How to Get a Driving License in Cambodia: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

By Testdrive KH team · June 12, 2026

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Getting a driving license in Cambodia involves a fairly predictable sequence of steps - a medical check, an application, a theory test, and (depending on the category) a practical test - but the exact process, fees, and waiting times can vary from one province to another. This guide walks through the overall process step by step, so you know what to expect and can prepare with confidence, whether you’re a Cambodian resident applying for your first license or an expat getting licensed to drive locally.

Disclaimer: This article is general guidance only, based on common practice across Cambodia. Requirements, fees, and procedures are set and updated by the General Department of Land Transport (under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport) and can vary by province or change over time. Always confirm the current requirements, documents, and costs with your local Department of Public Works and Transport (DPWT) office or a registered driving school before you apply.

Overview of the process

At a high level, applying for a driving license in Cambodia generally follows these stages:

1. Confirm you meet the age and eligibility requirements for the license category you want.
2. Gather the required documents, including ID and a medical certificate.
3. Submit your application at your local Department of Public Works and Transport (DPWT) office, or through a registered driving school that handles paperwork on your behalf.
4. Pass the written theory test on road signs and traffic rules.
5. Pass a practical driving test (for most categories).
6. Pay the relevant fees and receive your license.

Many applicants - especially expats or first-time drivers - choose to go through a registered driving school, which can help with paperwork, arrange the medical check, and sometimes offer lessons before the practical test. This isn’t required, but it can simplify the process if you’re unfamiliar with local procedures or more comfortable working in Khmer.

Eligibility and age requirements

The Cambodia driving license age requirement depends on the category:

• Small motorbikes (typically up to around 125cc): minimum age is generally 16.
• Cars and larger motorbikes: minimum age is generally 18.
• Larger vehicles (trucks, buses, and similar professional categories): minimum age requirements are typically higher and often come with additional conditions, such as holding a lower category license for a minimum period first.

In addition to age, applicants are generally expected to:

• Be a resident of, or have legal status to be in, Cambodia (foreign applicants typically need a valid visa or residence permit).
• Be in good enough health to drive safely, which is confirmed through a medical check.
• Not be currently disqualified or banned from holding a license.

Because exact age cutoffs and eligibility conditions can be adjusted and may differ slightly between offices, it’s worth double-checking with your local DPWT office or a driving school before you commit to a particular category.

Documents needed for a driving license in Cambodia

While the exact list can vary by province and by category, the documents needed for a driving license in Cambodia typically include:

• Application form - usually provided at the DPWT office or by the driving school handling your application.
• National ID card (for Cambodian citizens) or passport plus valid visa/residence documents (for foreign applicants).
• Recent passport-style photographs - bring more than you think you’ll need, as different steps may each require their own copy.
• Medical certificate confirming you’re fit to drive, usually obtained from an approved clinic or hospital as part of the process.
• Proof of address or household book, in some cases - particularly for Cambodian citizens.
• Existing license, if you’re upgrading from one category to another (for example, adding a car category to an existing motorbike license).

It’s a good idea to make photocopies of your ID and any other key documents before your visit, and to bring the originals as well, since offices commonly ask to see both.

Step-by-step: how to apply

1. Get your medical check

Most applicants need a basic medical certificate confirming they’re physically fit to drive - typically covering things like eyesight and general health. This is usually arranged at a clinic or hospital approved for this purpose, and the certificate is then submitted along with your application. If you’re going through a driving school, they can often point you to a nearby clinic that handles this routinely.

2. Submit your application

With your documents and medical certificate ready, submit your application at your local DPWT office (or have your driving school submit it on your behalf). At this stage you’ll typically register for your chosen license category and pay any initial application fees.

3. Pass the theory test

Before you can move on to a practical test, you’ll need to pass a written theory exam covering road signs, traffic laws, speed and alcohol limits, and license/document rules. This is usually a multiple-choice test with a set pass mark.

This is where preparation matters most, and it’s also the part of the process you can fully prepare for in advance, from anywhere, for free. See the tips section below for how to get ready.

4. Pass the practical driving test

For most categories - particularly car licenses and larger motorbikes - you’ll also need to pass a practical test demonstrating basic vehicle control and safe driving in traffic or on a test course. Requirements and the format of this test can vary by location and category, so ask your local office or driving school what to expect for your specific category.

5. Pay fees and receive your license

Once you’ve passed the required tests, you’ll pay any remaining issuance fees and your license will be processed. In some cases you may receive a temporary paper license while the physical card is being printed, with the card itself collected later or mailed depending on the office’s process.

Driving license cost in Cambodia

The driving license cost in Cambodia depends on the category you’re applying for, the province, and whether you use a driving school (which usually charges its own service fee on top of official costs). As a rough guide, applicants should expect to budget for:

• An application/registration fee.
• A medical certificate fee, paid separately to the clinic.
• A license issuance fee once you pass.
• Optional driving school fees, if you choose to use one for lessons or paperwork assistance.

For a basic motorbike license, total official costs are often in the range of tens of dollars; car licenses and larger categories tend to cost more. These figures are approximate and fees can change - always confirm current pricing directly with the General Department of Land Transport or your local DPWT office before you go, so you bring the correct amount and aren’t caught off guard by additional charges.

How long does it take to get a driving license in Cambodia?

Processing time varies quite a bit depending on the office, the season, and whether you pass your tests on the first attempt. As a general guide:

• If your documents are complete and you pass the theory and (where required) practical test on your first try, some offices can process an application within a day or two.
• The physical license card may take longer to be printed and issued than the approval itself, so you might walk away with a temporary document first.
• If you need to retake the theory or practical test, or if your documents are incomplete, the process can stretch to a couple of weeks or more, especially at busier provincial offices.

To avoid delays, double-check your documents before you go, arrange your medical check in advance, and make sure you’ve actually prepared for the theory test rather than treating it as a formality.

License categories in Cambodia: motorbike, car, and beyond

Cambodia’s license categories broadly follow vehicle type and size, similar to systems used in many other countries. The categories most people will encounter are:

• Motorbike licenses - often split by engine size (for example, smaller engines such as up to around 125cc versus larger motorbikes), reflecting the fact that motorbikes and scooters make up the large majority of vehicles on Cambodian roads.
• Car licenses (Category B) - for light passenger vehicles, this is the standard category for everyday car drivers.
• Truck, bus, and professional categories - for larger commercial vehicles, these typically require a higher minimum age, often a period of holding a lower category first, and additional testing.

If you’re not sure which category applies to the vehicle you plan to drive, ask your local DPWT office or driving school - applying for the wrong category can mean redoing parts of the process.

Tips to prepare for the theory test

The written theory test is the one part of the whole process you can fully prepare for ahead of time, and it’s worth taking seriously - failing it just means more trips to the office and more waiting.

A few practical tips:

• Start with category practice. Work through topics like road signs, traffic rules, and speed/alcohol limits one at a time using category practice, so you can focus on your weak areas before mixing everything together.
• Take full mock exams under timed conditions. Once you’re comfortable with individual categories, try a full mock exam that mirrors the format and time pressure of the real test.
• Practice in the language you’ll be tested in - Cambodia Test Drive supports both English and Khmer, so you can study in your preferred language and switch if your testing center uses a different one than expected.
• Read up on the broader test format and topics in our complete guide to the Cambodia driving theory test, which covers the question format, pass mark, and the main topic areas in more detail.

If you’ve already started preparing and want to avoid common pitfalls, our post on common theory test mistakes covers the errors that trip up the most learner drivers - and how to fix each one before exam day.

Final thoughts

The overall process for getting a driving license in Cambodia - medical check, application, theory test, practical test, and issuance - is broadly consistent across the country, but the fine details (fees, exact documents, wait times, and practical test format) can vary by province and change over time. Treat this guide as a roadmap for what to expect, do your theory test preparation early and properly using free tools like Cambodia Test Drive, and confirm the specifics with your local DPWT office or a registered driving school before you start the formal process.