Overview
Colombia's Ministry of Transport set the current rules for the driving licence theory exam in Resolution 20253040037125 of 10 September 2025. The resolution replaces the chapter on the Centros de Apoyo Logistico de Evaluacion (CALE), the evaluation centres where the theory and practical exams are taken, in the ministry's consolidated traffic resolution. The same theory exam applies to getting a licence and to changing its category. The facts below come from that resolution.
Exam pattern
The theory exam is a single test of 40 multiple-choice questions drawn at random from a question bank held on the CALE's platform. The question order is different for each candidate in the same room. The questions come in two groups.
| Group | Area | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge (28) | Safe and sustainable mobility | 10 |
| Knowledge | Traffic regulations | 6 |
| Knowledge | Signage and road infrastructure | 6 |
| Knowledge | The vehicle | 6 |
| Attitudes (12) | Attitudes toward desirable road behaviour, answered on a four-point agree/disagree scale | 12 |
The time limit is 70 minutes. Which questions appear depends on the licence category you are being tested for. A CALE can run sessions every 90 minutes per room, a period that includes preparation and identity checks.
Marking and results
You pass only if you score at least 80 per cent on the knowledge questions and at least 80 per cent on the attitude questions. The two groups are scored independently. The result is given as approved or not approved. If you fail, the CALE sends a report of the topic areas you failed and your final score.
After the exam
Passing the theory exam allows you to take the practical exam in two parts: an individual skills test and a road manoeuvres test, each needing at least 60 points. For a category change, the road manoeuvres test needs at least 80 points. Approved results are recorded automatically in the national traffic register (RUNT).
A candidate who fails may retake the theory exam once without charge at the same CALE, within ten calendar days of receiving the result. Retaking at a different CALE means paying the exam fee again.
Preparation tips
Prepare for the attitude questions as carefully as the technical ones, because the 80 per cent threshold applies to each group.
Practise all four knowledge areas, not only traffic rules.
How many questions are on the Colombian theory exam?
40 multiple-choice questions, 28 on knowledge and 12 on attitudes, in a maximum of 70 minutes.
What is the pass mark?
At least 80 per cent in the knowledge group and at least 80 per cent in the attitude group, scored separately.