an obvious answer to this, thanks everyone for your help!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Dec 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 139
1 person can't enter with two vehicles on their name. Just to rule that out.

I've never been asked for my licence here in a year of travelling. I wouldn't be bothered at all about it being expired
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Dec 2019
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
IDP
If asked for a driving license, show your International license ... I never had a problem with that. But if you are not confident enough, just laminate a color copy of your license and show that if they dont accept your International license.

Be aware what NewbRider said, very good point.

Relax and enjoy your ride, but make sure you dont overstay your bikes temporary import permit for each country you are gonna visit.

saludos
mika
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Dec 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 26
This is great news guys thank you for clearing that up! Also really good to know that one person can't import 2 motorcycles!

I will try to see if I can get a good laminated copy in bogota and will go with that as backup!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Dec 2019
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
Bolivia
And if Bolivia is on your list, come to Samaipata and I will invite you for a or two.

mika
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Dec 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
Just make a photocopy of your driver license and you will be fine since every officer south of the border is stupid ...yeah right !!!

Since nobody mentioned it before, just keep in mind that riding without a valid driver license is illegal , even in Latin America .

Good luck and ride safe
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Dec 2019
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
IDP
Quote:
riding without a valid driver license is illegal
@guaterider

maybe you should have read the post, they have a valid IDP International drivers license ... and this can be used even North of the border, where every officer is the smartest person in the village.

mika
Last edited by mika; 7 Dec 2019 at 20:31. Reason: ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Dec 2019
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
In 2016 on one of my South American bike trips I came upon an unavoidable (mobile/ narco??) police checkpoint (rode around a sharp curve and there they were) in southern Ecuador. They wanted to see everything. So I showed all my usual stash of laminated colour copies of the bike docs and an oem, but expired (by 6 months), UK/EU driver's licence. The policeman clocked the expired expiry date. So out came the new in-date DL, with an apology on my part...

He spoke good English and by the look of their vehicles/ uniforms/ demeanors they were much better trained/ qualified that the usual talentless types whom I would try my "no fumar Espanol" on.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Dec 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Nelson NZ
Posts: 92
Drivers licence
I was riding around Peru Bolivia Argentina and Chile last year and earlier this year. Many border crossings and a few police checks. Never once was I asked for a drivers licence. The only documents used were the passport and the ownership papers for the bike. But you had better have a driver's licence if you are involved in a accident or stopped by the police for a traffic violation. For the record I was never asked to show the insurance papers either
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Dec 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by mika View Post
@guaterider

maybe you should have read the post, they have a valid IDP International drivers license

mika
I did read it well , but the international driver license is no good without your national one backing it up .
I guess you knew that , otherwise why would you have suggested the fishy photocopy solution ...

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Dec 2019
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
IDP
Quote:
I did read it well , but the international driver license is no good without your national one backing it up .
I guess you knew that , otherwise why would you have suggested the fishy photocopy solution ...
I have never been asked for my national license, when I showed the IDP (International driving permit) ... and most of the time I dont even carry my national license, why would I? I have the IDP.

What you are suggesting, is that the IDP is not enough. It has been for me, and I have traveled for years. If its true what you say, then the IDP is worthless.

I suggested a copy. I never told them that they should tell somebody that this is the real thing. Their IDP is real and valid, and for me this has been enough. So, if somebody (which I dont think will happen) will ask for their national license they can show a copy.

As I dont know all the laws about IDPs, and maybe its only valid with your national license. So maybe you are right and a IDP is worthless and I stand corrected.

mika
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10 Dec 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
As I dont know all the laws about IDPs, and maybe its only valid with your national license.


Yes you don't know, and yes, it is worthless without a valid national license, but no, it is not worthless with a national license. Worse, there are actually two international agreements each with a unique IDP and that also applies in South America and will soon involve the Brits who cross to Europe and who are already getting both IDPs just in case.

I agree that for most of us an IDP is a total waste of money until it really is needed, either by a policeman who knows the rules, or more likely, by the clerk at a car rental place that insists on also seeing the IDP
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 Dec 2019
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
The IDP has validity only in that it is a translation of an accompanying, valid license. The fact that some law enforcement personnel may not know or care doesn't alter this simple truth.

This makes you vulnerable in the event that someone in a position of power DOES know or care--at a border, a traffic stop, a routine checkpoint, an accident involving authorities or an insurance company. You might travel for years on an IDP (or more likely successive IDPs, since as far as I know they're all valid for just one year), but then again you might find your trip suddenly interrupted. The same is true of other dodges that many of us have used from time to time--photoshopped documents, fake student IDs or expired vehicle insurance policies, etc. etc. etc.

To me, it always seems worth understanding how stuff like this really works; otherwise, how can I make rational decisions about where to follow the law and where to bend the rules? I mean, not that I would ever bend the rules....
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11 Dec 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 26
Thanks everyone for the continued advice. i know of course that it is not the optimal way to travel knowing I don't have my valid ID with me but I will take the risk for the time being and my friend will bring the official document with her when she arrives in peru. So fingers crossed for the month or so in between!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Dec 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 85
I'm of the old school, why would you take a risk that could screw your life. I don't have in mind border crossing which could lead your motorcycle being confiscated, but like being involved in an accident and hurt or kill someone or damage someone's property. The consequences could be desastrous.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Border crossing Diama - Mauritania -> Senegal - 03/12/2015 kingkoru sub-Saharan Africa 13 9 Jul 2018 15:18
A weird situation reg. drivers license TJE Trip Paperwork 6 31 Jul 2014 00:31
Provisions for driving in China. - facts. uk_vette West and South Asia 2 24 Jul 2014 08:58
Venezuela border crossing info johnbrooks Route Planning 0 9 Jun 2014 21:24
HondaVsTheWorld Alaska to Argentina on HOnda C90 SPDilley North America 3 9 Dec 2012 19:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top