What you need to know about Cambodia's driver license system
Cambodia issues driver licenses through the Department of Road Transport, which operates under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The license is a plastic card valid for five years, and you must be at least 18 years old to hold one. The process involves a written test, a practical driving test, and a medical examination — all conducted in Khmer, Cambodia's official language.
If you are a foreigner living in Cambodia, you can obtain a Cambodian license, but you will need a valid passport, a Cambodian visa, and proof of residence. Many expats instead use an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country license, which is simpler and does not require the full Cambodian testing process. Whether you pursue a Cambodian license or an IDP depends on how long you plan to stay and whether you want to drive legally under Cambodian law alone.
Key Takeaways
- A Cambodian driver license requires you to pass a written test in Khmer, a practical driving test, and a medical exam, and is valid for five years.
- You must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid passport, Cambodian visa, and proof of residence to obtain a license.
- Foreigners can use an International Driving Permit instead, which is faster and does not require Cambodian tests but is only valid alongside your home country license.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; the practical test is conducted on a closed course or in light traffic depending on the province.
- License fees and test procedures vary slightly by province, so check with your local Department of Road Transport office before you begin.
Steps to obtain a Cambodian driver license
Start by visiting your provincial Department of Road Transport office with your passport, visa, and a proof of residence document — typically a utility bill, rental agreement, or letter from your landlord. You will need to complete an process form (usually available at the office) and pay a registration fee, which varies by province but typically ranges from $10 to $20 USD.
Next, you will undergo a medical examination at a clinic designated by the Department of Road Transport. This exam checks your eyesight, hearing, and general fitness to drive. Once you pass the medical exam, you will be scheduled for the written test, which covers Cambodian traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is administered in Khmer, so if you do not speak the language, bring a translator or ask the office if they can provide one.
After passing the written test, you will take the practical driving test. In Phnom Penh and larger cities, this is usually conducted on a closed course where you demonstrate basic vehicle control. In smaller provinces, the test may take place on quieter roads. Once you pass both tests, you will pay a final fee (usually $5 to $10 USD) and receive your plastic license card, which is valid for five years.
Using an International Driving Permit instead
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your home country license into multiple languages, including Khmer. It is issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority and is recognized in Cambodia. The IDP does not replace your home country license — you must carry both documents together when driving in Cambodia.
Obtaining an IDP is faster than getting a Cambodian license. You explore through your home country's licensing body (in the United States, this is typically the American Automobile Association; in the UK, the Post Office; in Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association). The process usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $15 and $30 USD. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request.
The main limitation of an IDP is that it is not a standalone license — if you are stopped by police, you must produce both your IDP and your home country license. Some car rental companies in Cambodia will accept an IDP, but others require a Cambodian license. If you plan to stay in Cambodia for more than a year or two, a Cambodian license gives you more independence and is often the better choice.
What the written test covers
The written test typically includes 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions in Khmer covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Topics include speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and how to respond to common road hazards. You usually need to score at least 60 to 70 percent to pass, though the exact threshold varies by province.
Road signs tested include warning signs (such as curves, pedestrian crossings, and animal crossing), regulatory signs (such as speed limits and no-entry signs), and informational signs (such as hospital or fuel station markers). The test also covers vehicle maintenance basics — for example, checking tire pressure and oil — and what to do if your vehicle breaks down on the road.
If you do not speak Khmer, ask the Department of Road Transport office whether they allow a translator or provide a translated version of the test. Some offices are more flexible than others, so it is worth asking before you schedule your test. Studying a Khmer traffic law guide or taking a driving course aimed at foreigners can help you prepare.
The practical driving test and vehicle requirements
The practical test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to road conditions. In Phnom Penh and other major cities, the test is usually conducted on a closed course where you demonstrate starting the vehicle, turning, reversing, parking, and stopping smoothly. In smaller provinces, the test may take place on quieter public roads with light traffic.
You will need to provide a vehicle for the test — either your own or a rental. The vehicle must be registered and insured in Cambodia. The examiner will observe your use of mirrors, signaling, speed control, and positioning on the road. Common reasons for failing include not signaling before turning, speeding, not checking mirrors, and poor parking technique.
If you fail the practical test, you can retake it after paying a retest fee (usually $5 to $10 USD). Most people pass on the second or third attempt. The test typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
Medical examination requirements
The medical exam is straightforward and is designed to may support you are physically fit to drive. The examiner will test your eyesight using a standard eye chart — you must be able to read a certain line at a set distance, and your vision must be correctable to that standard if you wear glasses or contacts. You will also have your hearing tested to may support you can hear traffic sounds and sirens.
The examiner will ask about any medical conditions that might affect your driving, such as epilepsy, heart disease, or severe hearing loss. You will also be asked about any medications you take that could impair your ability to drive. The exam is not invasive and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The cost is typically included in the registration fee or charged separately for $3 to $5 USD.
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the exam. If you fail the vision test without correction, you will not pass the medical exam. If you fail with correction, you may be required to wear glasses or contacts while driving, which will be noted on your license.
Costs and timeline for getting a Cambodian license
The total cost of obtaining a Cambodian driver license ranges from $30 to $60 USD, depending on your province and whether you need a translator. This includes the registration fee ($10–$20), medical exam ($3–$5), written test fee ($5–$10), practical test fee ($5–$10), and the license card itself ($5–$10). Some provinces bundle these fees, while others charge separately.
The timeline typically spans two to four weeks from start to finish. You can usually schedule your written test within a few days of submitting your process, and the practical test follows within a week or two of passing the written test. Once you pass both tests, you receive your license card on the same day or within a few days. The exact timeline depends on how busy your local Department of Road Transport office is.
If you use an International Driving Permit instead, the cost is $15 to $30 USD and the timeline is one to two weeks, since you explore through your home country's licensing body rather than in Cambodia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Cambodia with just my home country license?
Technically, Cambodia recognizes home country licenses, but police may ask for an International Driving Permit as well. To be safe, carry both your home country license and an IDP. If you plan to stay longer than a few months, a Cambodian license is more reliable and avoids potential disputes with police.
What happens if I fail the written or practical test?
You can retake the test after paying a retest fee, usually $5 to $10 USD. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. You do not have to repeat the medical exam if you have already passed it.
Do I need to speak Khmer to get a Cambodian license?
The written test is administered in Khmer, so you will need to either speak the language or bring a translator. Some Department of Road Transport offices are more flexible about translations than others. Ask your local office before you schedule your test.
How long is a Cambodian driver license valid?
A Cambodian driver license is valid for five years from the date of issue. To renew it, you will need to visit your local Department of Road Transport office, pay a renewal fee (usually $10–$15 USD), and pass a new medical exam. You do not have to retake the written and practical tests.
Can I get a Cambodian license if I am only visiting for a few weeks?
No — the process takes two to four weeks, so it is not practical for short visits. Use an International Driving Permit instead, which you can obtain before you travel. An IDP is valid for one or three years and is recognized in Cambodia.