Professional driver's license cost soars over 1200% in Buenos Aires province

The cost of obtaining a professional driver's license in Argentina's Buenos Aires province has skyrocketed by over 1200% since July 6th. This dramatic increase stems from the implementation of a new system for drivers who operate commercial vehicles carrying passengers or cargo across provincial or international borders.

Under the revised system, individuals applying for, renewing, or expanding professional licenses in categories C, D, and E must now engage private providers authorized by the National Road Safety Agency (ANSV) for certain stages of the process. Consequently, the total cost has jumped from around $22,000 to approximately $294,000.

This shift is a result of an agreement between the province of Buenos Aires and the ANSV, which places the responsibility for issuing the National Driver's License for interjurisdictional activities under the province. The new system is intended to replace the previous National Interjurisdictional Transport License (Linti), which is set to be eliminated in March 2025, and consolidate the process under a single National Driver's License.

A key feature of the new scheme is the integration of private service providers registered with the ANSV. These providers are now responsible for conducting different evaluation stages, including psychophysical exams and theoretical-practical assessments. Applicants will pay $175,000 for the psychophysical exam and an additional $119,000 for a mandatory course, bringing the total to $294,000.

Previously, the entire process was handled by municipalities and cost significantly less. The psychophysical exams are conducted at authorized centers, with funds transferred to the health insurance plan for truck drivers and transport personnel, an entity linked to the powerful Camioneros union led by Hugo Moyano. The new regulations specify which providers can participate in the process.