The Type A license is Guatemala’s highest-level driver’s license, authorizing you to operate all types of vehicles on public roads — from freight trucks over 3.5 metric tons to school buses, public transport buses, and everything smaller. If you want to drive commercially for a trucking company, operate a school bus, or work as a professional long-haul driver, this is the license you need.

Guatemala’s road freight industry connects the country to Mexico and the rest of Central America, and the demand for qualified Type A drivers is constant. The same applies to public transport: bus operators across the country require their drivers to hold a Type A license. The requirements are the strictest of any license type — you must be at least 25 years old with at least three years of continuous driving experience, and the CECOVE heavy vehicle exam tests your ability to handle large rigs safely.

For those already working in transportation, upgrading to Type A expands your employment options considerably. Many trucking companies and bus operators will not hire drivers without it, and having the proper license protects you legally in case of an accident. The investment in the exam and upgrade process pays for itself quickly through access to better-paying driving jobs.

Quick summary: Type A license costs approximately Q950-Q1,200 total. Requires age 25+, 3+ years of driving experience, a CECOVE heavy vehicle exam, and a notarized high school diploma. Process takes 1-2 days at a Maycom center.

Prices verified March 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.

What Type A Covers

Vehicle Category Type A Type B Type C
Cars up to 3.5 tons Yes Yes Yes
Commercial passenger (taxi, shuttle) Yes Yes No
Freight trucks over 3.5 tons Yes No No
Public transit buses Yes No No
School transport Yes No No
Tractor-trailers Yes No No

Requirements

Requirement Details
Minimum age 25 years
Prior license Any type for at least 3 consecutive years
Driving exam CECOVE heavy vehicle evaluation
Education Notarized copy of high school diploma
Eye exam From licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist
Traffic fines Must be current (solvente)
Payment Q100 transfer fee + license duration

Costs

Item Cost
Transfer fee Q100
License — 1 year Q100
License — 2 years Q185
License — 3 years Q260
License — 4 years Q320
CECOVE heavy vehicle exam ~Q700-Q1,000
Eye exam ~Q50
Notarized diploma ~Q25-Q50
Total (approximate) ~Q950 - Q1,500

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Verify eligibility. Confirm you are at least 25 years old and have held a valid license for at least 3 continuous years. Check your license history at any Maycom center if unsure.
  2. Pass the CECOVE heavy vehicle exam. This is a specialized driving evaluation using large vehicles. CECOVE centers that offer the Type A test are less common than those for Type C — call ahead to confirm availability.
  3. Get a notarized copy of your high school diploma from an active notary public.
  4. Get your eye exam from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist registered with the Colegio de Medicos.
  5. Verify you have no pending traffic fines. Clear any outstanding multas before proceeding.
  6. Pay at Banrural — Q100 transfer fee plus the license duration of your choice.
  7. Visit a Maycom center with: DPI (original and copy), current license, CECOVE certificate, notarized diploma, eye exam results, and Banrural receipt.
  8. Receive your Type A license — typically issued the same day.

Tips & Common Mistakes

  1. Not all CECOVE centers offer Type A testing. The heavy vehicle exam requires specific equipment and vehicles. Call ahead to confirm the center has trucks available for the Type A evaluation. Centers in Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango are your best bet.

  2. Practice with the actual vehicle type before the exam. If you have been driving a sedan for three years and show up to drive a truck for the first time at the CECOVE exam, you will likely fail. Get practice time on a heavy vehicle first.

  3. Your 3-year experience requirement is strict. If your license lapsed even briefly, the consecutive years may reset. If in doubt, visit Maycom to check your license history before paying for the CECOVE exam.

  4. Get the maximum license duration. The 4-year option at Q320 saves you time and money compared to renewing annually. Professional drivers especially benefit from longer validity periods.

  5. Keep your Type A license current. Employers in the transport industry regularly verify license validity. An expired Type A means you cannot legally drive commercially, and your employer is liable if something happens.