So, I set out to get a Peruvian driving license, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure. I figured, why not share my experience here? Maybe it’ll help some of you out.
First off, I did some digging online. Found out that I needed to go through this agency called the National Superintendence of Land Transport, or SUTRAN for short. Sounds official, right? Well, it is. I learned that I’d have to fill out a bunch of forms and show them proof of who I am and where I live. Basic stuff, but you know how it is with paperwork.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Apparently, if you’re a foreigner, you can drive around Peru with your license from back home for a bit. But, if you’re planning on staying longer, like six months or more, you gotta get yourself a local license. Makes sense, I guess.
While I was at it, I stumbled upon something called an International Driving Permit, or IDP. It’s basically a translation of your regular license that lets you drive in other countries. I thought, “Hey, that might come in handy,” especially since I wasn’t sure how long I’d be in Peru. Plus, some websites mentioned you could get it pretty fast, like within an hour, and they’d even ship it to you for free. Sweet deal, huh?
Anyway, I decided to start with the IDP, figuring it would buy me some time while I sorted out the whole Peruvian license thing. I found a website, filled out their application, and sent it off. They got back to me pretty quick, and before I knew it, I had an IDP in my email.
With the IDP sorted, I moved on to the main event: the Peruvian license. I gathered all my documents, filled out the SUTRAN forms (which, by the way, were a bit of a headache), and paid a visit to their office. The process was a bit slow, lots of waiting around, but eventually, I got through it. They took my photo, did some checks, and told me my license would be ready in a few weeks.
- Step 1: Researched the requirements for getting a Peruvian driving license.
- Step 2: Discovered the need for an application to SUTRAN and the documents required.
- Step 3: Learned about the validity of foreign licenses and the necessity of a local one for longer stays.
- Step 4: Found out about the International Driving Permit (IDP) and its benefits.
- Step 5: Applied for and quickly received an IDP online.
- Step 6: Gathered documents and completed the application for the Peruvian license.
- Step 7: Visited the SUTRAN office, went through their process, and was informed about the waiting period for the license.
And that’s pretty much it. Now I’m just waiting for that shiny new Peruvian license to arrive. It wasn’t the smoothest process, but hey, I got there in the end. If any of you are thinking about doing the same, hopefully, my little adventure here will give you a heads-up on what to expect.